1928 Ford “AV8 Gus”
This 1928 Ford “AV8” Pickup is a very rare survivor from the 1940’s that was built by well-known hot rodder Gus Rawlins as a tow rig for his other projects. Just because it is used as a workhorse doesn’t mean it isn’t a hot rod within itself – this pickup has some very tasteful and unique modifications which have helped the car win numerous awards around the country over the last few decades. Now, this '28 Pickup is a member of the Audrain Collections, and referred to at Audrain as simply “Gus.”
While the Ford flathead V8 was not introduced until 1932, that doesn’t mean hot rodders have shied away from swapping V8 powerplants into the earlier Ford Model A’s. Whether a pickup, roadster or coupe, a Model A with flathead V8 power is often referred to as an “AV8” simply meaning a Model A with a V8 engine swapped in. One hot rodder who appreciated and utilized Ford’s versatile Model A Roadster Pickup was Gustave “Gus" Rollins.
Like millions of his car-crazy contemporaries during the era, Gus Rollins served his country in the U.S. military during and after WW II. Rollins built this Roadster Pickup into a hot, yet useful shop truck and tow rig for his dry lakes/Bonneville racecar. Following Mr. Rollins’ passing in early 2001, the Model A and a cache of parts for it were purchased from his family.
This AV8 Pickup retains its original Ford Motor Company steel body, plus the period custom soft top with beveled-glass rear window and side curtains. Riding on Kelsey Hayes wheels dated to the 1940s, the pickup also includes taillights of the same vintage. Ample power is delivered by a hot ’49 Mercury “Flathead” V-8 engine equipped with cool vintage speed parts including Offenhauser aluminum heads and twin Stromberg ‘97’ carbs, plus a beautifully hand-fabricated set of tubular exhaust headers for efficient breathing.
Featuring a cool stance with a Drago dropped front axle, the pickup’s underpinnings include a ’40 Ford rear end and hydraulic brakes. An overdrive unit liberated from a ‘51/’52 Ford truck provides more relaxed cruising, and a rear hitch allows you to tow your own racing car behind this cool period hot rod pickup.
This 1928 Ford Model A V-8 Roadster Pickup predictably garnered show awards including Best of Show in the Preservation Class at the H.A.M.B. Revolution show held in Austin, Texas, as well as “Best Pick” at the Grand National Roadster Show held at the Suede Palace.
Specifications:
Engine: 1949 Mercury V8
Engine Modifications: Offenhauser aluminum heads, twin Stromberg 97 carburetors, hand fabricated tubular headers
Drivetrain: 1940 Ford rearend, hydraulic brakes, 1952 Ford overdrive unit
Other: Custom soft top, beveled glass rear window, 1940’s Kelsey Hayes wheels
