Slide Show - Inspiration Strikes: Gary Hoffman’s 1957 Ford Del Rio - News & Events

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Slide 1

The Ford Del Rio was only made from 1957 to 1958. It was based on Ford's utilitarian Ranch Wagon, dressed up with special trim and interior options to compete with sport wagons like the Chevy Nomad. It's best recognized by its two-tone paint and gold V-shaped trim.

Slide 2

Have you noticed the flood of orange cars out on the car show scene? While Gary was a fan of the color (he even painted his house orange once), even he had to admit it was time to try something cooler. To maximize the green to be seen, Gary shaved the door handles, hood, and emblems, but to retain that distinctive Del Rio style, Gary had the rolled aluminum side trim meticulously re-crafted.

Slide 3

Gary made great use of all the space inside for some subtle modifications. "I hid the A/C under the dash, which meant I had to move the wiper motors-plenty of room for all of that!" All of the controls are hidden under the dash lip, so he could fill in and smooth out the dash.

Slide 4

This 351 Windsor was transplanted from a 1969 Ford, spruced up with parts collected over the years, including billet valve covers with billet breathers, an Edelbrock EnduraShine carburetor, K&N air cleaner, and a March pulley kit. "I got the polished aluminum manifold at a swap meet, not sure who made that," he admits.

Slide 5

Gary is especially proud of his renovations to the tailgate. "The original mechanism was pretty awkward, so I used some electric motors to make it power open." Because it's so hard to find, the factory match green carpet was only used in the trunk area.

Slide 6

Look for Gary's Del Rio parked next to his son's Mustang at a car show near you. If there's a sign that says "Don't Disturb The Bear" posted, that means Gary is taking his nap out back, so come back later to heap some praise on him.