'Mint' best describes this 1940 Ford sedan

The term "mint" is used in the automotive world to describe a vehicle that has been kept or found in excellent original condition, just as it was the day it rolled off the assembly line.

Bill Moody's 1940 Ford Deluxe Sedan wasn't found in exactly mint condition. When he purchased it 14 years ago from an owner in Minnesota, the car had been gone over and was a nice driver, but it was far from being up to factory specs. But somehow, "mint" is the only word that can be used to describe it.

Probably because Moody has had the whole thing coated in none other than "Tic Tac Green." It's a fresh twist on the conventional hot rod color and one that all started with a trip to the local grocery store right after he bought it.

"One night, my wife and I were going through the checkout line," Moody explains, "and there was a package of Tic Tac mouth mints. I immediately bought them and took them right over to the paint shop, and said 'paint it this color.'"

Shortly after drying, the car was taken to the folks at Reno Air in Crystal Lake for them to spray on some reverse flames, heating things up for this street cruiser. Despite all the custom work and trick parts found on the car, Moody has found that it is almost always that unique color that gets onlookers talking.

"People either love it or hate it simply because it's something you typically don't see. The nice thing about hot-roddin' is that everybody builds their own style - you build it for yourself and what you want."

Moody has done just that by making modifications that he's quite happy with. There's shaved bodywork, removing the chrome trim, door handles and bumpers. French'd fenders with recessed halogen headlights are a subtle addition to the nose, while also adding better visibility for those dark night drives. Illumination for the rear is provided by way of five new LED taillamps in the stock-style "sergeant patch" chrome housings.

Slipping into the cabin, you'll find top-notch custom upholstery, stitched together by Moody himself, just one of the perks of having your own shop: Moody's Hot Rods Upholstery in Rolling Meadows (hence the SEW KOOL license plate).

The worn factory materials have been swapped out for leather and baby ostrich skin (both synthetic of course), covering the seats, door panels, dash and floor in a ultra-trick look that most classic cars can only dream of having.

Interior and trunk lighting has been installed as well as two speed wipers, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power door locks and cruise control. Keeping things cool inside is a new A/C system from Vintage Air. GPS keeps Moody heading in the right direction and a new stereo and speakers pump his favorite classic tunes. Auto Meter gauges housed in a fabricated cluster are responsible for monitoring the engine vitals.

Those vitals are coming from a solid, reliable Chevrolet 350 V-8, putting out a modest 300 horsepower. A three-speed transmission puts those stallions down to the pavement by way of a Ford 9-inch rear end. Providing extra stopping power are new disc brakes upfront, hidden behind chrome Weld Racing Wheels. A Mustang II suspension smooths out bumps and keeps this street rod pointing straight while a Flaming River rack and pinion makes for effortless turning.

All these changes serve a purpose and aren't just for looks as Moody drives this custom quite regularly. In addition to taking to it to local Rolling Meadows cruise nights, he also takes long highway trips to car shows in places like Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and even back to the car's old stomping grounds of Minnesota. Despite winning countless trophies and plaques, one of Moody's most prized achievements was a first place finish at the 2003 World of Wheels Car Show.

Yes, it's a hot looker but at the end of the day Moody continues to customize and enjoy his ride, not to be on the podium stand, but because of the satisfaction it brings him.

"I drive it because it brings you back to when you were younger, when you had these cars out on the road. You escape from the day's worries or problems at a job or at home. You get in your car and drive. Listen to some old tunes on the radio, cruise and forget about your problems."

With Moody doing just that and taking this street rod out on a regular basis, we're sure that he's making all those other car guys green with envy.