Millard Mitchell's 1927 Ford

Hoody's fiancee Kathy Dettrie next to the roadster. Photo by Robert Hegge

Photo by Robert Hegge

Photo by Robert Hegge

Photo by Robert Hegge

Photo by Robert Hegge

Photo by Robert Hegge

Photo by Robert Hegge

Photo by Robert Hegge

Photo by Robert Hegge

1927 Ford Model T Roadster originally built and owned by Millard Mitchell of St. Louis, Missouri. Millard was better known as "Hoddy" among his rodding acquaintances. Hoody began the build by acquiring a pretty fair 1927 Ford Model T Roadster for $100. The body and frame were in good shape, but Hoody spent months modifying them up to his standards. A 1941 Mercury steering and spindles were installed, as well as hydraulic brakes from a 1949 Ford. The rear axle with ring and pinion ratio of 3.73 to 1 was from a 1949 Ford as well. A set of reversed 1951 Studebaker wheels were installed along with shocks from the same brand. The chromed front tube axle was dropped 2 1/2 inches, and the spring was transversed to bring the nose further down to the ground. Hoody was known as an Oldsmobile fan. He had previously owned an Olds powered 1941 Studebaker that he took away ten trophied at drag meetings. A 1954 Oldsmobile Rocket seemed therefore as a natural choice for Hoody. The block was bored up to 4 inches, the heads were milled 0.50 and an Iskendrian camshaft was installed along with lifters, push rods and rocker arms. A set of Jahns pistons were installed as well as 1 7/8 intake valves and an Offenhauser manifold, producing over 250 hp. Since the car was meant to be a daily driver, a 1950 Oldsmobile hydramatic transmission was installed. However the car was often used at the drag strips as well. A 1932 Ford grille shell was installed, blending perfectly into the solid hood sides. Hoody custom made the nerf bar and headlight mountings. The wishbones were converted to radius rods, then smoothed and chromed. The windshield was cut down, and a set of Pontiac taillights were installed. A tan pleated and rolled Naugahyde interior was installed by Ollie Auto Top. Hidden flaps were integrated in the interior to hide the roll bar mounts for strip use. The dashboard featured a radio and a full set of gauges. The steering wheel originated from a Corvette. Once all the bodywork was done, ten layers of hand-rubbed Garnet Red lacquer was applied to the body. The 1948 Ford front wheels and Studebaker reversed rear wheels were hidden by spun aluminum Moon discs. The car was fit with 8:20 tires in the back, and 5:50 tires up front. Hoody spent 18 months and $ 2800 to build the car of his dreams.

Magazine Features

Rods Illustrated October 1958