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The Big Muscle series is dedicated to showcasing some crazy cool musclecars across the United States, but this week host Mike Musto brings us an unexpected treat – showing off a “gangster style” 1949 Dodge Wayfarer. This may not be your typical Big Muscle ride, and certainly isn’t your typical hot rod, but hold on to your seats because this classic is sure to take you for the ride of your life. Check out the unique vintage ride in the video above.
It may not look like a wild and crazy hot rod or street rod, but this 1949 Wayfarer has all the right features to be one cruise-worthy beast.
By industry standards, the Dodge Wayfarer was on the low end of Dodge’s Post WWII offerings. Available in a three-passenger roadster, a notchback business coupe and a fastback two-door sedan, the Wayfarer brought a little bit of style for a limited price range between $1,611 and $1,738. With nearly 257,000 produced in total in 1949, the Wayfarers were nothing truly rare at the time, although the roadsters are now the most highly sought after model due to their limited 5,420 production numbers in 1949.
With that being said, coming across a business coupe or sedan that’s been exquisitely maintained may be hard due to their initial volume being of an un-collector worthy sum.
This business coupe owned by Dan Zuccaro has beat the odds, however, being transformed into a unique and unexpected street rod. No, it hasn’t been chopped, Z’d or decked out in flames, rather Zuccaro went a more conservative approach making a reliable car that looks good on the road and at car shows in addition to being comfortable and easy to drive.
Some may argue that a Zuccaro should have equipped his Wayfarer with a Dodge engine, but being a man of his own opinion, Zuccaro chose a small block Chevy instead. After all, if you're a purist, the custom and hot rod scene is probably not your rightful place in the automotive industry.
Now, back in the day, the Wayfarer was not known for its power.
Equipped with a 103hp V6, these Dodges were piddley by today’s standards. But with the help of Rods ‘R Us, Zuccaro had his coupe transformed into a 425hp beast with a Chevy 383ci engine under the hood that boasts about 400 lb-ft of torque.
Still minor compared to some modern muscle cars, this Wayfarer has just enough power to keep a grin on your face and is reliable enough to go the distance.
Zuccaro also had the car equipped with a Fatman suspension system, rack and pinion power steering and power disc brakes for a few modernized comforts. There were also similar creature comforts like a stereo, air conditioning and center console added to the interior to add to the drivability of the vehicle.
With just a few touches, Zuccaro made his Wayfarer a little bit more cruiser friendly while keeping with the old-time feel of the car.
