1948 Ford 'Hot Rod' Coupe Utility (RHD)
Result: PASSED IN
Specifications
| Engine | 302cu V-8 Windsor |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 3-Speed Automatic |
| Body Work | Utility |
| Colour | Black |
| Interior | Red |
| Trim | Leather |
| Wheels | Styled Steel |
| Brakes | Disc/Drum |
Description
Ford Australia played a vital part in the creation of the Utility vehicle, responding to a 1932 request from a farmer's wife that asked for a car that could take them to church on Sunday then carry the pigs to market on the Monday. At the time, bank managers would only lend money to farmers for farm equipment and trucks, not personal cars, so the utility solved the issue and with that the first coupe utility was produced in 1934. Lewis Bandt was given the task of designing the utlity and upon completion of the prototypes was given the go-ahead to produce an initial 500 unit production run. By the 1940s these utes were already popular amongst the tuners of the day, creating a cult following amongst hot-rodders who admired the ute's ability for body and drivetrain customisation. Now, almost 80 years later, utilities are produced all over the world and remain popular with tradesmen and farmers alike, with Ford still at the forefront, with F-Series trucks breaking sales records across America and the Falcon Ute being a staple of the Australian motoring industry.
