A Labor of Love: Reidar Hosen’s 1951 Ford Kustom
By Peter Linney, Wicepedia and GTP.
In 2012, Reidar Hosen stumbled upon the car of his dreams—a 1951 Ford 2-Door Sedan, a slice of classic Americana with a custom twist. The car, originally purchased from California, had already undergone significant modifications before making its way across the Atlantic to Trondheim, Norway. The moment Reidar saw it, he knew this was more than just a car—it was a canvas for his passion and creativity.
The Ford had already been chopped, but getting it road-legal in Norway was no small feat. It took Reidar two years of meticulous work to ensure the car met the country’s stringent regulations. During that time, he poured his heart and soul into refining its look and performance, transforming it into a true one-of-a-kind Kustom.
One of the most striking features of Reidar’s Ford is its bold black and Harley Orange paint job, finished with a matte clear coat. This choice wasn’t random; Reidar’s love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles inspired the vibrant color scheme. In fact, he owns a 1999 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide, which he later paired with the car by building a matching custom trailer.
The modifications didn’t stop at the paint. Reidar took the time to make this car uniquely his own. He removed all exterior trim pieces, rounded the door corners, and frenched the headlights to
give the car a sleeker, more modern profile. He also shaved off the door handles for a clean, uninterrupted look. The 4-inch chopped top adds to the car’s low, aggressive stance, while a custom-cut hood provides a window into the powerful 1972 Chevrolet 350 V8 engine beneath.
Reidar enhanced the engine with a tunnel ram intake manifold and dual Edelbrock 450 carburetors, ensuring the car doesn’t just look fast—it is fast. The drivetrain includes a TH 200 R4 transmission with a B&M Quick Silver shifter, complete with a skull topper for a touch of rebellious flair. The Ford 8-inch rear axle with a 3.00 diff lock and the Mustang II front suspension, dropped by 2 inches, ensure a smooth and stable ride.
Inside, Reidar retained the car’s vintage charm, upholstering the original seats in black-and-white leather-look material. The interior is minimalist yet functional, featuring Moon and Auto Sport instrumentation and a sporty 13-inch Grant steering wheel. Black loop carpeting ties the whole look together.
Every summer, Reidar takes his Ford Kustom on epic journeys, driving over 3,000 miles and turning heads wherever he goes. Whether it’s cruising through the Norwegian countryside or parked at a car show, the 1951 Ford is a testament to Reidar’s dedication, skill, and passion for custom cars.
This isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a lifelong project, a rolling work of art, and a tribute to classic car culture with a personal twist. Reidar’s Ford Kustom is proof that with enough love and effort, a car can become so much more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it can become a part of your soul.