I have always had a passion for the 1933 Chryslers and their many unique features that can only be found in that production year. In 1990, I bought my first one from my friend, Ed, which was already a street rod. I am proud to say that I still own it - a classy CT-8 4-Door Sedan with dual side mounts, powered by a Hemi with Indy cylinder heads.

I searched for years for a ’33 Business Coupe, which is even more rare since there were only 226 of these CT-8 Business Coupes built. One was located in Indiana, and I purchased sight unseen. I learned a hard lesson - never take anyone’s word for anything without seeing and touching it. However, I knew the odds of finding another one would be nearly impossible, so I went for it. I have been best friends with Ed Britz of Delmont, Pennsylvania for over 30 years and have witnessed his skills as a master car builder, fabricator, bodyman and painter. He certainly proved our friendship when has said, “You buy and I will build it”. DID HE EVER! The car was in worse condition than we expected and only grew worse as we began to disassemble it. Ed said it was no problem, but would just take a little more effort. After 3 years, working 7 days a week, and with me as his summer assistant, it was completed in late October 2017.

While Ed was cutting out rust, building panels and “leading”, we actively searched Copart for a 6.4 Challenger with minimum damage, but to no avail. What we did find was a wrecked Dodge Hellcat and became the successful bidder. Ed likes a challenge, and a challenge it was! We needed more than a shoehorn to get everything to fit in the ’33.

We wanted to use all the OEM parts that we could. The Hellcat has 7 coolers and an external water pump for the supercharger. Five factory coolers were used, but an aftermarket radiator and condenser were necessary for reduction of size. We were concerned about the cooling with the different radiator, but pleasantly surprised to find the car runs at 185 degrees even in Florida with the air on.

Some of the major components in the build are as follows: Dodge Hellcat Engine with original 8-speed automatic, Moser 9-inch rear end with 3.25:1 gears, positrac and 35 spline axles, Willwood brakes, Ride Tech triangular 4-bar suspension, Ride Tech coilovers with adjustable shocks. Hand built headers with a complete ceramic exhaust, Intro 18-inch and 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Tires, Fatman Front End with rack and pinion power steering, Speed Hut instrumentation, Griffin radiator, Rock Valley 21 gallon stainless fuel tank, Hurricane Air. Power windows, power seats, power brakes, tilt and telescoping wheel, power trunk and a polished stainless steel firewall.

Well worth mentioning are two unique individuals that supplied parts, which are identical to the original ones. A gentleman named Cecil Nuxell from Spokane, Washington, who hand-built the Claxton Horns at the young age of 90. Huntley Acuff of Roseville, Georgia, who reproduced the vulcanized rubber on the running boards. If that name rings a bell, yes, he is the son of country singer, Roy Acuff.

As the saying goes, it takes a village and we used expertise from many. A special thanks goes to Dave Crissy of Johnstown, Pennsylvania for the interior, and to Don of M & P Plating for the chrome work. Much appreciation to Chris Squier of Hot Wire Automotive in Mena, Arkansas for his 2 years of untiring efforts in overcoming the wiring that controls the computer management of the engine and transmission. To his knowledge, Chris believes this is the only street rod of that era that is currently running the factory 8 speed transmission with the Hellcat engine. Our gratitude to Jesse Litzinger, our tech who worked closely with Chris as the hands-on guy with the electronics. Thanks to John Britz, our expert machinist, for completing specialized parts. My wife, Debbie, had the honor of selecting the color scheme, Chrysler Cool Vanilla paint and the Fawn Beige leather interior.

Most importantly, I owe an eternal debt of gratitude to Ed for taking 3 years out of his 78 year old life to make all this happen. What a ride it has been to build this car, and it is even more exciting to drive it! CN