By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

Rex and Denise Sageser’s 1940 Ford Coupe Deluxe was a hot standout in a line-up of cool cars Sunday at this year’s first Peabody Cruise.

The flame-painted, fire-red custom build had passers-by pulling out their camera phones to take photos.

Many zoomed in for close-ups of exquisite pinstriping by artist Ron Myers, who detailed a guitar that appeared on ZZ Top’s first album cover.

The husband-and-wife team admit they were shooting for an old-school rock n’ roll theme for the look of the car they found in west Texas.

“It’s a hot rod,” he said. “It’s an independent product and a cruise down the highway at 80 miles an hour.”

Sageser is proud to point out he and Denise replaced every part on the car during its three-year custom build.

The coupe now has a late-model engine, power steering, power breaks, and air conditioning.

The Sagesers drove in from Wichita this weekend to show off their good work and hang out with Affordable Street Rods owner Rex Watson.

The two have visited their share of car shows but enjoy Peabody’s relaxed event.

“The restaurant was good and the antique shops were fun,” he said.

The couple plan to drive in their jet-black 1933 Ford Widow Coupe for the next cruise May 23.