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Tony Spada's Turbo 1934 Pontiac (from December 2002)
One of the primary reasons that has always been behind building hot rods is doings things a bit different. That includes not only making changes to factory specs and configurations, but also trying to distinguish yourself from the next guy. Tony Spada’s 1934 Pontiac Coupe certainly fits all these agendas, and then some. The Pontiac had its first go-round in Texas, when it was built in 1979-80 and dubbed “Turbo Magic”. The car found its way east and was acquired by Tony Spada in 1998. After nearly two years the decision was made to update and improve the car, so in early July of 2000 the restoration process that would completely change the car’s appearance began. The paint was stripped by Blast Off in Orlando, so what lied underneath could be assessed and addressed. The car was then disassembled and pain-stakingly cleaned, with Jerry Mishler in Sebring doing the updates. Paul Metz of Metz Rod & Custom in Eustis got the nod in the bodywork department, and replaced all the bondo areas with steel, and filled the top. The rumble seat was converted into a traditional trunk, the door handles were shaved, and all of the exterior trim remaining was either polished or rechromed by Space Coast Plating in Melbourne. When everything was in order Paul Metz applied the ‘57 Chevy turquoise paint topped with two coats of blue pearl for an interesting hue. Under the hood a new balanced engine by Mike Evans Precision Head & Block in Taft was installed. A-1 Automotive Speed Parts in Orlando was the source for the various accessories, with just about everything being either chrome plated or polished. With the open hood sides it allows onlookers to admire the flashy, yet clean look. It also, of course, draws attention to the unusual turbo setup, which exits on the passenger side through the fender. There are actually no mufflers in the exhaust system, but with the turbo unit in-line it actually is not overly loud....though it does have a unique and distinctive sound. The interior now features a redone dash treatment with Dakota digital gauges, including a turbo boost gauge. The chrome tilt steering column is topped by a billet steering wheel, which fits in well with all the other billet accessories. Howard Krusey of Complete Auto Upholstery in Altamonte Springs completed the interior accommodations, which consists of alabaster leather and suede. Krusey also constructed the stylish overhead stereo console, and installed the Alpine AM/FM CD player, which is juiced up by a 200 watt amp pushing through six speakers. Since the car’s recent completion it has certainly drawn plenty of admiring looks. The attention to detail is superb, and with the “unique factor” of the Pontiac body lines combined with the unusual turbo powerplant, it certainly does stand out wherever it goes. CN |
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