This custom 1930 Ford Model A hot rod, otherwise known as “Rod-Riguez” was built by Junichi Shimodaira, owner of Paradise Road in Nagoya, Japan. Inspired by his idols, George Barris and Ed Roth, Shimodaira went with a proper 303ci Rocket V8 from a 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket V8 hooked to a Hydramatic four-speed automatic.
Finished in a custom blend of Candy Copper with pinstriping by Japanese artist Makoto, this 2002 build features a Z’d and boxed frame front and rear, four-inch wedge chop and hand-crafted fenders that give the illusion that they are floating. “Rod” also includes a custom-made grille (a Shimodaira trademark) flanked by 1959 Cadillac parking light pods used for headlights; out back, 1958 Chevrolet parking lights have been reconfigured to taillights. The fully custom interior features unique bucket seats with 1960s Tijuana-style cloth. In addition to appearing in Hot Rod and other publications, Rod-Riguez landed a role on the TV show, “My Ride Rules,” as well as the movie “Licorice Pizza.”
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