An Ace at the Ace

04/05/2007

The Ace Café continues to be a conveniently placed magnet for American automotive enthusiasts around the home counties, and a varied mix of hot rods, customs and muscle cars were assembled for the Executioner’s Spring Riot event this week. The good news is that the car park is much better marshalled, so you can get in and out much more easily, and the great weather resulted in another high turnout.

A major highlight was the UK debut of a heavily modified Model A owned by Paul Beamish and built by established hot rodder, Adrian Smith.

Apparently the car was only completed last week, was driven all the way to Antwerp for the annual S.I.N.S Hot Rod and Kustom Show (where it won Best of Show) and driven back home - a total of 600 miles, with nothing more than the odd oil leak! I'm sure you'll agree, this is quite an achievement for a just completed, untried rod.

A 350/350 Chevy combination is utilised with tri-power. Check out those custom headers with lovely chromed detailed tips

As many bike enthusiasts will know, Paul Beamish runs Krazy Horse Custom Cycles and was responsible for Zeroesque, the much admired and original style chopper that made a significant mark on the show circuit last year. It seems that Paul wanted a matching knockout hot rod tow vehicle. Adrian Smith’s heavily channelled, East Coast influenced Model A, served as inspiration and Adrian got the nod for the build.

The Model A is equipped with a custom tow bar to haul an equally custom trailer and matching bike

A stock height 5-window body was sourced, chopped four inches and channelled eight by Adrian. The chassis was fabricated by Drews Ford and powder coated in a unique chrome effect finish, which gives the chassis a sort of liquid chrome effect. Adrian then put the car together using some novel parts like a rare Schroeder steering box from a 1950s sprint car and fabricated a custom interior including those novel bucket seats which were also chrome-effect powder coated.

Schroeder steering box just visible under the dash

The upholstery includes a minimalist amount of weathered-effect brown leather - just like you’d find on an old flying jacket – adding a slight patina which looks just great. On the outside, the pale powder green exterior shade applied by The Paintbox contrasts with the brown interior and the subtle cream coloured steel wheels equipped wth crossplys.

The overall effect is an absolute knockout and real testament to Adrian’s fabrication skills. No doubt this car will find many admirers on both sides of the Atlantic and in-depth features are already in the pipeline.

Again, chrome-effect powder coating is used to great effect inside the cab

Rods and customs begin to roll in as the evening draws on

Early T looks quaint

Severely chopped and channelled early Chevy coupe

The great thing about the Ace is that you never know what might turn up

This Deuce made a grand entrance on open headers