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They say life is too short to drive boring cars. That could be a mission statement for Michael South of Bonita Springs, Florida, so long as they are adorned with a Blue Oval. He makes no apologies for his cars. Michael likes them fast, loud and Ford.
Michael South likes his cars fast, loud and Ford.
“I am 72 years, in good health, and love to show off my toys!” he exclaimed. “I spent my adult life in Indianapolis where I owned a small industrial distribution company, There I bought my first hot rod, a Shelby Cobra built by Gentry, and what a hot rod it was!”
This ’55 Ford pickup added plenty of hardware to Michael South’s trophy case, but his ’55 restomod T-Bird still reigns supreme among all of his previous rides.
I only have one at a time, because these garages are too small. — Michael South
“I only have one at a time, because these garages are too small,” Michael said, which he admits is probably a good thing.
Michael’s ’55 restomod Thunderbird still holds the top perch of all his previous pink slips. It featured a Gurney Eagle 347ci stroker engine making 435 horsepower; Ferrari 275 GTB seats; Halibrand knock-off wheels; and a Tremec five-speed transmission. It found a new owner at the Barrett-Jackson auction in West Palm Beach, Florida.
A 435-horsepower, Gurney Eagle 347 stroker and Ferrari 275 GTB seats ensure Mike arrives on time and in style.
It’s better than new and a really fun car to drive. — Michael South
“It’s better than new and a really fun car to drive,” Michael said. “I have always loved hot rods, but never had the money to by one until my kids were grown. Now I can’t imagine not having one.”
Featuring all the creature comforts of a modern car, Michael’s Falcon must be a blast to drive.
“The one thing that you have to know about hot rods is that they all leak, something is going to break sooner or later, and you will always want to keep upgrading something on the car,” the 72-year-old Floridian added. “If I was going to give someone advise about buying or building a classic car, it would be to buy it complete. Don’t try to build one.”
Having added his signature to more than a handful of great examples, Michael would agree that owning what makes you money is less important than owning what makes you happy.
A 331-cube, 435-horsepower stroker backed by a Toploader four-speed motivates his Falcon.
