<< Back to Driving Force, November 2012
HEY, THAT’S MY CAR!
Finding a New Line
Track Cars Lead to Trick Cars
1937 Ford Replica
Owner: Mike Russo; Syosset, New York
After 30 years of racing, it came time to hang up my helmet and driving suit. However, my interest in cars never waned. As a result, I picked up a ’33 Ford six years ago and joined a car club: the South Side Boys of Long Island, New York. I’ve been having a great time going to car shows and meeting new people. Now at age 63, this has turned out to be a far more popular hobby than I ever anticipated. In fact, it’s opened a new chapter in my life. This year, I supported my fellow New Yorkers by getting involved with the progress legislation to provide a $100 one-time registration fee for historic vehicles and contacted lawmakers as Action Alerts from the SAN were distributed. I believe that no matter what your hobby is, whether it is cars, motorcycles, golf or fishing, everyone should explore their options. Activities such as this only further fuel your interest in life!
My new vehicle is the replica ’37 Ford street rod pictured here. This 5-window coupe was built by Lakeside Rods & Rides in Iowa using a body and chassis from OZE. It features a Chevy LS1 engine with 4l60E transmission tuned in Arkansas by Street & Performance. The chassis is set up with an Air Ride Technology suspension, including a Ford 9-in. rearend and Wilwood disc brakes, with Falken tires on Budnik wheels. PPG made the Halabura Green and Sunlit Tan paint applied to the body. The interior was done by Weber’s Custom Interiors featuring Ultraleather. The car won a Street Rodder magazine Top 100 pick as well as Meguiar’s Magnificent Masterpiece Award.