Fortified Forty

Deep in the darkness, the bold black coupe appeared, sitting low on a suspension modified to hold a heavy load. Quickly, though not quite quietly, the powerful Oldsmobile engine was wound through up and downshifts to hold the torque in the sweet spot while keeping the tires planted on the narrow road as it revealed switchback curves and surface changes. The driver, gripping the ’60 Falcon steering wheel, focused on the heavily wood-lined road ahead while frequently checking the rearview for headlights. This ’40 Ford was definitely a “business” coupe built and driven for the purpose of revenue, and specifically hopped-up for evading the spoilers to the trade that the drivers disrespectfully called “Revenuers.” Yep, this is a gen-yoo-wine Tanker, son, a superb example of a former moonshine hauler.

Squeak Bell, recognized as an automobile preservationist and archivist, knew about this tanker for years. He communicated frequently with the family located many states away, as he wanted to make it his own only when they were ready to give it up. Patience and perseverance is an asset; Squeak exercised both for countless years since he learned about this particular vehicle. Rewards do come to good people, and the phone call finally came for him to come pick it up. A road trip was planned to Indiana, and he triumphantly returned to Bakersfield with his tanker treasure.

At first inspection, evidence of its prior tasks were confirmed by opening the trunk-lid and peering into the cavernous area; the floor still had the exposed recesses that would accommodate an obviously sizable tank that could be filled with Vitamin A (“A” for alcohol, suitable for drinking; specifically ‘shine of 180 proof). The exterior was a bit worn from previous duty and less than careful storage. The car’s cosmetics truly illustrated the old adage of being rode hard and put away wet.

Since Squeak had been patiently planning for the coupe to be his for such a long time, his thoughts were to put it back into shape and give the old tanker the ability to get back on the road. With roadworthiness as a high priority, along with keeping the prior history “under the radar,” Squeak carefully put it back together using the best of the existing drivetrain while giving it a well deserved makeover.

The result is a fortified ‘61 Olds 394 that was in the car, now stroked to 421 cubes, and topped with the original Offy intake manifold and twin Carter AFBs. The Pontiac’s matching transmission remains a stout Borg Warner T-10 4-speed, originally selected to handle the massive torque and the extra weight of the precious liquid cargo. The beefed-up suspension consists of a four-inch dropped front axle and an 8-inch Ford rear equipped with 3.10 gears for constant high-speed runs. Braking was equally as important in a heavily weighted tanker dicing through the back road banzai runs. Without adequate “whoa,” there could be “woe” if caught by the federal agents in charge of putting the business coupe out of business, so the set-up includes 1956 F250 Bendix brake products, wrapped up in finned ‘58 drums.

The backwoods bomber got a fresh pair of clothes, as Squeak decided to dress it in a manner that would be unfamiliar to the formerly understated coupe. The body was treated to a thorough preparation that would support the deep, glossy black exterior. Squeak chose specially upholstered running boards to call attention to the red scallop details. Keeping the vibe authentic, the steel wheels are reversed and chromed, drawing from rolling stock originally from a ‘46 Mercury up front and a ‘47 Lincoln for the rear.

The aforementioned ’60 Falcon steering wheel fits perfectly with the style of the white Naugahyde selected. Squeak has taken some friendly teasing about the addition of the air-conditioning system, but he artfully installed it so it does not take away from the early vibe in the interior or under the hood. His reasoning is logical and acceptable, as the coupe was bought and built to be back on the road. Who would argue with a guy that did the initial shakedown run from Bakersfield to Texas and back in his Fortified Forty?

Read the rest of this article in ISSUE 25: Hot Rod Revolution