While some cars are less desirable as a result of being modified, classics like this 1932 Ford Roadster are quite the opposite. Already sought after in untouched condition, period modifications tend to make Deuce roadster enthusiasts salivate even more. This example was discovered in a rancher’s barn after its usefulness expired, and now it’s set to reunite with its hot rod past in the hands of one of the foremost FoMoCo enthusiasts in the country. Find the full story here on MSN.com and thanks to Barn Finds reader Michael for the find.
The story has some excellent historical artifacts beyond the car itself, including this photo of it before its long-term hibernation began. The new owners of the roadster are the proprietors of the Early Ford Store in Southern California, and they’re well aware of what they’ve stumbled upon. As the article notes, several period features are still intact on the Ford, including the early single-finger-hold hood hooks and “…early doors, with extra holes to attach the side curtains.” The curtains and the top are believed to be original and possibly never removed from the car.
The article also notes that the blend of originality and period mods extends to the interior. The leather upholstery is thought be to be original, and old Stewart-Warner gauges in the dash point to its hot rod past. Cool period options include a gasoline-fired Southwind heater under the dash and a Firestone radio. The customization efforts were mild overall, as the new caretakers note that the front fenders are still attached and the front axle and rear end remain stock. At some point, the original four-cylinder mill was swapped out for a 59A flathead.
The Early Ford Store owners now have it parked in their wicked shop, looking like the ultimate piece of garage art. Though they haven’t attempted to start it, they’re confident it will fire. They note, “It’s free, it turns, the oil in it is clean, and it’ll likely start, though we haven’t tried to yet.” As the story goes, the collector that the new owners bought the Ford from was given the car by its long-time rancher owner, who wrote on the bill of sale that the terms of the deal simply involved him getting rid of it. Thankfully, this wicked piece of hot rod history will have a brighter future than going to the scrap pile.
Sweet!
The stuff that dreams are made of….the holy Grail!!! Lots to do but what a find!!!
i know an old 1928 Chrysler that since WW2 is in a barn somewhere in Europe. They had to hide it from the Germans during the war. And its still in good shape, it needs some TLC
Of course the oil is clean, after 60 years all of the dirt would of settled to the bottom of the pan. That’s not uncommon especially with the old oils of the day. Tha dirt can’t remain suspended forever.
But it still would make a nice car.
If they tried to start it, But it did not start, Means it doesn’t run .Everybody knows they are worth more if they run.
It looks like the banger was still in it in the old photo.
The pic of the guy sprinting with the jack has that ” I better get this thing outta here before the rancher changes his mind “…
It’s got some serious rust and the top is shot but if it runs, I’ll give him a couple hundred bucks for it.
WOW! It is spectacular and is the Holy Grail of barn find early Fords. As I think about it is mind numbing , and my first thought is, I wish it were mine. Then I take it a step farther, what would I do with, nothing, what could you do, it is the Holy Grail, anything you do would be sac-religious, all you can do is clean off the mud and the guck, and let people look at it. Which I would love to do ( Look at it not own it). You can’t own it, you are just the caretaker.
I saw that car at the Grand National Roadster Show. It was wearing all it’s dirt and ripped top. It was beautiful.
To come across something like this would be as good as winning the lottery. I hear stories like this all the time, and some of them turn out to be true, so they all can’t be an urban legend. If something like this came my way, I’m not sure what I’d do. Probably very little other than restore it to what it was when the first customizers had their fun. I would eventually tend to swing back toward the stock version but I do like the flathead V-8 idea. I’d also stick with the 16 inch wheels….
I’m still awaiting my turn for the call that has something like this on the other end. Probably never come, and would just take me away from the other 20 projects patiently waiting to be finished. But you know I’d break the speed limit more than twice getting there if it does! Great story keep’em coming.
One day hopefully I’ll find that barn
You guys would actually leave the car looking like that? Ugh. It has been customized to suit a previous owners desires. Why do you think that any owner that comes after them cannot do the same? Make it sharp again.
I’d leave it in their showroom sitting exactly like it is. You could never duplicate that aged look.
It look’s at home in that “WICKED GARAGE”. What a sad story for the old guy who sold it. Must be hard to part with you’re old hot rod.
green? in 1 pic, blk in another?
Just me (or the lght I guess).
Sorry folk, I’d make it mine and flip off anyone that complained about what it looked like when done.
Bring it back to when parked,!
Keep all pics as work done, maybe a “you tube” mini documentary.
Motor, tranny, rear, and brakes rebuilt.
No fancy body work, maybe sheet metal too far gone patched, Interior redone seats rugs and insulation floor firewall. New canvas, bows.
Take it out when done, let family and friends use it, and make it a fun darn near every nice day driver.
Parades, dealer showroom pull em in, movie rental , fairs, cruises and car shows, and give rides to all old timers and teens who wanted too either experience or relive.
And no, not cry about every new stone chip or slight paint buff.
In other words, bring it back to life.
When I tire, get it into some smug bas hands with lots of money, to be divided by whomever.
Holy Grail?
Load of crap , Holy Grail is bucks, and ego to most.
A time capsule or preserve sympathetically? But I’d hope not another boring hot rod.
I am a 1932 Ford roadster nut, had one years ago, 1947. Hot Rod if you will, If it were mine I would clean it up, get it running and put the top down, show it as its, a very special barn find and let the folks eat their hearts out. Early Ford just hit the lottery. I hope to see it some day and wish it were mine.