Inside, Don left the cavernous cabin pretty much stock in appearance, though the five-speed shifter on the floor replaces what used to be a three-on-the-tree. Oh, and a Pioneer head unit hidden away in the glovebox controls a bunch of drivers, subwoofers, and amps from Total Mobile Audio.
Overall, this is Texas-sized transportation with Texas-sized attitude. Who says station wagons are boring?
The Details
Donald Hardy's '61 Ford Ranch Wagon
Engine
- 312-cid Y-block V-8
- Forged crank
- Egge cast 10:1 pistons
- Comp Cams solid cam (0.450 lift/212-degree duration)
- Dual Edelbrock 500-cfm carbs
- Edelbrock aluminum intake
- Stock heads
- Stock cast-iron exhaust manifolds
- Built by Don Hardy Race Cars
Transmission
- Tremec T-5 five-speed manual
- Hurst shifter
Rearend
- 9-inch
- 3.90 gears
- 28-spline axles
Exhaust
- Flowmaster mufflers
- 2.5-inch custom tubing by Don Hardy Race Cars
Suspension
- Front: stock cut coils, '71 Mustang spindles, Air Ride conventional shocks
- Rear: Re-arched leaf springs, Air Ride conventional shocks
Brakes
- Front: Baer Brakes, 13-inch two-piece rotor, cross-drilled and slotted, two-piston caliper
- Rear: Baer Brakes, 13-inch two-piece rotor, cross-drilled and slotted, two-piston caliper
Wheels
- Front: American Racing Torq Thrust II, 18x7, 4.5-inch offset
- Rear: American Racing Torq Thrust II, 20x8, 4-inch offset
Tires
- Front: BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW, P225/45R18
- Rear: BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW, P245/40R20
Interior
- N.O.S. seat and door panel materials from SMS Auto Fabrics, loop carpet from Auto Custom Carpets, reupholstery by Dooley & Sons
Exterior
- '61 Ford Desert Gold in PPG by Soncy Road Body Shop, Amarillo, TX, additional work by Little Feet Racing, Fritch, TX