The term “hot rod” is used today to describe any car that appears to be modified or fast. However, in the classic car scene, the 1932 Ford is the car that would most likely have a picture under this term in the Car Dictionary. They were so popular that at one point, it seemed like 3 out of every 5 cars at a car show were a fiberglass ’32 roadster.  Up for sale here on eBay is a tremendous example of a traditional Henry steel 1932 hot rod with loads of period touches. Located in Sherman Oaks, CA, this Ford is being offered with a Buy-It-Now price of $58,000. This 5-window is ready for your next blacktop showdown.

Ford nailed it when they brought the 1932 models to market. Edsel Ford’s design for all the different models was beautiful and lent a modern look to the new Fords, further taking them away from the horseless carriage era of the Model T’s. But what really set the ’32 Ford apart is the V8 that Ford offered in the Model 18 option. This was the first V8 that was mass-produced and offered in an American production car. This engine sparked an 8-cylinder revolution that all of us in the classic car world still recognize today.

Shod in later 40’s steel wheels, and painted in Washington Blue, this is a prime example of the cars in the late 40s/early 50s that our hot rod forefathers built. The mechanical bits paint the same picture. Banjo rear end, Zephyr gears, and an F1 steering box are chief modifications from the traditional hot rod manual. According to the seller, this ’32 contains many early hot rod parts, but unfortunately, no details about them are provided. The 4-barrel is intriguing, as most traditionalists prefer multi-carb setups on their flatties. Edelbrock had a 4-barrel flathead manifold in their 1953 catalogue, so if this is one of those pieces, or an even rarer one, this would be an extra cool piece.

This car strikes an imposing figure. Full-fendered hot rods with a stance like this remind me of a well-tailored suit with a switchblade in the pocket. Just stock-looking enough to lure the guy in the lane next to you to sleep, then hammer down the throttle to hear that flattie in full song. Now, of course, any modern car is faster than this rod, but that’s not the point. The point is the visceral feel of mechanical speed beating its way into your brain, one cylinder detonation at a time. And that is exactly why we love these old cars.