This Guy’s Garage – Ron Ford

Ron is a self-avowed old-school car crafter. In 1968, he wanted to buy a 427 big-block Ford Fairlane, but they were “too expensive.” He wandered down to the Chevy dealership where he discovered an L78 big-block Nova “that only cost $3,000—and it was faster!” He ordered the Rat-powered Nova instantly. The L78 option got him the 375hp 396 along with a Muncie four-speed trans. “That car was an 11-second car right off the showroom floor,” Ron said—perhaps with a few changes like slicks and traction bars. He even raced the Nova in NHRA A/Stock for a short time but eventually gravitated to bracket racing, where the Nova ran high-6s in the eighth-mile and as quick as 10.20 at 136 mph with a Top Loader four-speed. Along the way, he’s created a reputation in his area as an engine builder. As Ron says, “I can do as good as a professional who doesn’t care,” which may be slightly underselling his abilities. Ron has owned his own agricultural trucking company since 1977, but when he’s not driving his truck, he’s in the shop working on an engine or two. Where else would you want to be?

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Photo Gallery: This Guy’s Garage – February 2014 – Car Craft Magazine