Website design By BotEap.comThere are many great cars and many collector’s editions of each model. So what’s so special about Ford’s 1172cc side-valve sports car?

Website design By BotEap.comNot too long ago, when space travel was only enjoyed in the fantastical space adventures you could watch on your new black and white television, rusty old Ford Pops were a dime a dozen. There were no teams of adoring, bright-eyed car lovers waiting for a chance to touch one. These little vehicles were nothing more than creaky, rickety old hulks that would possibly serve better as a planter than anything expected to turn on four wheels.

Website design By BotEap.comThe saving grace of these ordinary little sports cars was that young men who had just gotten their driver’s license needed a ‘sports car’ to impress their young ladies. It wouldn’t be right to go out with your favorite girl in your parents’ big sedan. So the way to a ‘sports car’ was through one of the old Ford Pops. You could buy one of these beat up old machines for cheap and still have it mechanically sound. They would remove and discard the battered remains of the body and put in an all-new fiberglass body, of which there were a plethora of styles to choose from. Instantly, they would have a cool little sports car to take the lady of their choice for a spin. Of course, just as there was a wide variety of body styles available, there was also a wide variety in level of quality. Some of the bodies were very well done, others were bargain style, and then there were levels everywhere in between. Once the body was bolted on, the engine could be addressed. There were a number of modifications that could be made to the engine. Many of these remakes sported fancy intake and exhaust manifolds from SU carbs, lightweight flywheels, and even independent suspension. The interior could have been decked out with some bold looking bucket seats along with remote gear shifters. Some sported perforated steering wheels, tuned sports exhausts, and extra gauges. Those who had a little more money to invest in the small cars added superchargers or a Willmet OHV conversion. Many of these super conversions even made their way to the racetrack, which only made the appeal of these little sports cars stronger as time went on.

Website design By BotEap.comToday these cars have created their own fan clubs. They have made their way into the hearts of a multitude of car enthusiasts and are proudly displayed at car shows everywhere. These little vehicles aren’t going away anytime soon. They have earned their place among the ranks of coveted classics and are here to stay.