Skip to main content

Behind the Wheel episode 5: Brit rocker takes a spin in a ’48 Ford convertible

British rocker Luke Spiller puts the top, pedal down in a 1948 Ford convertible

 

On this latest episode of Behind the Wheel, we’re joined by Luke Spiller, British rock star and frontman for The Struts. He took some time away from his U.S. tour to join Tim Walbridge for a spin in this restomodded 1948 Ford Deluxe Convertible.

Recommended Videos

Back in 1948, around 16,000 Ford Model 76 Convertible Coupes were produced. The original price tag was $1,500, which was a pretty penny back then. This particular version has been restomodded a bit. It’s been lowered down and a Chevy 350 was dropped under the hood. The interior has been completely redone, with the addition of modern conveniences like air conditioning, power windows, and a radio. It’s a car that screams drive me, which is exactly what we got to do.

Behind the Wheel

Digital Trend’s video series, Behind the Wheel, takes you inside some of the fastest, most exotic, and most unique cars on the planet. Join host Tim Walbridge as he shares his expertise and excitement for cars. You’re along for the ride in modern supercars like the McLaren 720S, American classics including a restomodded ’48 Ford Convertible, and everything in between. Celebrity guests regularly get behind the wheel with Tim and share their favorite car stories.

Believe it or not, this is Spiller’s first time in a soft top. On this afternoon drive around Portland, Oregon, the rocker tells us about his 1983 Mini and how he became a Mini guy. It’s the only car he’s ever owned, but that doesn’t mean he plans on limiting his garage to Minis only.

Spiller is a founding member of The Struts, which formed in 2009. The band has opened for The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and The Who. With the release of a new album entitled Young & Dangerous set for October 26, 2018, The Struts will be on a U.S. tour into December.

Tim Walbridge is the president and founder of 503 Motoring, a luxury and exotic car dealership and customization center in Portland, Oregon. With over 20 years of industry experience, Tim has driven just about every exotic — and not so exotic — car there is. His expertise and down-to-earth attitude show in all of his projects, including hosting Behind the Wheel.

Rich Shibley
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rich Shibley is the Director of Video Production at Digital Trends. Before working at DT, he was as an Emmy award winning TV…
My next car must have this Carplay and Android Auto feature, here’s why
Google Maps in full screen on the driver's second display on the Chevy Equinox 2025

I’ve been driving a Chevrolet Equinox 2025 SUV rental car for the past week, and it’s reminded me exactly what my next car needs. It runs Android Automotive, which I’ve already decided is a requirement in my next car, but the more convenient feature is arguably how Chevrolet has approached its CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

CarPlay and Android Auto offer immense benefits and virtually no pitfalls to drivers. They’re designed to bring your phone and its apps into your car, and make it easier to access up-to-date maps and traffic data without relying on often-archaic solutions implemented by your carmaker.

Read more
Waymo lays groundwork for robotaxi revolution
A Waymo car production line.

In recent years, Waymo has been edging toward its long-held goal of revolutionizing urban transportation by deploying a fully autonomous, scalable, and sustainable ride-hailing service. 

The Alphabet-owned company has just taken another step in that direction with the opening of a new vehicle factory in Metro Phoenix, Arizona, in partnership with automaker Magna.

Read more
Ram resurrects 1500 Express trim as an affordable option
ram 1500 express return affordable 2026

Ram is revving up excitement with the return of an old favorite—the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Reintroduced as a more affordable option in the full-size truck lineup, the Express trim brings back a combination of rugged style, respectable performance, and most importantly, a price tag that won’t send buyers running for the hills.

Starting at $41,105 for the base Quad Cab configuration (and just under $45,000 for the Crew Cab), the new Express offers a budget-friendly alternative in a market where full-size trucks can easily cross the $60,000 mark.

Read more