The contrasting blue and turquoise coloring on this 1940 Ford Standard are probably the first thing that will catch your eye. They second thing you might notice if the hood is up would be that the engine features Cadillac valve covers and ’53 Caddy air intake. We talked to the owner of this ’40 Ford, Terry Purdy of Auburn, Washington, and found out a little more about this unusual and eye-catching custom!

Terry built the car about eight years ago as a retirement gift for himself. It is 100% steel and obviously presents an unusual custom look. “When I was 14 I had a Model A that was flat black,” Terry told us. “I could ride my bike down to the hardware store and buy turquoise paint, so that’s what I did!” In a way this car is a salute to the first car that he had.

This car is powered by a 390 horsepower Chevy crate motor, turbo 350 transmission, and 600cfm Edelbrock carburetor. The front suspension has been rebuilt with power rack and pinion steering and a Ford 8-inch rearend.

The valve covers are an interesting addition that we had to ask about, and they are actually fixed over top of the standard Chevy valve covers. He added them for no other reason than because he could — and they are darn cool. It was built to drive, and that was really the focus that Terry put into the restoration on this car. You’ll notice that the interior is even more attractive than the exterior. “The inside is the part I see,” Terry explained.

With the custom pin striping work, Terry actually had no real direction. “I took it to a friend and told him to do what he wanted with it,” he told us. It’s a decision that he does not regret. Terry is also a big advocate for Save the Salt — an organization devoted to preserving the Bonneville Salt Flats. Terry and a friend actually raced the salt flats for eight years in a ’51 Nash convertible. After that they even crewed on other teams for two years together. “That is where the connection comes from,” he said.

“These old cars keep you broke and out of the bars,” Terry told us. “It’s something to do.” An interesting way to look at it that we can definitely agree on. He built this car to drive and he definitely does just that with it. At 17-18 miles per gallon, that’s even pretty good for long road trips! It’s like Terry says: “If you don’t drive’em, you might as well buy furniture.” That about sums it up, don’t you think?

If you want your car or truck to be a part of our Street Feature series, all you have to do is shoot us an email and tell us about your ride and we will make it happen.