It would seem that this long-dormant 1932 Ford two-door sedan, bought from an estate and last titled way back in 1957, is destined to be a hot rod project. The car is in rough but not terminal condition. There’s rust, but it isn’t horrible. The frame is original, but not the flathead engine, which comes from a Mercury. The louvered hood is not correct for the car. The Ford is totally stripped, but the grille shell, garnish moldings, running boards, front and rear fenders, front seats, gas tank, and glass are still with it. It’s unclear what’s missing, but the parts are obtainable.
The owner admits that the car is “a project” that needs more money invested than is available to be spent on it. If it doesn’t sell on eBay, the plan is to take the Ford to Carlisle in October.
The Ford experts will have to identify the correct 1932 model and what should be under the hood. Ford’s U.S. output was 258,000 passenger cars in 1932, presumably including Model A, Model B, and Model 18 vehicles. The Depression was settling in.
The 1932 “deuce coupe” is highly sought-after for hot rod builds, but this two-door sedan might work well, too. And, of course, the car could be returned to its original condition, but it’s doubtful that it would be economically satisfying in today’s market. Classic.com cites $56,277 for 1932 Fords, but the high prices are all for built hot rods, some of them with lots of history. If you want to take it on, it can be found here on eBay in Manchester, Tennessee.
Read it again slowly. Jim clearly states that it is a sedan.
What Pat said
I’m sure he’s referring to the title that clearly states 32 Ford Coupe project
But he didn’t have to use that language to make a point…
So what if it is. I’ve seen some really
nice 2-door sedans over the years. In
fact, Tom Daniel’s Li’l Coffin was based on one. There’s still enough here to build a really nice car even after nearly 70 years. Were it mine,
I’d build a full fendered hot rod using
the Merc flathead mated to either a
T-10 4-speed or a ’39 tranny stuffed
with Lincoln Zephyr gears and a Halibrand quick change out back.
Up front would be a dropped front axle. The whole car would be sitting
on a 2 1/2 to 3 inch rake. Might wanna add disc brakes up front with
a 2-pot master cylinder for extra safety. Cap it all off with some WSW
tires wrapped around a decent set of
wire rims. Interesting find though.
Exactly right Kenneth Carney-YES!!! Finish with old school class then proudly drive it and know it’s a rare day you’ll see its double coming the other way.
Word for word what I’d do with it. The Merc I had in my ’32 5 window had plenty of power and plenty of fun. ’39 transmission was the weak link but kept spares and it didn’t take long to change it. Always liked the sedan street rods too.
Nobody said anything negative about sedans. Try not to get upset about nothing.
Gonna need some patch panels for the cowl, lower doors, rear wheelwells and some flooring/floor channel replacement. All that stuff is available in reproduction, but the buyer should weigh the cost and time vs spending more for a tudor body that needs less work.
I wouldn’t touch this with a 10 foot pole. This is not worth sinking that kind of money in by no means. Buy you one fixed an start riding it an only change a few things your way.
Most of the internal structure is made of wood..
I thought I was asking too much for my 1936 Ford 5 window coupe at $5000. but maybe I need to get it listed on eBay. I always wanted to make a street legal “race car”, “stock” car or “jalopy” but I have too many projects so I’ll let someone else have this one.
Nice project.
Will take some time and a bit of parts chasing but could make a nice low buck hot rod. Swap meets, Craigslist, etc. Follow the ‘kiss’ principle, (keep it simple stupid).
As usual interesting comments, some point on others, not so much. I should not even comment, I just love these old Fords so much and they have been a big part of my love of Automobiles. I don’t know how many times I have tried to explain the difference in body styles and still people don’t get it. Is it a big deal? No absolutely not! Only if you are buying the car or restoring it, you might want to know. If this car’s price stays near where it is now, it could be a good buy. The bad news whatever direction the new owner chooses will not be fast or cheap. Do you know any car restoration, that is? Good luck to the new owner no matter what they want to do with the car, its there
As usual interesting comments, some point on others, not so much. I should not even comment, I just love these old Fords so much and they have been a big part of my love of Automobiles. I don’t know how many times I have tried to explain the difference in body styles and still people don’t get it. Is it a big deal? No absolutely not! Only if you are buying the car or restoring it,choice. you might want to know. If this car’s price stays near where it is now, it could be a good buy. The bad news whatever direction the new owner chooses will not be fast or cheap. Do you know any car restoration, that is? Good luck to the new owner no matter what they want to do with the car, its there choice
As usual interesting comments, some point on others, not so much. I should not even comment, I just love these old Fords so much and they have been a big part of my love of Automobiles. I don’t know how many times I have tried to explain the difference in body styles and still people don’t get it. Is it a big deal? No absolutely not! Only if you are buying the car or restoring it, you might want to know. If this car’s price stays near where it is now, it could be a good buy. The bad news whatever direction the new owner chooses will not be fast or cheap. Do you know any car restoration, that is? Good luck to the new owner no matter what they want to do with the car, its there choice
Thanks Joe
Thanks Joe
Thanks Joe
I think we’ve got it. 👍🏻
Take a chill pill.
Read it again.
Watch your language.
Make a nice rod.
Not a coupe but these sedans make a sweet rod also, but not sure how someone who supposedly knows cars could not actually research coupe vs sedan before writing a piece for posting to car folks!!!
Auction closed with a high bid of $7,900, it did not meet reserve.
Steve R
Seem to be missing a big chunk of comments.