Natalie Bolea’s 1930 Ford Model A Coupe
Although she’s just 19 years old, Natalie Bolea has years of experience around hot rods, having attended events with her father, Rick, since she was in a stroller. Rick’s chopped ’33 Ford coupe has been a regular at Goodguys events in recent years and inspired Natalie to team up with EJ Talik at Craftworks Fabrication to build this killer Model A coupe.
The build’s foundation was a Roadster Shop frame built by Craftworks using a Super Bell dropped and drilled front axle and a four-link and coil-overs locating a Currie 9-inch rearend. It all rolls on 16- and 18-inch Dayton wire wheels. The engine fools many people – it’s actually a Don Hardy-built Chevy LS dressed up to look like a small-block Ford, complete with Edelbrock dual four barrels and custom lake-style headers. It’s backed with a 700R4 transmission.
The rusty body was repaired and treated to a 4-inch top chop, handmade roof insert, custom quarter panels, and other subtle tricks before Palmer Enterprises sprayed the PPG Ceramic Matrix Gray finish. Craftworks built the custom dash (with center-mounted Dakota Digital gauges) and seats and enlisted Stewart Upholstery to stitch the maroon vinyl upholstery.
The freshly finished coupe proved itself on the 2021 Tanks Inc. Hot Rod of the Year Friday reliability run, but the real victory could be seen in Natalie’s smile as she beamed with pride at her finished ride.
Photos by John Jackson & Steven Bunker
