A LOVE of pre-1950 coupes has seen Paul Caccamo add another classic hot rod to his collection.
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The auto-electrician has been a regular sight around the Echuca-Moama region over the years with his 1941 Willys Coupe hot rod.
While he still owns that startling piece of machinery, it was a new acquisition that caught the eye of motoring enthusiasts at the Rich River Rod Run earlier this year in Moama.
Paul's 1937 Ford Slamback has won prizes at numerous car shows and this year was voted the top hot rod overall at the Rich River Rod Run.
Paul bought the Slamback three years ago off a mate and it was in pristine condition — except for the fact it wasn't going.
“It was in perfect condition" Paul said.
“It just had a few electrical problems and with my work in the automotive field I had it fixed in four days.”
It's the only work he has had to do to the Ford Slamback, which is powered by an LS2 Chevy V8 engine fitted with a Harrop supercharger, all packaged under the bonnet.
It has a 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission with independent front suspension and a four-link rear end and nine-inch diff with a 3:7 ratio.
The hot rod sits on 18x8-inch and 20x10-inch Intro billet wheels.
As well as the mechanical side, the hot rod comes with air conditioning, electric windows, airbags, heater, stereo and custom interior.
“It's a Lamborghini leather and hide and cost $11 000 to import the material from Italy,” Paul said.
The Slamback has been coated in a subtle custom olive paint by House of Kolor, with matching olive green leather and suede upholstery by Bendigo Trim.
The car was originally built by Shane Rowe in Deniliquin before he moved his work to Shepparton with Southern Custom Rods.
The street rod is based around a heavily modified Oze Rods glass body and chassis.
Paul has been enamoured with the Slamback since Shane started his build.
“It's a car I've loved for a while,” Paul said.
“I watched the car get built and have always wanted it in my collection.
“I like the gangster look of it. This is actually a Canadian-built body.
“They based the shape and model on the 1937 Ford Tudor sedan but changed the name to a Slamback.
“It's an eye-catcher.”
Despite being a 10-year-old car, it finished in the top six of the prestigious MotorEx car show last year.
And how does it handle?
“Beautiful, an absolute treat,” Paul said.
“It comfortably sits on 100km/h cruising speed.
“It's an elite high-calibre hot rod, but I don't drive it much. It's more a show-pony car.”