1934 Ford Hot Rod

18 year old Tony Pellegrino and best mate Dominic, spotted the 34 Ford for sale on the side of the road in Bayswater in 1967. The car's previous owner had already commenced work on it, but as it sat, it was only the shell on the original chassis with no running gear. A deal was struck and the 34 was transported to his parents' house in Balwyn, where Tony fitted a front end and diff to get it rolling before being stored again until 1975.

Around that time Tony had gotten married and purchased his new family home. Moving to Croydon the 34 followed where it continued to be stored under the trusty blue tarp for a further 10 years (1986) before relocating the car once more. From 1986 to 2008 it was common sight to see the car between the top of the coolroom of family business Pellegrino Fresh Fruits and the family home under the same blue tarp!

After approximately 33 years, in 2008, the decision was finally made to commence work on the car! Through a mutual friend, Peter Quafe was introduced to the build. Peter's initial words before starting were "If you're in a hurry, don't leave it with me. This will need some time." With that, the car was loaded up, and accompanied by friend Victor O'Neil, shipped off to Peter's workshop where work was finally underway! Over the next 10 years, the car was periodically worked on. Peter and his crew stripped the car apart, cutting out as much of the nasty stuff and 60 odd years of decay as they could and replacing it with more healthy steel, getting the car structurally and mechanically sorted and ultimately running.

By 2019 the car had been fully rewired and had its first engine start. From Peter's shop the car was sent to Shane Connors of Craftsman Motor Trimmers where a tasteful black & white tuck'n roll interior was made for the car, with all interior surfaces covered and a stealth stereo fitted.

By then it was 2023, COVID had come and gone and the 34 was finally registered, although still unfinished. Tony drove the car in its primer coat to iron out any bugs in the car before coming to see Michael at On Edge Paint & Panel to assess and repair some wheel scrubbing and body alignment issues. Through the persistence of close friend and fellow hot rodder, Dominic, Tony decided to go full throttle to get the car finished. With the 6 inch channel job already existing the new larger & wider rear guards were installed. Following that the team at On Edge Paint & Panel, went right over the car. Front Harley Davidson cycle guards were modified and fitted to the front, a custom flat firewall was done, doors had rust removed and were correctly aligned. Then blocking, blocking, blocking, hundreds of hours sanding to make sure the car was as flat and straight as could be before applying the custom blue colour. Mixed in house at On Edge Paint & Panel.

Once the colour was applied the On Edge team assembled the car using all new correct fittings & fixtures for a 34 Ford. They also modified the fuel system, with larger lines, new in tank fuel sender fitted, with a pressure reg & gauge mounted on the firewall. The team also rebuilt the steering system, gave the brakes an overhaul and fitted a new manifold, relocated the alternator and got all three carbs functioning.

For the first time since 1967 Tony had a fully complete and finished car in 2025. "Never had I thought my car would ever look this good!" said Tony as he got in to drive his pride and joy.