For Sale: 1942 Chevy Pick-Up Rat Rod

Manny's Lockdown Masterpiece: The Ultimate Rat Rod
Lockdown was tough on everyone, but some legends used the time to create something remarkable. Meet Manny, a guy who seized the opportunity to build the Rat Rod he'd always dreamed of. 
 
It all started when Manny stumbled upon a chopped 1942 Chevy Cab at The Hot Rod Shop in Pretoria. The cab was in pretty decent shape for its age, and instead of going the typical route and fabricating a new chassis, Manny opted for a 2006 Mitsubishi Colt Pickup as the donor car for his creation.

With plenty of time on his hands, Manny jumped into the project with gusto, enjoying the freedom and creativity that comes with building a Rat Rod. What makes these builds so unique is their flexibility; you can mix and match parts from here, there, and everywhere.

Body Work
Typically, Rat Rods don't require extensive bodywork, but Manny, with a helping hand from Storm at The Hot Rod Shop, positioned the cab perfectly. Manny took it a step further by fabricating the load bin himself, adding a personal touch to his build.

Paint and Artwork
Manny is not just a builder but an artist in his own right. He personally took on the paintwork, applying a few layers of matte clear over the bare metal. This not only prevents further rusting but also makes the metal’s natural shine stand out, giving the rod an authentic and eye-catching finish. The artistic flair didn’t stop there—Brent Swart, known as Blackie, added incredible artwork to the car, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

Chassis and Suspension
Manny's Rat Rod sits on a robust 2006 Mitsubishi Colt chassis, equipped with independent front suspension and disc brakes. For the rear, he went with a Jaguar Independent Suspension setup, also with disc brakes, giving the car superior handling and stability.

Powertrain
Under the hood, Manny's beast roars thanks to a 350 Chevy engine sourced from a Corvette. This powerhouse is topped with an Edelbrock carburetor, ensuring that it delivers the gritty performance and reliability that Rat Rods are famous for. Manny, with some help from Storm, expertly fitted the motor to perfection. 

Features and Innovations
Keeping with the Rat Rod spirit, Manny's build is a wild mix of parts:

Fuel Tank: A repurposed beer keg mounted on the load bin, paired with a crate that securely holds the car battery and provides safe storage.
Beyond the basics, Manny has added some standout features:

Onboard GPS Speedometer: Perfectly blending modern tech with that vintage vibe.
BMW 4 Series Leather Seats: Adding a touch of luxury and comfort.
Hydraulic Steering: Making the ride smooth and maneuverable.
The Finished Product
Despite her rough-and-tumble look, Manny's Rat Rod drives like an absolute dream. The car isn't just a patchwork of parts; it represents what's possible with time, creativity, and determination.

Proving its prowess, the Rat Rod completed the Thunder Tour in 2022 without a hitch and took home the prestigious Best Rat Rod award. Manny's creation is more than just a car; it's a testament to what can be achieved by turning the challenges of lockdown into an opportunity for creativity and personal achievement.

In building this one-of-a-kind vehicle, Manny has shown that greatness can come from the most unexpected circumstances. With invaluable assistance from Jakes and The Hot Rod Shop team, and stunning artwork by Brent Swart, this Rat Rod stands as a stellar blend of old-school craftsmanship and modern ingenuity.
Selling Price: 
280000.00
Sold: 
Yes