There seems to be some debate as to what this car is. The seller thinks it’s a 1932 Ford based on what his/her father has said over the years (it was his project for 50 years and it never got completed). Others say it could be from as far back as 1928 and the dashboard may be as late as 1940. But there are no documents, tags, or titles, so I guess it could be whatever you want it to be. This roadster is an open book, something of a Frankenstein, leaving the choice of propulsion up to the buyer.
If this is a 1932 Ford, it would be a Model B, built from 1932 to 1934. Before that, Ford produced and sold the Model A, a product that had the misfortune of being the company’s primary automobile during the early years of the Great Depression. The Model B had the distinction of carrying Ford’s first V8 engine, the 221 cubic inch “Flathead” engine.
Whatever this Ford is, it’s down to mostly a frame with some body panels. Perhaps the seller’s father envisioned a custom roadster, but family obligations prevented it from happening. We don’t know, but we assume Dad has passed on and his family needs to part company with this unfinished heirloom. Stored for decades, it’s in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and is available here on eBay where $1,625 is the top bid thus far. If you were to take this Ford home with you, what would you do with it?
No matter how butchered it is, no one committed the ultimate dishonor of installing a Chevy engine.
Steve R
Yet
Its no 1932 ,try 1928 or 29
Will take mone to make something of it
Good luck
40 Dash
It was an early trick to get parts/engines off later cars – in this case it looks like a 40 Ford gave up the dash and steering column which was popular – most likely the flathead motor maybe went in as well…..nice 32 grille which also found it’s way onto many a roadster or A Coupe.
Well I’m gonna weigh in on this one. I would go with a flat head with 3 deuces and headers and various other go fast parts cuz there’s nothing like the sound of a flathead V8. Also a 3 speed manual trans some 50s style slicks in the rear and some skinnies up front. Some metal flake paint with some tuck and roll interior. The list goes on but I guess you have the jist of it by now. And then I would drive it every day. That’s just me how about you ?? Good luck to the seller and to the buyer make it your way and enjoy it.
I’d paint it with red primer. ( lacquer) and a really nice black lacquer. Leaving just a few small areas on the top where the red primer almost shows through.
Red leather original style seat. ( I’ve got the leather from an old coach to use)
A Halibrand V8* quick change. * that’s the size that used the old (32-41?) axles and sides. Not the later bigger champ sized quick change.
Yes the Flathead with the SCAT stroker crank, rods, overbored pistons.
Big temptation to use the S.C.O.T. Reproductions available now. ( stands for SUPER CHARGER OF TURIN) Yes made in Italy.
With a pair of Stromberg 97’s. On top.
Edlebrock aluminum flatheads plus it would have to have a Vertex magneto.
I’d use the old 3 speed gearshift lever on a T5
On a really good day using E85 I might approach 250 hp.
Front brakes would be fined aluminum Buick ( Speedway sells them). Hair pins front and rear with a 4” dropped drilled front axle.
Big and little’s wire wheels. but probably 18”x6 in the rear and 15×4&1/2 in the front. ( Proper knock off hubs)
Chopped windshield. Channel it over the frame. Z the back frame maybe even the front behind the firewall.
Maybe I should start with a new BROOKFIELD BODY?
If that big hole on the cowel wasn’t for a Model A gas tank I couldn’t give a good guess what it is for. Not sure in it’s present form the present bid is about right.
1928 or 1929. Based on the cowl.
It’s not a 32 Ford body. The body line forward of the doors, the firewall and the basic overall shape of the body identify it as a 28 or 29 Model A roadster body. The frame appears to be Model A also. The body’s been lowered over the frame, what was once commonly referred to as being “channeled”. Model A frames are pretty weak and aren’t the best thing to drop a V8 into, at least not without fully boxing it first. The only thing on that car that actually is from a 32 Ford is the grill shell.
To the author, only 32’s were Model B’s and then technically only the 4 cylinder ones, the V8’s were just V8’s. The 33 and 34 4 cylinders were known as Model C’s, not Model B’s. For 1935 the 4 cylinder and the use of the “Model” designation were both dropped.
The dash is from a 1940 Ford. Another popular swap back in the day.
Most definitely a 28-29 Ford roadster body on stock unboxed Model A frame. Only thing 32 is the grille shell. 40 Ford dash and steering column. A real project for someone to build upon. Take the body off the frame and either box the frame or buy a new one. The body needs a lot of work too. Good luck to whoever buys it.
First thing I’d do is lose that dash! It might be great in a ‘40 but it’s ugly here.
JMO
Well I have a couple big block Chrysler motors laying around 383 400 and 440 couple different automatic transmissions and a couple different four speeds that would fit pretty nice in them frame rails.
Split wishbones …
I’d like to build a roadster with a jaguar v12. With lots of chrome and polish. I’d do 6 into 1 side pipes in polished stainless steel on each side. Wouldn’t be the fastest ride but I think it would be awesome.