Back when Tony Estrella was in high school, it seemed like everybody he knew owned a hot rod. But his father taught him to “take care of the essentials first and enjoy the luxuries later.” It was a good philosophy
Back when Tony Estrella was in high school, it seemed like everybody he knew owned a hot rod. But his father taught him to “take care of the essentials first and enjoy the luxuries later.”
It was a good philosophy then and still holds true today. Estrella’s dream of owning a hot rod would have to wait.
The years passed and Estrella moved from Maui to make his residence on Kaua‘i and marry Annie, the love of his life. Over the years he faithfully followed his father’s advice by working hard and taking care of the essentials.
“So I finally reached a point in my life where I could take care of the luxuries,” said Estrella, casually pointing to his beautiful 1929 Ford touring sedan.
One day around four years ago, Estrella’s cousin called and informed him about a 1929 Ford that was for sale on Maui. This Ford was one of a fleet of cars that were previously used to lorry tourists around Waikiki. Estella’s cousin knew that Tony was searching for a 1928 or ’29 Ford, so when he learned of the touring car for sale he made a quick call.
Estrella wasted no time and flew over to Maui to work out a deal with the owner. Looking over the ’29 touring car, Estrella remarked, “It had a V-6 motor and was in a kind of a ‘hemo-jang’ condition.” But even so he now had the beginnings of a long held dream come true. The next step would be to contact a well known auto restoration expert on Kaua‘i.
Estrella returned to Kaua‘i to discuss a design plan with mechanic Paul Silva in Kalaheo. Silva then engineered and organized the rebuilding of this touring classic into the beautiful shape it’s in today.
It took three and a half years to build Estrella’s touring car and lots of people were involved in the making of it. Paul Silva worked on the bored and stroked 289 Ford block engine that now runs as a 306. The engine sports a Barry Grant carburetor, Edelbrock heads and intake.
Bill Ginoza worked on the solid Wescott fiberglass body. Mark Silva captured the fun of the ’29 tub with the remarkable sporty yellow paint job. Ray Silva installed the awesome exhaust system giving it a throaty growl as this classically styled Ford prowls its way into town.
Charley’s Custom Upholstery worked up the beautiful two-tone upholstery fitting, adding to the car’s luxurious look. John Ishibashi provided the work on the C4 transmission out of a Maverick, and the 8.8 rear end. Estrella credits the remarkable growling sound that folks can hear from nearly a block away to a combination of cams and headers and exhaust.
“There is no ragtop on my car as of yet but it’s on my to-do list,” Estrella added.
Nearly all the parts are brand new on Estrella’s Ford except for the body and a couple of tie rods.
If Estrella’s high school buddies could only see this hot rod of hot rods, they would probably wish to heaven they never sold their cars so many years ago.
“I think the most fun we have is taking our visiting family for a drive all over Kaua‘i in our ’29 tub,” Estrella’s wife Annie said.
After taking one look at this touring beauty, you will have to agree that driving it anywhere must be a world of fun.
Watch video online
Watch video footage of this classic 1929 Ford tub in action as part of The Garden Island’s series on Kaua‘i’s Classic Car Club and check back each week for a new vehicle.
• Leo DuBois, contributor, can be reached via e-mail at ldubois@kauaipubco.com
