Some enthusiasts avoid tackling another’s unfinished project build because it often involves opening a particularly unpleasant can of worms. However, this 1932 Ford Roadster Hot Rod is a different kettle of fish. Not only does the buyer see what they will receive for their money, but the build to this point was completed by professionals. That will allow the new owner to add touches to personalize the ride which features a fairly potent mechanical configuration. The seller has listed the Ford here on eBay in Azusa, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $15,000 with plenty of time for interested parties to get their financial ducks in a row before making a play for this classic.

The first thing that attracted me to this Roadster was its all-steel body. It is common to find many of these projects with reproduction fiberglass panels. These items typically are quite good, but there’s nothing like owning a classic with panels that a magnet will stick to. It appears extremely straight, with no major imperfections requiring attention beyond one small cowl dent. It is unclear whether the package includes a windshield frame, fenders, or chrome. However, sourcing those items shouldn’t be challenging or expensive. The beauty of this Hot Rod is more than skin-deep, with the body mounted on a handbuilt Steadfast chassis. This extends to the cowl with a tubular structure for additional strength. The rear has been braced, meaning that the new owner will work from a foundation that is structurally sound and probably more rigid than when this Roadster rolled off the line.

This Roadster’s mechanical specifications represent a veritable who’s who of desirable components. They include a legendary Chevrolet LS3 V8, a five-speed TKO 600 transmission, and a Winters quick-change rear end. Braking duties fall to Wilwood hardware, neatly disguised by Kinmont copies. Induction is via a Speedmaster stack injection system controlled by a Holley Terminator X ECU. The list of further mechanical and suspension upgrades is extensive, but with the original car tipping the scales at around 2,310 lbs and the engine churning out at least 430hp, this will be a pretty potent package. The seller confirms that the motor sitting in the engine bay is damaged, and is there purely for mock-up purposes. They include a fresh LS3 crate long block in the deal, although will supply a cash equivalent if the buyer has something more to their liking squirreled away in their workshop.

The seller has set some pretty respectable foundations for the buyer to create the interior of their dreams. The components include a Tilton pedal set, vintage Stewart-Warner gauges, and a Limeworks steering column. The gauges are freshly rebuilt and converted to 12-volt operation and are housed within a beautiful wide bezel. The seller states that the speedometer requires attention, but the remaining gauges are ready to go. The exterior paint shade isn’t the only area where the buyer can personalize this project, because it is a similar story with the interior trim. I would probably favor a traditional approach with deep-buttoned upholstery. However, some people might prefer a more modern approach. It really is a case of “horses for courses.”

I am not a great fan of the term “blank canvas,” because I believe that it is one of the most overused in the classic world. However, there are few better to describe this 1932 Ford Roadster Hot Rod. With the hard yards completed on the engineering front, the winning bidder faces minor panel massaging before applying their preferred paint shade. The same is true of the interior, allowing the buyer to choose between an old-school or more contemporary approach. This is a chance to let your imagination off the leash and devise your vision for this Roadster when it hits the road again. The big question is whether you are willing and able to transform the dream into reality.