The Cranberry-Hued 1940 Ford Coupe “Checkered Past”

In 1957, ten-year-old Ron Cisek watched as his father, Gordon, purchased a worn-out Ford with a rough history. The car had been wrecked by Mike Dizona, a racer known for driving a ’32 three-window on local dirt tracks. Despite its condition, Gordon planned to restore and modify the car, dedicating some time to the project over a couple of years.

Gordon started by sandblasting the frame and rebuilding the chassis, but his priorities shifted when the family decided to construct a new home. The Ford was set aside, and the restoration project remained on hold for the next five decades.

By 2007, Ron sold the property where the car had been stored and decided it was time to revive the build. Although Ron had no prior experience with hot rods, he rented a workshop and began working on the weekends. He rebuilt the chassis once more and had a Flathead engine assembled to power the car.

When it came to repairing the sheet metal, Ron realized he needed expert help. Through a connection, he met Andy Leach, a hot rod enthusiast who worked on cars in his spare time while holding a day job in welding.

This Ford coupe underwent extensive modifications, including cutting, reshaping, and a 4-inch shortening of its hood to match a custom grille inspired by the 1940 Deluxe model.

Key features of the car include:

  • A custom paint job by Charley Hutton
  • One-off billet aluminum wheels styled after vintage racing designs
  • A gold-finished blown Flathead V-8 engine

The interior also received premium touches, featuring saddle leather and suede with dimpled panels, custom gauges, and modern amenities.

This transformed 1940 Ford Coupe stands as a testament to persistence and craftsmanship, combining vintage appeal with modern upgrades.

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