What started out as the obligatory 350 small-block Chevy V-8 and Mustang II IFS would undergo a complete makeover at the hands of the builders at Schwartz Performance. While the outer skin remained pretty much as purchased in its stately black with impeccable woodwork, what is hidden beneath features creativity and performance. The firewall needed extensive modifications to fit the modular Ford Coyote. The woodie now rests on a custom Schwartz G-Machine chassis moved by a Roush supercharged all-aluminum 5.0L Coyote V-8 managed by a Ford Performance CPU responsible for the Ford EFI. Other engine performance items include the Schwartz 1-3/4-inch custom stainless steel headers, power rack-and-pinion steering. They are mandrel bent and TIG welded, eventually feeding the spent gases through the four individual MagnaFlow mufflers with custom tips. Making sure this 580 rwhp and 620 lb-ft of torque comes to life at the turn of a key is through the remote-mounted Optima battery. Getting all this power rearward falls to the TREMEC T56 Magnum transmission that came as part of the Silver Sport Transmissions system that also features their flywheel and clutch assembly. In back accepting this power is a Moser full-floater rearend with Baer brakes, a Currie 9-inch third member, 31-spline axles, and 4.10 ring-and-pinion.

The Baer Pro+ 14-inch drilled-and-slotted rotors, coupled with six-piston calipers at the corners, bring this potent surf wagon to a halt. The brake system is worked by a Raybestos Corvette 1-inch bore master cylinder, which features a custom underdash-mounted pedal assembly that also handles the clutch chores. More corner appeal are the Schwartz front spindles and a set of splined racing sway bars. Couple all this and the black-painted Coker steelies with chrome “Ford” block letter caps that measure 18×9 and 18×10 and are mounted with Nitto 255/35Rx18 and 275/40Rx18 radial rubber.

Inside the factory, the dash is outfitted with Classic Instruments gauges and Vintage Air A/C (switches are mounted within a subdash panel with registers mounted just below). At the same time, an American Autowire harness was poisoned at Schwartz Performance to bring these and the aftermarket stereo to life. Also visible is the Flaming River steering column, topped with a custom leather-wrapped banjo wheel. The factory bench seating is stitched in distressed brown leather by Cassin Customizing with lap belts from Seat Belt Planet.

It makes sense nowadays that if you want a surf wagon, why not get one that can also haul you and your surfboards in comfort and provide all the modern-day performance one could possibly want? Looks like Ray has found just the right combination to enjoy.