Here we have what many people would call the epiphany of the Hot Rod! It started life as an originally working Austin A35 Van, until 1980 when it was acquired by a chap called Gary Cruse who systematically went about creating the magic we see today. There is so much to see about this Rod that we suggest rather than just taking what we say, you come and have a look at it and see what you think. We will try and give you an overview but nothing beats the real thing in the flesh!
Street Machine magazine from March 1988 did a feature on the van, giving a great write up on what went into it at the time. Saying that it had a Rover V8 engine, it would appear that it has gained a supercharger at some point as well. The magazine comes with the paperwork. At the time, the van was painted orange and had some wonderful trick parts on it. We suspect over time that various things may have changed, but please come and have a look to satisfy yourself as to what it is. As we see it today, the van is painted in purple with a silver roof, but what really makes it is the flames that are flowing down the bonnet and sides. This is completed with the ‘Hot Wheels’ logo on both sides and it looks amazing (if you are of a certain age, you will know what Hot Wheels was). This look is completed with a lovely set of period alloys, which are wider on the rear and narrow on the front. A great look! Interestingly, the van comes with a set of wheelie bars as well… The whole look goes on with a custom set of quad exhausts, fuel tank in the boot along with the battery which comes with an isolator switch, and a very strong looking roll cage / support bars - maybe something to do with the wheelie bars? The interior trim is lovely with a great set of seats which are covered in a lovely colour purple and trimmed in orange. They are in great condition and tie in nicely with the outside colour combination. It has a small steering wheel and the usual dials that you would expect to see in a Hot Rod.
This really is a stunning looking Hot Rod that hails from a time when these things where built by people who cared about them and built them correctly with the right bits. Bearing that in mind, it is showing a few signs of age - some may call it patina and leave it as it is, others may detail it a little different. Either way, this is still a stunning Hot Rod that will always put a smile on the face of everyone who sees it. Who doesn’t want that effect with their car?
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