Code number 31-01: "Tommy Gun '31"

An extremely mysterious vehicle, with only sketchy pieces of information regarding the development of the this Model A special. It is said that this automobile was commissioned by the infamous Al Capone in the summer of 1931. Fitted with a (at the time unreleased) Ford Flathead V8 221 cubic inch motor, rumours suggest that insiders within the Ford Motor Company may have supplied Capone's engineers with the prototype motor. From the information gathered so far, we believe this modified 5 window coupe was built to hunt and destroy enemies of Capone and his cronies. Two 1928 Thompson submachine guns were bracketed onto the side of the vehicle, bracing off the hood.

The poster shown below is said to be original artwork from 1931 (also commissioned by Capone) to celebrate the vehicle and it's place within the gangster's arsenal.

With the fairing removed, roof chopped and lowered, and modified motor, the Capone Special was in many respects the first and original "Hot Rod". These modifications were no doubt made to give the vehicle a lighter gross weight, greater top speed, and a protected and concealed the driver in the cabin.

The picture above was found during a demolition of a warehouse in Chicago during the 90's and recently acquired by Kustom 17. Suggestions are that it is a picture from 1931, taken during the development and build of the Capone. Note the holes on the side of the hood that indicate the location and fixing points for the Tommy Guns. The picture also shows the target marker hood ornament located on the radiator housing.

A recent article in Luke Ray's Fuel Magazine shows pictures of a '31 5 window coupe owned by automotive designer and artist, Craig Metros, based in Melbourne, Australia. The vehicle was brought to Australia from the US (Washington State) in 2009. Metros' vehicle shows striking similarities to the picture above from 1931. Could this be a surviving prototype?

Stay tuned for more info on the investigation.