Lynn Arrowsmith's 1934 Ford 5-Window Coupe - The Vagabond

1934 Ford 5-Window Coupe originally owned and built by Romans Hot Rod Association member Lynn Arrowsmith of Sans Souci, New South Wales, Australia. Famously nicknamed "The Vagabond," Arrowsmith's Coupe stands as one of the most celebrated examples of Australian hot rodding. Featured on the cover of Custom Rodder Spring 1967, the car showcased a combination of meticulous craftsmanship, innovative engineering, and a timeless sense of style that captured the imagination of Australian hot rod enthusiasts. Photo from The Lynn Arrowsmith Collection.

The Vagabond as it appeared when it graced the cover of Custom Rodder Spring 1967.

1934 Ford 5-Window Coupe originally owned and built by Romans Hot Rod Association member Lynn Arrowsmith of Sans Souci, New South Wales, Australia. Famously nicknamed "The Vagabond," Arrowsmith's Coupe stands as one of the most celebrated examples of Australian hot rodding. Featured on the cover of Custom Rodder Spring 1967, the car showcased a combination of meticulous craftsmanship, innovative engineering, and a timeless sense of style that captured the imagination of Australian hot rod enthusiasts.

Design and Modifications

The Vagabond was the result of five years of dedicated work, transforming a stock 1934 Ford Coupe into a mean hot rod. Painted in twilight turquoise lacquer by Robert Bones, the car featured a smooth and clean aesthetic that highlighted its modified lines. The body retained its original proportions, but the body was channeled over the frame, and the firewall was recessed by two inches to accommodate the upgraded drivetrain and improve the car's overall balance. With a 114-inch wheelbase, the coupe had a sturdy and purposeful stance. The rear end was dressed with tail lamps from a 1951 Buick and an electrically operated radio antenna. Chrome-plated 1948 Mercury 15-inch wheels with Baby Moon Hubcaps gave the car a polished and modern touch. It ran 175-15 tires up front, and 650/670-15 tires in the rear. Custom chrome elements, such as grille bars, exhaust systems, and trim, further enhanced the car’s distinctive appearance. It featured a 1932 Ford grille, Hella headlights on U.S. brackets, and front fenders made from 1936 Ford spare wheel covers. The rear fenders were bobbed and molded in.

The coupe’s interior was equally impressive, featuring black doehide upholstery with button-studded foam seats crafted by Tony Allessi. Every detail was carefully executed to provide a balance between comfort and visual appeal. The dashboard and cabin fittings complemented the car’s exterior style, reflecting Arrowsmith’s meticulous attention to detail.

Engine and Performance

The Vagabond was powered by a 313 cubic-inch Dodge engine. The engine was a study in precision, featuring Isky solid lifters, Perfect Circle rings, polished ports, and a Weiand intake manifold. The dual AFB Carter carburetors and a dual-point distributor conversion ensured high performance and reliability. Lukey mufflers connected to stock exhaust manifolds provided a clean exhaust setup that maintained efficiency without sacrificing power. The engine was dressed up with Edelbrock valve covers and custom made air cleaners.

The drivetrain was equally refined, featuring a Buick 11-inch clutch and a 1937 Lasalle transmission. Lynn personally adapted these components to ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance. For handling, the car was equipped with a 34 Ford front axle, Armstrong two-way shocks and a 4.11:1 rear axle sourced from a 1948 Ford. The front and rear track width measured 62 inches, ensuring stability and control. The car also featured 1939 and 1948 Ford hydraulic brakes and a Holden clutch master cylinder for reliable stopping power.

Recognition and Awards

Lynn had owned many old Fords before the Vagabond. He bought the coupe for $30. After investing an estimated $3,200 in the build, the Vagabond quickly became a standout in the Australian hot rod scene, earning widespread acclaim for its innovative design and attention to detail. The car won numerous awards, and when it was featured in Custom Rodder Spring 1967, it had already won the Top Coupe at the 1966 Nationals, Top Street Rod at the 1967 Nationals, and Top Car of Show at the 1967 Adelaide Nationals. At the time, it had amassed an impressive 13 trophies, cementing its place as one of the most admired hot rods of its era.

The Hot Rod Community

Lynn Arrowsmith’s success with the Vagabond was rooted in his active involvement in the Australian hot rod community. As a founding member of the Romans Hot Rod Association, Arrowsmith played a significant role in fostering camaraderie among hot rod enthusiasts. The car’s construction was supported by his parents, who contributed to its success, as well as by fellow hot rodders like Cec Platt and Ray Flaherty, who assisted with mechanical work.

Legacy of "The Vagabond"

The Vagabond is more than just a car—it symbolizes the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that defined Australian hot rodding in the 1960s. With its combination of innovative engineering, elegant styling, and competitive success, Lynn Arrowsmith’s 1934 Ford Coupe continues to inspire car enthusiasts and collectors around the world.