1928 "Gus" Ford Model A V8 Roadster Pickup

This 1928 Ford “AV8” Pickup is a very rare survivor from the 1940’s that was built by well-known hot rodder Gus Rawlins as a tow rig for his other projects. Now, this '28 Pickup is a member of the Audrain Collections, and referred to at Audrain as simply “Gus.”

While the Ford flathead V8 was not introduced until 1932, that doesn’t mean hot rodders have shied away from swapping V8 powerplants into the earlier Ford Model A’s. Whether a pickup, roadster or coupe, a Model A with flathead V8 power is often referred to as an “AV8” simply meaning a Model A with a V8 engine swapped in.

Like millions of his car-crazy contemporaries during the era, Gus Rollins served his country in the U.S. military during and after WW II. Rollins built this Roadster Pickup into a hot, yet useful shop truck and tow rig for his dry lakes/Bonneville racecar.

This AV8 Pickup retains its original Ford Motor Company steel body, plus the period custom soft top with beveled-glass rear window and side curtains. Riding on Kelsey Hayes wheels dated to the 1940s, the pickup also includes taillights of the same vintage. Ample power is delivered by a hot ’49 Mercury “Flathead” V-8 engine equipped with cool vintage speed parts including Offenhauser aluminum heads and twin Stromberg ‘97’ carbs, plus a beautifully hand-fabricated set of tubular exhaust headers for efficient breathing. Featuring a low stance with a Drago dropped front axle, the pickup’s underpinnings include a ’40 Ford rear end and hydraulic brakes.

This 1928 Ford Model A V-8 Roadster Pickup has garnered a handful of show awards including Best of Show in the Preservation Class at the H.A.M.B. Revolution show held in Austin, Texas, as well as “Best Pick” at the Grand National Roadster Show held at the Suede Palace.