American cars in general often get stereotyped as good for running in a straight line only. Street Rods and Customs are often even further ostracized for being trailer queens, that are more show than go, or all bark and no real bite.
In recent years companies such as TCI Engineering have been changing a lot of that reputation for rods doing most of their miles around parking lots only. The company is helping it’s customers build cars that not only look good but perform well – both in the straight lines as well as whipping around corners.
We’ve highlighted Don Chemello’s car before. This 1932 Ford Roadster has a pro-touring feel to it and is as much about go as it is show. It’s certain to turn heads cruising by on the street or at a car show, but thanks to a complete TCI chassis, it’s equally competent at turning corners – even at high speeds.
The ’32 TCI chassis is complete with IFS front suspension and a four-link rear. Power comes from a 406ci small-block Chevy backed up by a 700R4. Rotational forces are changed to forward momentum courtesy a Currie nine-inch rear differential.
Recently Chemello had the car out at Adams Motorsports Park, where he tuned out a best lap time of 46.77. We’ve included the video here as well as some stills to highlight the run. The video was shot with a GoPro camera mounted outside of the car. Watching this is like being on a roller coaster ride, but instead of your crazy girlfriend screaming next to you, it’s the glorious melody of a small block V8, as the car twists and turns around the track. TCI also posted some great shots on their facebook page of the run to share with their followers.
We love to see rodders out driving their cars hard, using performance parts and performance chassis like they were intended to be used. This might shock the trailer queen set, or even cause some who believe street rods are for looking good to think again. Chemello’s 32 is a shining example of what the hobby was originally about, going fast and having a good time. Good looks are just the bonus of a quality build like this one.