From the project cars we wish we had money and time to build department, comes this 1959 Thames Trader 300E panel wagon. The complete and original if not somewhat rusted vanwagon was for sale at the NHRA Bowling Green Hot Rod Reunion swap meet – with a bonus. Inside the van-like wagon’s cavernous cargo area were all the parts to fix or replace any rusty bits. Also included was a can of vintage all-purpose carpet adhesive, and funnel! Since the wagon is a Ford, any FoMoCo engine and powertrain is fair game in place of the stocker. Start with a four-link Ford 9-inch rear with Trac-Loc out back and work forward. We have it on good authority that a 351 Cleveland fits with only slight firewall convincing. A Ford 2.3 turbo four-banger with a cold side the size of a cantaloupe would be wicked, as would a modern EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 mill. The selection of boosted engines would be the key to laying down some gold leaf and outlining it with a brush to read Huff Wagon on each panel.
More: The Ford Sidevalve Owner’s Club
Great 2-box design.
While the V8 swap is, well, the V8 swap, I think a forced-induction 2.3 is the way to go here.
How prolific is this wagon? Looks like the perfect car to tow my future trackable Seven.
I tend to agree that a 4 cylinder is the best swap here. A V8 swap would add a tremendous amount of weight to this fairly small car (Abdout the Size of a Morris Minor wagon if memory serves). However, I would think the best overall choice would be the DOHC 4 out of a late model base Ranger, complete with 5 speed manual. It would have adequate acceleration, and great fuel economy as well. If there was a good 1.6 liter 4 available with a small (T-28) turbo, I would probably use that instead. Maybe a early Miata engine? If you did that, the Miata would also provide a good chassis donor with an inexpensive upgraded suspension and 4 wheel disc brakes. Not everything needs a V8 to be fun.