Thumper

 

 

The 1955 to 1957 Chevrolet Nomad two-door station wagon is an icon in the classic car and hot rod communities, which has left the two-door Ford Ranch Wagon (also known as the Del Rio) in the background.

 

 

 

“Thumper” a custom 1957 Ford Ranch wagon, displayed at the ARP (Automotive Racing Products) booth at the 2017 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show should bring the second-generation Ford two-door wagon back to the front of fans’ minds.

 

“Thumper” was built by the crew at Steve Strope’s Pure Vision Design over a period of three years for ARP’s executive vice-president Bob Florine. Designer Steve Sanford made a few important design tweaks to the original Ranch Wagon; they lengthened the front doors leaned the B-pillars forward and added a Thunderbird hood scoop.

 

 

The beautiful bodywork installed over an Art Morrison Enterprises custom frame was finished in period correct colors of bourbon and cream, but the engine is the centerpiece of this ride. It’s a 521-cubic inch Jon Kaase “Boss Nine” a modern replica of the Ford Boss 429 cubic inch engine semi-hemispherical cylinder head engine. Built entirely with ARP fasteners and topped with a Borla Induction 8-stack throttle body intake the engine develops at least 800 horsepower. 

 

 

The custom interior with Redline gauges and Zebrawood trim was fitted by Gabe’s Custom Interiors with Umber-colored Relicate Napa leather and “Light Roast” Pebble Weave leather over brown German square weave carpet. 

 

"Thumper" photos by the author.