ASC Speed33 - 1933 Ford Convertible - Road Tour '08

While the ASC body is unique in many regards, it can still be mounted on an original frame with a stock hood, grille shell, and fenders.

The now-you-see it, now-you-don't top is the best part of ASC's Speed33. Stowage begins by lifting the rear of the top and opening the tonneau cover/tulip panel. First, the rear of the panel rises then it moves to the rear, the front disengages from its guides, and the panel opens fully.

...then it moves to the rear, the front disengages from its guides, and the panel opens fully.

With the windshield latches released, the header assembly can be moved up and back.

The top assembly folds easily and is completely hidden in a well behind the seats.

With the top stowed, the tonneau cover/tulip panel is closed and latched, and you're ready to cruise in the sun.

Directed by the computer-established coordinates, a five-axis free-arm mill carved this half-body in urethane foam so its shape and features could be studied, then tweaked as necessary.

One of the greatest challenges had to be the windshield posts, which had to be slim and stylish while incorporating channels for roll-up windows. Production versions are investment-cast in stainless steel.

This digitizer is used to pick up datum points and prove the dimensional accuracy of the computer model. If changes are necessary, they can be made before production begins.

While some subtle revisions were made to the shape of a few body panels (as an example, the decklid isn't as flat as a stocker), the fenderwells are dead on and will accept original fenders.

While original bodies are often criticized for being inaccurate, it's a wonder fit and finish wasn't much worse given the methods used for design and production back then. Speed33 bodies are produced to standards the originals couldn't come close to.

It takes a room full of dies to make a Speed33 body. Body panels are stamped from 18-gauge steel, with all inner structure stamped from 11-gauge reinforced with 1/8-inch wall steel tubing. The floor pan is 1/8-inch steel.

A no-cost option for fenderless cars are factory modifications that allow the body to be channeled 1 3/4 inches over the frame. This eliminates the gap between the cowl and the frame with the stock bodies.

With the top up, the header is secured to the windshield frame with modern, over-center latches.

Brilliant packaging allows the top to fold and stow behind the seat and below the tulip panel.

Release latches for the tonneau cover and the trunk lid are in the hinge post. Note the hidden hinges.

This took some engineering: The tulip panel/tonneau cover can be opened at the same time as the trunk lid. The leading edge of the trunk lid moves to the rear as it opens.

The tonneau cover also goes through a variety of moves when opening. This is the hinge assembly at the back of the panel.

This is the right side catch that secures the front of the tonneau cover when it's in the closed position.

Compared to the trunk hinges used on a stock Model 40, these are an engineering masterpiece. They allow the trunk and tonneau to open simultaneously.

More modern hardware can be found securing the trunk lid in the closed position.

As you would expect, the Speed33 is equipped with modern, bear-claw door latches. This is the pin in the latch post.

Bodies are assembled on a surface plate to ensure proper panel alignment, and gaps are established to OEM tolerances. E-coat (electrocoating cathodic epoxy) dipping is also available to protect your investment.

Here's a good look at the top bows before the Haartz cloth material was put in place. Tops are available in black, beige, and navy blue, as well as custom colors.

We really like this simple hood treatment, but anything from custom solid panels to a stock original can be used.

Speaking of options, a rolled rear pan will be used on the '08 Road Tour car. The fuel tank will be in the trunk.

For those who want to take a nostalgic approach, the Speed33 can be equipped with stock fenders, gas tank, and cover.