1934 Ford Tudor by Divers Street Rods
The first thing you notice about Tom Agostino’s 1934 Ford Tudor is the engine. Prior to the awards ceremony in Del Mar this past March, a rodder leaned over and excitedly said, “I can’t wait to hear that SOHC engine fire up!”
Here’s the thing, though: It’s not really a 427c.i. SOHC engine. It’s actually a modern 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8. Yeah, it’s got dual overhead cams, but it’s an entirely different and somewhat more refined beast than the old big block.
You have to admit that those 427 valve covers – installed using adapters from Hollywood Hot Rods – make a visual impact, especially when paired with the Whipple supercharger atop the engine, the custom air intake against the firewall, and those snake-like headers built by Divers Street Rods, the shop responsible for the car’s build.
The detailed engine seems especially fitting for this slick sedan, which combines elegant refinement with a healthy dose of performance and old-school hot rod flair. The elegance comes from the well-massaged body featuring a lean wedge top chop, one-piece fenders and running boards, a hand-built steel dash, and exceptional fit and finish. The late Ryan Butler did the metal work, while Divers’ Rich Thayer was responsible for the elegant black cherry PPG finish.
That classic body rides on a modified TCI chassis with an independent front suspension, 9-inch rearend, and Wilwood disc brakes. Wheel Vintiques wire wheels – 16s in front, 17s in back – are wrapped with Dunlap rubber and wear distinctive Notchead knock-off center caps.
Inside, the custom dash is filled with Classic Instruments and supports an ididit tilt steering column, with a custom drop-down center console housing an Alpine audio system, Vintage Air controls, and an electronic PCS shifter. Scott Divers handled the upholstery work, combining tan Scottish leather with dark gray silk fabric to create a space that’s both rich and sporty.
Builder Tim Divers tells us the 1934 Ford Tudor has a hood, but so far nobody has wanted to put it on and hide that great-looking engine. It’s tough to argue with that, or with the combination of elegance and performance in this fine Ford.
Photos by John Jackson & Damon Lee
