This Reimagined Ford Model 40 Is a Ridiculously Cool Modern Hot Rod

When a car looks this good, it’s hard to ignore. It’s called the SP40 Restomod, and it’s inspired by the 1934 Ford Model 40 Special Speedster. A small car manufacturer in Argentina named Iconic Auto Sports is behind this stunning build. Under the hood is a third-generation Ford 5.0-liter Coyote engine that produces over 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, featuring stainless steel long-tube headers, mufflers, and tailpipes. The engine is mated to a five-speed Tremec TKO 500/600 manual transmission, and the car comes with independent front and rear suspension. The Mustang GT350R brakes deliver strong stopping power, featuring six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo calipers mounted on 15.5- and 14.9-inch cross-drilled rotors, respectively. It comes with 20-inch wheels fitted with 235/45/R20 front and 275/35/R20 rear tires. The car reportedly weighs 2,623 pounds. Its carbon-fiber body helps achieve this, while the open interior combines aluminum, leather, and wood. It includes Sparco safety belts and a few modern features, like wireless phone charging. Company co-founder Arturo Arrebillaga told Hagerty, "Our goal with the introduction of the SP40 was not to replicate history, but to awaken it. Every line, every curve, every mechanical detail reflects our obsession with making the best car that we could to feel, to see, and to drive." Iconic Auto Sports designed and built each component, making it truly special. The SP40’s design looks like it came straight from the 1930s, but the wide wheels and headlights show the hot rod’s modern touch, which the company cleverly hides in the retro styling. While Iconic Auto Sports is an Argentine company, it has an office in the United States, and you can place an order there. Prices aren’t listed, but since the car is custom-made, it likely isn’t inexpensive.