By Grant Cox – Photography By the Author
The engine hum seemed to sing a melody from a bygone era, a tune that spoke directly to the soul of anyone with oil in their veins and a passion for classic 1932 Ford steel hot rods. Darby Milner’s surname wasn’t just a part of his identity. It was a symbol of his destiny. Born into a family where cars were not just vehicles but vessels of memories and emotions, Darby’s journey with automobiles was almost written in the stars.
The 1970s and 1980s in Kansas, where Darby grew up, were decades marked by the roar of engines at local dirt tracks and the glossy sheen of meticulously maintained cars at shows. His father, a mechanic and a devotee of 1950s and 1960s music, introduced the young Darby to the world of hot rods and muscle cars. This world wasn’t just about the cars, it was about the community, the craftsmanship, and the culture surrounding these mechanical marvels.
Darby’s bond with his father was forged in the heat of engine grease and the shared silence of a drive. Despite moving 400 miles away for work, Darby and his father remained connected through daily conversations, discussing everything from carburetor adjustments to the best tracks of Elvis Presley. However, when his father died, Darby’s world of automotive enthusiasm dimmed. The garage became a place of memories too painful to visit, and he sold his cars, stepping back from the community that had been part of his life’s fabric.
It was his wife, Jennifer, who years later nudged him back toward the world of cars. The spark reignited. Darby knew diving back into car restoration would be challenging with his responsibilities as a father and a career man, yet the desire to connect with his past and perhaps create something new was irresistible. He set his sights on acquiring a 1932 five-window coupe—a nod to his namesake in the iconic film American Graffiti. However, he was clear; his wouldn’t be a mere replica.
His search led him to Doug and Terry Wilson’s 1932 Ford, not a five-window coupe but a vehicle that echoed his dream in every other way. The connection with Doug was instantaneous, transforming from a transaction into a mentorship and friendship. Doug, a seasoned hot rod builder with a wealth of stories and advice, became the father figure Darby didn’t know he was missing.
The chassis, the backbone of any vehicle, required significant modifications to meet modern standards while preserving its vintage essence. The team decided on a comprehensive upgrade, starting with integrating a SO-CAL Speed Shop frontend. The SO-CAL components were ideal for enhancing the street rod’s handling and driving experience without compromising its classic appeal.
Underhood and beyond the modifications continued with a Currie 9-inch rearend, a choice favored by many for its robustness and reliability in handling increased power outputs. The addition of QA1 shocks and rear springs ensured that the car would move quickly and smoothly, ready to handle the bumps and challenges of modern roads with grace. A TCI rear four-link suspension system was also integrated.
The body gives it a contemporary twist by chopping the top by 2-1/2 inches, enhancing its sleek profile. The addition of Rocky hidden hinges contributed to a cleaner look, while molded 1937 Ford taillights were integrated to alter its vintage aesthetics subtly. These changes not only modernized the appearance but also kept the spirit of the original design.
Inside, the coupe doesn’t shy away from comfort or style. It features a full suite of SO-CAL gauges that maintain the vintage feel while providing modern functionality. Comfort is ensured with Vintage Air A/C, a necessity in warmer climates. Including Lokar pedals, throttle cables, shifter, and an e-brake handle offer precision control and a refined interior look. For entertainment, Darby opted for a high-quality sound system, incorporating Kicker speakers and a Pioneer head unit that provides both superior sound and a nod to modern technology.
Underhood, the car boasts a Smeding Performance 383 small-block Chevy V-8, a powerhouse with robust performance and reliability. This engine is paired with a 700-R4 transmission. The exhaust system doesn’t skimp either, featuring Sanderson headers and Flowmaster mufflers that produce a hearty, unmistakable rumble.
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of Darby’s highboy three-window coupe is its dual set of wheels. He chose Wheelsmith wire wheels for the classic hot rod look, sized 15×6 at the front and 17×8 at the rear. The front tires are Coker Firestone F560 165R15, and the rear are Firestone 265/65-17s to enhance the car’s aggressive stance. For a more refined street rod look, he opted for ET Mag wheels, with 15×6 at the front wrapped in a Nexen 165R15 tire and a more expansive 16×10 wrapped in a Hoosier 31×12.50R-16LT at the rear, providing a more modern profile and improved handling.
When Darby flew to California to finalize the purchase, he expected to return with just a car. Instead, he returned with a mentor and a newly kindled spirit for his passion. The car, affectionately named Elmo by its previous owners, was more than just a vehicle; it was a legacy.
Back in Kansas, Darby prepared Elmo for its debut at an indoor show, with Doug’s guidance every step of the way. The event turned into a surprise reunion with Doug and his friend Charlie Matus, enhancing the experience and deepening Darby’s connection to the hot rod community.
However, life with a hot rod is never without its adventures. An unexpected incident with the “suicide doors” during a drive tested Darby’s resilience and brought him to Lonny Moore, a renowned customizer. Lonny’s expertise restored Elmo, introduced Darby to new friends, and further embedded him in the community.
With Elmo restored and the stereo playing ZZ Top, Darby looks forward to a lifetime of shows, drives, and new memories. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but the journey has been worth every turn. Thanks to the support of people like Doug, Terry, Lonny, and countless others, Darby Milner’s love affair with cars continues, a testament to the enduring connections that cars can create among those who love them.
Check out this story in our digital edition here.
MR
