1925 Ford Model T Roadster – Custom Traditional “Gow Job” by Renowned NH Builder “Father Ray”

Zoom Classic Cars is pleased to present this 1925 Ford Model T Roadster — a recent custom “gow job” build by renowned New Hampshire hot rod craftsman “Father Ray.” Few cars capture the rebellious spirit and handcrafted ingenuity of early American hot rodding quite like a traditional gow job. Long before billet street rods and catalog-built customs, young mechanics stripped down aging Model T and Model A Fords to create lightweight, homebuilt speed machines for dirt tracks, dry lakes, and backroad racing. The term “gow job” emerged in the 1920s and ’30s as slang for these crude, loud, fast, and wildly creative machines built from whatever parts were on hand. Today, authentic gow jobs are regarded as some of the earliest and purest forms of American hot rod culture.

Offered here is an extraordinary interpretation of that tradition. Built over a painstaking 3-to-4-year period as Father Ray’s personal project, this one-of-one machine blends classic gow job attitude with exceptional metal craftsmanship and thoughtfully integrated modern drivability upgrades. Unlike many period-inspired rods that trade usability for looks, this car was engineered to be fully functional, reliable, and road-ready while keeping the raw personality and visual drama of an authentic early hot rod.

Build & Chassis

Heavily modified Ford Model A chassis with extensive fabrication throughout
Frame expertly pinched front and rear for a tight, aggressive profile
Z’d rear crossmember and flat front crossmember for proper stance and geometry
Rear section bobbed approximately 12 inches for a compact, purposeful look
Traditional Model A chassis and suspension components retained and carefully modified to fit the custom frame, preserving the mechanical feel of an early Ford-based racer

Body & Exterior

Steel body showcasing Father Ray’s eye for detail and proportion
Bugatti-inspired firewall — a beautifully crafted custom touch
All original wood structure completely replaced with custom-fabricated steel integrated subrails for added rigidity and longevity
Widened cowl that improves foot room and comfort without disrupting the vintage profile
Handmade four-piece hood with GM-inspired vent doors
Chopped and leaned windshield for a lower, leaner stance
Rare Wippet grille shell and radiator assembly with a custom lower panel treatment that gives the car unmistakable personality

Interior Craftsmanship

Fully custom dashboard with a glovebox and a cleverly hidden phone charger
Raised custom seat platform that improves interior space and driving ergonomics
Ingenious reversed Ford Model T steering wheel adapted to a custom Model A steering box — one of many handcrafted details that set this build apart
A cockpit that balances vintage style with subtle, genuinely useful modern convenience

Engine & Mechanicals

Traditionally styled four-cylinder engine for period-correct character
Desirable Burns downdraft intake and matching Burns valve cover
New Stromberg 97 carburetor for enhanced drivability and performance
12-volt charging system for reliable, modern dependability
FS electronic ignition and mini alternator for easy starting and steady charging
All-new wiring throughout
Vintage lighting discreetly converted with modern internals and integrated turn signals — safer road use while preserving the authentic pre-war appearance

Ownership & Location

Vehicle located in New Hampshire
Clean title in the owner’s name
Presented by Zoom Classic Cars — call Jeff with any questions or to schedule an appointment to view the vehicle

The Driving Experience

Built to be driven, not just admired — fully functional, reliable, and road-ready from the moment you take the seat
The Burns induction and Stromberg 97 deliver period-correct looks with genuinely usable performance
Modern 12-volt electrics, electronic ignition, and updated lighting make it confident and safe for real-world road use
Equal parts rolling sculpture, historical tribute, and usable vintage hot rod, this gow job turns heads and delivers an authentic early-rod experience at every cruise night and show