"The distinctive and spirited high-performance motorcars built at the Moal works in Oakland California, are among the finest examples of the coachbuilder's art in the world. Each daring rakish, technologically-advanced and finely-crafted roadster to roll out of the expansive design and fabrication center is linked to a Moal family heritage in Oakland, one dedicated to the motoring arts for nearly a century." (Source www.Moal.com)
This stunning example of superior craftsmanship, JR's "Mike Martin" 32', has discreetly resided within JR's private collection and rarely shown since it's tedious completion/unveiling at the 2008 Good-Guys Pleasanton Car Show. The inspiration for this creation began when JR's lifetime best friend Mike Martin passed away during the beginning of the build phases performed by Moal Coachbuilders. JR would go on to purchase and complete the project as a Tribute to his long time good buddy. A lifetime Hot Rodder, JR is not really the trophy type car show guy (it's more about the experience) and generally opts out of any such awards but he has enjoyed selectively driving and sharing his tribute to Mike at prominent West Coast Good-Guys events such as Pleasanton, Del-Mar, etc...
"Not-Glas"! Utilizing only the Finest Craftsman in the Industry, every tedious detail was performed in the true pursuit of absolute perfection. The chassis began with "Original" 1932 Ford AB frame rails that were purchased directly from Pete Eastwood's (P-Wood) component collection. >From there, well known chassis builder and fabrication specialist "Rod Sexton" would hand build the rolling stock and tubular support structure along with other areas of the mechanicals. Noted traditional style features include custom "peaked theme" front hairpins, chrome front suspension w/cross steer & buggy spring, custom peaked drilled/dropped front axle, rear ladder bar suspension, adjustable rear coil-over shocks, polished Wilwood Disc brake calipers and master cylinder with drilled/slotted rotors...
Rod Sexton continued to bring the power-train together fabricating the mounts and an amazingly hand-crafted 180 degree stainless steel exhaust system. The chosen horsepower would be a very rare and true NOS 60-70's era Ford 289/302 based Gurney-Weslake Trans-Am Racing Series engine that had been tucked away for years. The legendary "Art Crisman" was given the task of a complete tear-down, tolerance checks, renew and select camshaft update. All NOS G-W components including intake manifold, polished oil pan, polished Stage 4-5 cylinder heads, Holley carburetor, modified front cover and water pump system. Transferring the legendary HP is a Tremec 5-Speed, Lakewood bell housing, Wilwood hydraulic clutch and modernized Halibrand Quik Change rear differential...
With design, fabrication, paint and final assembly by "Moal Coachbuilders", there are countless hand crafted components involved in this awe inspiring process. Well known metal specialist "Steve Davis" performed an extensive amount of modifications/fabrication to all body panels and prepared the Brookville steel body for a luscious coat of Jaguar Blue. The custom "peaked theme" flows seamlessly and noted features include custom peaked chrome spreader bar & front apron, modified grill/shell/hood, removable Henry 25 Louver hood sides, Guide headlamps, custom hood peak trim, "Moal" signature dual cowl vents & fuel cell fill cap, recessed rear license plate, custom rear roll pan, customized dash flows into door panels, chrome Duval windshield and hand built removable convertible top assembly ready for your choice of canvas color (cost included with purchase)...
Moving inside, well known interior thread-master "Tom Sewell" performed the spectacular full saddle tan Leather Cowhides into a tight fitting and equal work of art. Features include custom vertical pleated seat w/bolsters, door panels with door pockets, firewall panels, flowing body color dash/door panels, 1-off Moal steering wheel with tilt column, Delahaye dash assembly with GPS gauges re-worked by Classic Instruments, floor shift vintage shifter knob, Moal heater re-caged with vintage art deco housing, heated seats with heated leg/body warmer blanket that attaches under dash to create a closed warming area, seat belts and emergency brake. We think you get the idea, need we say more?
