Triple ‘A’s

This post contains three cars that have a hell of a lot in common. Example No. 1 was built for the strip, while Example No. 2 spent time on the show circuit. No. 3 — the most documented subject — was designed for street use.

The trio started as ’30-’31 Model ‘A’ coupes. Their roofs were drastically chopped and their bodies channeled over modified frames. Non-‘A’ grille shells were used on each example, as were performance-oriented multi-carbed mills. Ten of the twelve total wheels were shod in whitewalls and featured smooth wheelcovers (six being Moon discs). Each car was finished in flat black paint.

At first glimpse, I hoped there was a connection between at least two of the three. Could the dragstrip brute have turned into Z’d coupe at the car show? Or vise versa? And where does the nicely proportioned street machine come into the picture?

Len Kramer, builder of Example No. 3, seemed to have noted where the previous coupes fell short — both structurally and aesthetically — when he put together his ‘A’ in Oakland, Ca. Lowering was achieved not through radical reconstruction, but rather with a 3½ inch dropped axle and a serious kick in the rear. During the two and a half year build, Len also chopped the top four inches and filled in the rear wheelwells for a cleaner look. White detailing and chromed nerf bars tie the package together.

Walking around a show in the 2010s, you’re likely to encounter cars like these. Some may be rougher and some more finished than the examples shown. I’m not claiming these three were the originators of the black primer, cut-down look, but I do think they’re portions of our history worth noting.

So take your pick: Example No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3?

-Joey Ukrop 

Lead photo from the H.A.M.B., kooky picture with the mannequin from the 50 Years of Rod & Custom book and the remainder from Hot Rod, May 1958 

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