Bill Sather 1934 Ford Coupe, hot rod, BBT Fab, BBT Fabrication

Goodguys 2021 Street Rod of the Year Finalist – Bill Sather’s 1934 Ford Coupe

We first saw Bill Sather’s chopped ’34 Ford coupe, built by BBT Fabrications, at the BASF Nashville Nationals and we were even more impressed when we got to study the bitchin’ black coupe in more depth in Columbus.

Bill Sather 1934 Ford Coupe, hot rod, BBT Fab, BBT Fabrication

Based on a chassis from Walden Speed Shop that’s been narrowed in front, the coupe’s nose-down stance comes courtesy of a dropped and drilled beam axle located by hairpin radius rods and employing So-Cal shocks and Walden’s Kinmont-style brakes. A ladder bar and leaf spring rear suspension locates a quick-change rearend. The 15- and 16-inch magnesium Halibrands get turning courtesy of a blown 427c.i. Darton-sleeved small-block Chevy topped with Hilborn injection with Holley EFI controls and backed by a 4L75E overdrive automatic.

Bill Sather 1934 Ford Coupe, hot rod, BBT Fab, BBT Fabrication


A substantial top chop and partially channeled body highlight the sheet metal modifications, along with a lengthened hood and hood sides. It was all finessed by Relic Restomods before being bathed in a beautiful black finish. The BBT team heavily modified the ’34 dash, which was fitted with Dakota Digital instruments in an engine-turned panel and a four-spoke wheel on an Ididit column. Cato’s Custom Upholstery built the seat and stitched the beautiful red leather upholstery.

Bill Sather 1934 Ford Coupe, hot rod, BBT Fab, BBT Fabrication

The finished Ford coupe has a tough, mean, and traditional look that brought some welcome hot rod attitude to the Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year competition.

Bill Sather 1934 Ford Coupe, hot rod, BBT Fab, BBT Fabrication

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.