This 1931 Ford named Gretchen but dubbed “Satan’s Rat-Rod” is an animal that makes no apologies for its existence as it belches out thick black smoke, guzzles gas from its 6-gallon tank, or throws its occupants around like rag dolls in the eye of a hurricane. Even the most jaded motorhead is bound to get a kick out of this video, showing Satan’s Rat-Rod in all its glory, tooling around the Hollywood Hills.
There’s a lot of engineering that’s gone into this 1931 Ford making it into the peerless unique one-of-a-kind hot rod it is today. This head turner features an engine from a 1952 Diamond-Reo tractor, an old piece of farm equipment. Amazingly, this engine cranks out 275 horsepower and an incredible 1,640 lb.-ft. of torque, making this hot rod a little intimidating to drive. According to America Loves Horsepower, the chassis is constructed of old municipal light poles from Hollywood. The body may be the last piece that is uniquely 1931 Ford.
Advertisement
The engine actually has over a million miles on it, absolutely mind-blowing by today’s standards. Builder and owner Henry Kessler may well get another million out of it, and by all accounts, could drive it from California from New York. It’s that sturdy and dependable. The engine provides all the awesome sounds you’d expect from one that’s been cranking since 1952, and while the ride may be somewhat less than smooth, who wouldn’t get a kick out of taking this thing for a spin?
Advertisement
See it in action below, and SHARE if you’re a fan of cool rat rods.