Jerry Helman's 1940 Ford

1940 Ford Coupe owned and restyled by Clutchers Racing Team member Jerry Helman of Seattle, Washington. A 2 1/2 inch dropped axle was installed up front and he mounted 6:40 tires up front and 8:20 in the rear to give the car the right kind of rake Jerry wanted for his race coupe. He restored the car to its original condition except for some slight updates. He installed a set of Houdaille 50/50 shocks so the car would keep tight to the road. A high revved 1955 Cadillac engine was fit between the rails for some extra fire power, it was bored, had 10-1 compression ratio, a Herbert cam, lifters, push rods, J. E. pistons and dual four barrel carburetors. The heads and many different parts were polished to spice up the engine compartment. The Cadillac mill was hooked to a 1941 Cadillac transmission and a beefed-up Ford truck clutch transmit. 1948 Lincoln brakes were installed to secure good braking. The interior was stitched by Preston Auto Top Shop in Everett, Washington. The colors were Egg white and Hyacinth rolled and pleated in Naugahyde. Once the restoration was completed, the car was done in plum finish. Jerry built the car over a 5 years span.

Magazine Features

Custom Cars September 1959