I've always been a fan of the Hollywood Westerns. The characters portrayed in those great movies have personalities much like some of my favorite hot rods that have been built through the years. Both are instantly identifiable as what they are. We can consider them icons, yet each also has the unique little details that make them absolutely memorable. One of my favorite characters appeared in The Magnificent Seven. Britt, played by James Coburn, has the absolute perfect look of the western hero. A tall, lanky, dusty fellow with that hat tipped just right screams gunfighter. What I particularly loved about Britt was the uniqueness of his character brought out in the details-sleepy demeanor, but lightning quick with his weapon of choice. Not a gun mind you, but rather a knife.
So this got me thinking: What might a hot rod be if it were a star of the Western screen? For me, the chiseled, nimble simplicity of a '28 closed-cab pickup would be the basis of this unconventional hero. A heavy chop gives this character instant ego. Channeling over the frame helps pull the lines together and creates the stance that would give rivals of this lanky pickup chills down their spines. Old brushed-on paint showing its wear but still keeps the rain off. The outfit topped off with a white hat ever so tipped.
With an A-frame, small-block Chevy power, and 9-inch rear axle, this little truck would head down the trail with little concern of surviving many a long mile traveled in those desolate corners of the West. This star would have the rugged edge of restraint with steel wheels centered with simple DeLuxe caps. Wide whites would add just enough sparkle on those spurs to catch a lady's eye. Wrapping those boots are cycle fenders up front, while bobbed rear fenders are from some old forgotten make.
A gunfighter must have only the tools needed to get the job done. With that in mind, the interior would be outfitted with a saddle-leather seat and door panels. The nickel-plated dash would be appointed with only the required gauges. An ivory white three-spoke steering wheel and shifter knob finish the deal.
So there you have it. A little pickup that just says hot rod, yet also has those important details that will make you remember it long after it's moved on. It may be a stretch to compare these two icons of Americana, but I have to think that those Hollywood Western directors would see the potential that this Model A can easily hold its own.