Say hello to a custom 1927 Essex that is unlike any other. Affectionately known as the ‘Ratical Kiwi’, this wild rat rod was displayed at the SEMA Show last year and is currently up for sale in Henderson, Nevada, not far from Las Vegas.
While this may be a custom 1927 Essex model, it has been so comprehensively modified that it shares virtually nothing in common with its former self.
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The car was modified and built by David Jeffrey of Bellarat Customs down in New Zealand and has been featured in various magazines throughout the U.S. and New Zealand. Looking like something out of a Mad Max film, the Ratical Kiwi sits low and the bodywork has been finished in such a way that the car gives off some Steam Punk vibes.
The eBay listing reveals that power comes from a big block 454 cubic-inch (7.4-liter) Chevrolet V8 that includes custom radiators and custom headers and is mated to a GM 70R4 transmission. Additionally, the Ratical Kiwi has a Jaguar X300 front end and two Jaguar X300 rear ends, making the vehicle a bizarre six-wheeler with three axles. There are also Jaguar brake discs and calipers as well as a set of chrome wheels.
Underpinning everything is a bespoke frame with hollow-section chassis rails and cross members. The listing states that the rat rod has an asking price of $79,980. Moreover, it claims that the interior is also distinct, though it fails to provide any images. Fortunately, we get to see how it looks like thanks to Motor Hood, which shares some photos of the cabin that’s indeed very striking.
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