This 1932 Ford Model B Sedan has been sitting in storage since 1969. The current owner has dragged it out, and an inspection has revealed that this is a solid classic that would make a great restoration project that could involve the whole family. What makes it truly impressive is the fact that the owner has been able to coax it back to life. It now needs to go to a new home, so the Ford has been listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Gorham, Maine, and while the bidding has reached $12,800, the reserve isn’t met. There is a BIN option available, and this has been set at $24,900.
Below its tired paint, this Model B seems to tell a reasonably positive story. The underside has a coating of surface corrosion, but there is no rot to be found. The only evidence of penetrating rust is a small spot in the right rear fender. Anything else on the exterior is little more than surface corrosion. The fabric in the top was covered with steel during the 1950s, so that is something that the buyer might need to address if a faithful restoration is being considered. The wire wheels look to be in surprisingly good condition, and I think that these could be easily restored without the need to send them off to a specialist. The grille assembly is a new reproduction item, and it looks extremely nice. The rest of the trim and chrome will require some restoration work, although the glass appears to be fine.
The Model B brought some notable improvements to the 4-cylinder flathead engine that had served so faithfully in the earlier Model A. These improvements saw a 25% power boost, with the new model pumping out 50hp compared to its predecessors 40hp. The new model also featured a mechanical fuel pump, which was a vast improvement over the Model A’s gravity-feed system. This Model B is a confirmation of statements that I have made in past articles about the ruggedness of Ford flathead engines. The car was parked in 1969 and has only recently emerged into the light of day. The owner performed some essential maintenance and also installed a new fuel tank and electric fuel pump. The 201ci flathead has roared back into life and is said to sound great. The vehicle now runs and drives, and the owner believes that returning it to a mechanically roadworthy state should not be difficult.
The Ford’s interior is looking a bit shabby, but it could be used as-is if blankets were thrown over the seats. The existing upholstery was fitted during the 1950s, and while some of it has held up well over time, some of it is well past its use-by date. The dash and gauges look like they could be restored, and I think that the wheel might also be able to be revived. A trim kit would seem to be the most obvious choice here to return the interior to its former glory. A high-quality kit will cost about $1,800, but it does offer a choice of colors to cater to most tastes.
At the BIN price, this 1932 Ford Model B is not the cheapest project car kicking around at present. However, returning to a roadworthy state does not look like it would be particularly difficult. I believe that this is a restoration project that could involve the whole family. Getting out in the workshop together might be a better alternative to sitting in front of the television during the cold winter months. When the weather turns warm again, the whole family can hit the road to enjoy the classic car ownership experience. After all, the family that plays together stays together.
Great project car. You could have a lot of fun with this one. The B engine had a surprising number of changes that aren’t immediately noticeable. The fuel pump is fairly obvious but you got full pressure lubrication and an automatic spark advance. A year further down the road would’ve got you a counterweighted crankshaft. A lot of Model A guys have swapped for B engines. While I would prefer a V-8 I sure wouldn’t turn this one down…
Nice car. Can’t remember the last time I saw the add on whitewalls.
Tell me more about that Aurora……
Holy Grail stuff here. ’32 2dr anything with original Henry steel very desirable. If I didn’t have a yard full of projects this would be mine. Good Luck to the seller I’m sure it was a tough decision to let it go.
With the Vanderbrink sale off of that 1932 collection of late – we might see a few more garage doors open.
Lot of meat on the bone here folks. Wonder what this car will be worth in 20yrs? This is a rarity not seen enough anymore by today’s dollar this is a deal. Unfortunately I am financially embarrassed can’t take this gem from the sellers hand. But boy I’m drooling right now.
Being a shop owner, I do my best to keep up with the 21st, and say that cars now have sensors that sense sensors. It’s refreshing to see something this simple.
Oh man you took the words out o my mouth. This is a treat. I’m besides myself on this one. Great piece of history love it.
While a barn treasure it is, can one average dude afford the restoration costs?
I see a “Rodder” going underwater at the BIN price of 24.9 LARGE. Add another 20k +++ for the process and you are back to what is it worth at the end of the day, huh?
The 32 Ford are a “holy grail” car, they will never be inexpensive. Somewhere along the line it seems people decided if they won’t settle for anything other than their dream car, then complain when they can’t find one that fits into their generally outdated budget. There are plenty of cars the “average dude” can afford if they are willing to put in the effort and find one. The 29-31 Fords are relatively common and inexpensive, a friend recently stumbled across a 30 5 window coupe that had been sitting in California garage since the mid-70’s for $2,500. It’s never been a better time to find desirable cars at reasonable prices, all someone needs to be is flexible and actually work at it.
Steve R
Fine automobile, really, really fine. Mechanical brakes, flathead six, wire wheels, torn up seats. Desirable 32 model. Only needs complete restoration. All for a mere 25 grand. Just can’t wait to jump on this one. To each his own.
God bless America
Flathead six?
I’m a little baffled at a few comments on this car. Who says this car has to be restored? Preserved is more the word. Obviously must people on barn finds have to farm out their cars to expensive shops to do their work for them. Growing up poor on the east coast we learned at a young age to do it yourself.10 k for paint work 20k for this and that is b.s. get your nose out of t.v. and magazine’s . This car needs saved not restored. Learn to do the work yourself and if you can’t don’t cry about it.Find another hobby or passion besides crying about the cost of classic cars.
FYI: I don’t watch t.v. and, I don’t waste my time on magazines, (unless they have some real capacity.)
Just sayin’ at a 24.9 large buy in you’ll be doing the Jacques Cousteau undersea adventure before ‘ya know it.
Out here on the west coast, we too were taught to weld, chop, sand, paint and modify as well.
Heck, my high school auto shop project was to cut a 4’ section out of a ‘59 GMC P.U. Frame and weld it back together.
I got an “A” for completing the task.
Even considering my extensive construction trade, automotive, welding, electronics, engineering, and aircraft design experience, and ability to do most if not all of the work…costs are costs.
So, somewhere you gotta measure the expenses.
That, IMHO, is measured in the “Buy-In” process.
Even IF you do the work.
Therefore, the acquisition price MUST be CORRECT!
I hear you but again I’m asking what after buy in price is so expensive? Owner claims it runs or has ran get it to stop and preserve it. Throw a blanket over the seats and wash it .
Some very nice warm and fuzzy words to describe that the seller is not the original owner, but a flipper.
Too bad this doesn’t have the V-8. I could see myself in this classic, driving very fast down a dirt road on the outskirts of a mid-western town, being chased by the cops after robbing the local bank, Tommy-Guns with the old-fashioned drum-type magazines sticking out of the windows blasting away, and a big bag of freshly stolen money in the back seat.
Doug from MD: If this is your idea of a great car for 24.9 large…buy it.
We have “Car Culture Class” here on the west coast where it ALL began.
Drive a “rag” if you want to, but I prefer a little bit better “Bill O’ Fare” on my dinner plate.