One of the great joys of writing for Barn Finds is interacting with all the readers out there who take time out of their lives to read these posts and do a little bench racing while writing about this great hobby of ours. But on some occasions, we get to discuss cars that have lived on our automotive Mount Rushmore for long periods. You know, those cars that you continually build, customize, modify, and cruise in your head that never seem to go away. One of these for me is a pre-war traditional hot rod, and when this specific car popped up in the tips section, I knew I had to try and write about it and share it with you. Check out this amazing machine listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $37,000.00. Located in Boston, MA, this is a true early hot rod survivor and an important piece of history.
As the hot rod scene grew throughout the US pre and post-war, both coasts offered their unique touches to the cars they were modifying. West Coast guys were famous for their “high boys”: removing fenders and chopping tops to go faster at the dry lakes and salt flats. East Coast guys channeled and sectioned their cars to give them a more sporty look. Of course, as the scene grew through the late 50s and 60s, these facets of customizing grew to both coasts, as the magazines distributed what was going on in the car scenes throughout the country, and all the kids were able to choose the styling to match their tastes.
That being said (gross generalizations, I know), this car is an amazing East Coast example. Channeled over the frame to get the body lower and outfitted with a ’39 flattie and transmission, this car is straight from the “little pages”. The description is extremely interesting and leads to more questions than answers. It says that this engine is from an “old California dry lake race car called the Anteater”. What?! Surely not the Arfons car, but which one is it? Do any of our readers know which car he could be speaking of? Finding out and proving this information could greatly increase the value of this car. We are also told that this car has been owned by the same family and stored indoors for over 75 years. The pictures lend credence to this claim. The patina on this car is tremendous, and I hope whoever goes home with this car keeps it intact and preserves it.
So, which cars are on your automotive Mount Rushmore? Have any of them popped up in Barn Finds? If so, did you have a chance at purchasing it, or did you have to stay in the bench racing realm? I sincerely hope you can pinnacle that summit one day and acquire at least one of the rides that you have always wanted. I know I’ll keep working until I get there! A big thank you to T.J. for sending in this tip and to all of the readers out there who make this such a great place.
Wow, $37,000. I know it’s a 32 Roadster. These don’t pop up very often, with a flattie. If I was gonna spend 37k for a toy, I would want a roof, maybe some roll up windows, maybe a heater, hydraulic brakes would be nice, I guess I’m getting picky in my old age. I was thinking the market was drying up for pre-war cars. Good luck to the seller and the buyer.
Yep….and it doesn’t run…..been for sale before……
What year was Ralph Malphs( whose name I always thought was Ralph Mouth)? A ’29. Didn’t see many hot rods in Beer City like the show depicted. Oh, a custom lead sled or 2, but hot rods just didn’t catch on, like dune buggys. Milwaukee had a lot of industry, and people had money to spend. Most went with factory hardtops, and hot rods were more a S.Cal. thing.
Now, you know as well as I do, I’d be very surprised if this sold for that, but this last week kind of surprised me anyway. I do hope someone will keep the hot rod culture alive. Gals? It’s not just a guy thing. It fades with every funeral.
Now, what a nice thing to say, and yes, several vehicles have come through I’d love to have. Thing is, many of us here are at the end of the race, white flag, if you will, and our driving days are all but over. I debate constantly if I should trade the Jeep for something more fun. A MGB came through here a while back, price was right( $2500) I’m sorely tempted. I’d love another motorcycle, but after my bicycle crash, its been determined, best to have 4 wheels.
By the way, I realize the irony of the statement “more fun than the Jeep”. The Jeep, as said before, is my all time favorite vehicle, yet, it sits. It’s not really very long trip compliant, and off road here is a PITA. The roads, if you can call them that, are in very poor shape, and it’s literally no fun. As I enter my 70s, God willing, I want to go out with a bang, instead of watching shadows on the wall. Thanks, Dusty, now I’m punching in MGB on FB and take a look see. Be the right time to trade, no?
Put a LS in the YJ
In my neck of the woods taking a Jeep on “roads in poor condition” is kinda the point. 🤔
Well, that was my original feeling for getting the Jeep. A dual sport bike I had didn’t do well, and figured a Jeep would be better, and it is, except, the roads, trails really, are so worn, there’s no dirt left, and it’s all rocks. At 3 mph, it takes a long time to get “back there”, and the trails get worse the farther back you go. Not to mention the possible damage it does, I simply can’t afford to repair it. Off road was a lot more fun in my younger years, but a PITA now.
The interior shot of the transmission and bell housing sure brings back memories of my ’32 changing out the damaged ’39 gearbox. Pop out wooden floors and a few bolts and everything was out and on the floor. Nice piece of history here.
Currently located in York PA. I think this guy is dreaming with that price, low 20s prolly closer to reality. Fair weather cruiser for sure, definitely cool, someone is gonna love it, just not me.
I’m not sure the guy is dreaming price-wise, a few years ago I acquired an original California hot rod that had been garage stored since the 1960s. Granted, mine had some well documented history, but the builder was otherwise an “unknown” and it sold for – $100,000! The key is where you look for your buyer and I just love Facebook Marketplace!! Great place to BUY because apparently there aren’t any real buyers there, sellers get discouraged and sell cheap. No, I’ve never actually sold anything on Facebook and don’t expect to, but if this seller used a bit of imagination, he’d get his price!
Holy Grail or holy shxxt ? Very small market for this car today . . . good luck on the asking price.
Local family got lucky selling their father’s 32 coupe rolling body for $30K. Yes, OEM steel ticks a lot boxes for those matching money and bragging rights.
Still an original uncut ’32 roadster would bring that price and so much more,
Kind of like finding a real Hemi Cuda In any condition and form of completeness, a real deal Henry 32 roadster is in that league. And there are a handful of people out there with the money and every form of resource to do something great with this one, but not me and most of the other once upon a time dreamers.
Very few early “rodders” possessed the tools or skill to execute proper channeling, so that modification alone makes me cringe with this one. Looks like someone actually finished and drove it for a while, but the pictures of the current empty interior with no floors and a bare frame…. well jeeze…..
At some point The market will speak and the car will sell For its actual worth and some sort of a good future will happen for this very cool car.
Anybody know how much (or little!) needs to be spent to buy a pile of parts equal to what’s on offer here? Little history to offer a backstory and repro bits for just about anything are readily available…
Looks like some of our Barn Finders haven’t seen the prices on ’32 Fords, lately. Hot rods or stock.
Listed two weeks ago and still for sale . . . the Barn Finders have seen the prices and are either sitting on their hands or laughing at the prices.