The cab over engine (COE) truck has unexpectedly carved itself quite a niche in the automotive world. Years ago, trucking industry laws that capped maximum rig length bore the need for an abbreviated front end as the engine and transmission took their uncomfortable place between the front seats. At the time, they sold well enough because they fit the legislation. Now, they take on multiple roles within hot-rodding culture as some get diesel-swapped, some get slammed, and some get muscle-based V8s.

Jay Horton’s 1940 Dodge COE is certainly the latter with the help of Hughes Engines. Its SteamRoller camshaft produces a noticeably non-stock low idle lope while still being very streetable in a stock or mild build. Decked out in flat black paint with complimenting fat chrome rims, the subtle growl fits this former workhorse’s overall menacing theme to a tee. Of course, a big set of shiny stacks add to both the sound and look as well.

While it sounds like Jay hit the nail on the head with his SteamRoller selection, he could have just as easily went way more mild or all the way wild. Hughes offers it in more than fifteen different configurations for both big and small blocks. As the name suggests, all are hydraulic rollers. Magnum engine owners can even get pre-made kits with everything necessary to replace the stock cam. Check out the full catalog online.