For Truck champion, this hot rod is simply Blissful

Rat rods are an American marvel. And quite possibly the king of all rats rods are made from Ford vehicles.

Today, at any given car show across America, chances are that someone will be showing off their completely restored, restyled, perhaps even customized, '30s model Ford.

Fords built in the early 1930's made it into popular culture during the years of WWII, where guys and returning G.I.'s would strip off fenders and beef up the engines.

Back then, hotrodders fell in love with the '30s model Ford at first sight and had a hard time taking their eyes off of such a classic ride. Today, nothing's changed. Just ask NASCAR driver Mike Bliss.

Racing on the NASCAR circuit since 1995, the Milwaukie, Ore., native and former 2002 Truck Series champion is now a regular on the Nationwide Series circuit with his most recent visit to Victory Lane coming at Charlotte in May.

He's no stranger to on-track horsepower. But when Bliss pounds the pavement off-track, he turns up the throttle on an equally cool, albeit vintage, power plant.

Meet Bliss' personal hot rod -- a custom, hand-crafted 1934 Ford 5-Window Coupe.

"Every time I look at this car, it just makes me smile," Bliss said. "This is a rat rod, but it's really more of a hot rod. A lot of man hours went in to building it. That's why I love it. It's got a real unique look to it, and wherever you go, it turns a lot of heads."

Completely in tune with nostalgia, the '34 Coupe features all original Henry Ford steel, an original front and rear suspension and white-wall tires. The interior boasts an antique look with the original steering wheel, while the exterior has an unpainted, natural finish -- a patchwork of bare metal, blemishes intact.

It represents the old-school style, but doesn't lack for modern flair.

The hot rod's been chopped about 6 to 7 inches. A surfboard serves as the roof top and doubles as a rack for carrying items. Other modifications include custom mufflers, zoomie headers, four-link suspension with a Ford 9 inch rear-end, and an automatic transmission.

With a 1960's Ford 406 engine with dual carburetors, it's made to drive like a dream. "The motor is over the top," Bliss said. "On the Interstate, you can run about 75 miles an hour. This car drives really, really well."

Bliss purchased the '34 Coupe about eight months ago from Man Made Legends, a Cornelius, N.C.-based full-service speed shop that restores and preserves classics from all eras and styles. The company is finding a niche in the world of "rat rods" by hand-crafting them from the ground up. Owner and California native John Sad, who built Bliss' customized '34 Coupe, said he runs a hands-on shop.

"Hot rods are our passion," Sad said. "We stand behind our product and offer quality. When we're doing work for a customer, we invite them into the shop so they can be a part of the process, get up under the car, get their hands dirty and see what's going on."

Car guys like Bliss appreciate the technology, craftsmanship and raw horsepower behind Sad's hand-built hot rods. Since purchasing the '34 Coupe, Bliss has teamed up with Sad and is learning how to build these modern "rat rods" from scratch. The duo is currently crafting a 1927 Ford Model T with a 427 Ford engine -- perhaps the most respected power plant in Ford's vintage arsenal. Future plans include building a custom truck and some Dodges.

"Rat rods are a big thing right now. We're building more cars so others can enjoy them, too," Bliss said.

Visitors are welcome to stop by and browse the showroom at Man Made Legends or check them out at various car shows in Mooresville, N.C., or at the upcoming Goodguys Car Show at Lowe's Motor Speedway in October. Learn more at www.manmadelegends.com.