Fantasy Junction

Description

1950 Ford “El Caballo de Hierro” Tribute

VIN – BIRH123024
Exterior Color – Red, White, and Blue
Interior Color – Red leather
Engine – Oldsmobile 357 V8
Transmission – 3-Speed manual
Mileage –miles (TMU)

History of the Original El Caballo

In 1954 legendary Southern California hot rodders Ak Miller and Doug Harrison returned for their second attempt to compete in the grueling 1,900 mile Pan American Race, Carrera Panamericana, with hopes of winning. Their handmade entry, El Caballo de Hierro (the Iron Horse), was now supported by Hot Rod magazine. Despite needing differential repairs, their first attempt resulted in an 8th place finish as the only American entrant in the “Large Sports Car” class. Built on a 1950 Ford frame and outfitted with a 1951 Olds 357 V8 engine with four Strombergs running a 53 Lincoln rear end, the low slung racer was shaped with a 1927 Model T Ford center section and low profile hand formed hood, track nose style grille, and light weight cycle fenders.

Although Ak Miller would finish 7th in the 1954 attempt, it would launch his career in racing and cement him as a legend in the Hot Rods community. A true pioneer of American hot rod culture and one of the earliest proponents of legitimate and safe sanctioned hot rod events, Miller was key to the establishment of the NHRA and one of the earliest Presidents of the SCTA. With a career that spanned decades including record runs at Bonneville, Pikes Peak Hill Climb participant, Miller finally entered the 200 mile club at the age of 72. Ak Miller is today recognized as one of the most prolific and innovative contributors to the American Hot Rod genre.

History of this El Caballo de Hierro Tribute

This tribute was conceived and built under the guidance of the Swig Family Collection patriarch, Martin Swig. A Northern California vintage racing enthusiast and founder of the California Mille, Swig commissioned this build in 2011 with the purchase of a 1950 Ford frame BIRH124024 with suspension and brakes as the basis for the build. Following closely to the specifications used in the construction of the original, Swig also purchased a 1953 Lincoln rear axle, driveshaft, and other components for the build. Hot Rod and specialty parts were further curated consulting period reference photos and magazine archives as parts and hardware arrived at San Francisco Auto Center, San Rafael, CA for assembly. As the build progressed from 2012-2013, the Olds V8 engine was torn down for a comprehensive build including purchasing and refurbishing the intake manifold and four Stromberg carburetors reportedly formerly on the original El Caballo.

As the car began to take shape careful references were sourced for the right fit for the Model T body to the frame along with addition work shortening the rear axle housing, modifying the front hubs to accommodate Lincoln brakes, shortening and lowering the rear spring, rebuilding the steering gear and installing the engine and suspension components to the rolling chassis. Over $50k was spent assembling the chassis, drivetrain, and suspension including fortifying the frame with structural steel members, using high grade fasteners and the installation of Pertronix ignition and a modern coil. Body and paint work continued seaming the Model T to the hand formed hood, track nose, and grille. The dashboard instruments and electrical were wired, custom exhaust fabricated including side exit pipes, and numerous detail items constructed to exacting detail following the original. After the car was completed, additional sorting and recreational driving was done, followed by further mechanical sorting performed in 2016. Over the past decade, the car has remained in the Swig Family Collection primarily as a display piece, occasionally started and run to keep the mechanical systems in order.

Current Condition

Today this one of a kind El Caballo Tribute is beautifully presented in gleaming red, white, and blue colors. Although the restoration was done some years ago, the quality of the finishes remains at a high level with excellent details throughout, including beautiful paint, handmade features, and excellent panel fit to the hand formed front end, hood and grille. In addition to the excellent overall body finishes, the sparse construction is surprisingly complex in the simplicity of design and execution – a worthy consideration for both the original construction and this resultant tribute. The body is low and purposeful with wide tires on stamped steel factory wheels finished in bright red, wearing a set of Pirelli Scorpion STR radial 225/75 R15 tires all around.

The interior continues the sparse competition theme with high back formed aluminum bucket seats trimmed with dark red leather seating inserts and a set of Crow competition wide band lap belts. The dashboard is painted blue to match the Model T center section featuring a set of four Stewart Warner small dial gauges and a large column mounted Stewart Warner tachometer. The former fuel tank lid now allows access to the dual master brake cylinder serving the Lincoln brakes. Both doors hinge outward for easy access to the cabin while the steering wheel and tall shifter deliver the basic driver controls. It’s hard to imagine how a team of drivers could complete nearly 2,000 miles at speeds averaging 80+ mph over largely uncharted desert terrain, but the tall plexiglass windscreen very likely helped deflect biting sand pelting during the original 1954 Carrera Americana run more than 70 years ago.

Under the lift off hood, the wide Olds Rocket V8 sits tightly packed into the narrow engine compartment. The Weiand W04D mid-rise intake manifold is topped with four Stromberg carburetors and a mesh screen, replicating the same construction as the original. A set of side exit exhaust runs alongside both sides of the Model T body with both pipes exiting just forward of the rear wheels. The underside is very well presented, revealing a professionally constructed vehicle with finishes that continue to represent the quality and care of the original build.

Constructed in tribute to one of the most famous pioneers of American hot rodding, this El Caballo Tribute is a welcome reminder to the innovation and courage young American pioneers of racing and performance exhibited during the birth of modern hot rodding. A passion project, commissioned by a family of performance enthusiasts and assembled by top Bay Area hot rod specialists, this one of a kind El Caballo tribute is ready for the next dedicated performance enthusiast to drive and enjoy, in tribute to the legacy of American automotive ingenuity as a lasting hallmark for the next generation of hot rodders.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608