Hot Rod Project: 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe

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Traditional project builds have many attractions for some enthusiasts, especially when the project in question is an old-school hot rod. That is what is on offer with this 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe. It is a vehicle where the build appears to have stalled early, meaning the buyer can place their stamp on it. These types of vehicles have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, so there is a possibility that it could make sound economic sense. Located in Hudson, New York, you will find the Coupe listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner hasn’t set a sale price on this old Ford, but he is willing to listen to offers. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Bill C for spotting this great old Ford for us.

The owner found the Coupe hidden away in a barn, and it appears to be a project build that stalled pretty early. It features its original body and frame, and the person who commenced the project was obviously aiming for an all-steel build. The body has been chopped and channeled, and the supplied photos suggest that the work has been completed to a reasonable standard. However, there are few rough edges that the buyer will probably want to smooth out. The body and frame appear to be rust-free and structurally sound, although both will likely require media blasting to remove the accumulated surface corrosion. The car comes with doors, a trunk lid, and a hood, but the buyer needs to source a radiator frame, fenders, glass, exterior trim, and hardware such as handles. How they tackle this will depend on their ultimate vision for the vehicle.

We get some idea of where the original builder might have been going with this project when we look at the mechanical components included in the sale. The car is a roller and features its original banjo rear end. There is an engine block included, but the owner seemed unsure of its origins. I can confirm that it is a Chrysler 331ci Hemi unit cast somewhere between 1951 and 1954. It looks like the bottom-end and the oil pan are intact, but it will need to be disassembled to determine whether it is suitable for reconditioning. The buyer will also need to source cylinder heads because these aren’t present. It looks like there is also a transmission, but I’ve been unable to determine what it is. Perhaps one of our knowledgeable Barn Finds readers might be able to shed some light on it.

I’ve referred to a few past projects as blank canvases, which is undoubtedly the case with this 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe. It shows a lot of promise and could be an impressive vehicle once completed. I will be interested to see whether our readers would be tempted to utilize the Hemi that comes with the car or whether a different path beckons. I will also be fascinated to know whether any of you are tempted enough to contact the seller in a bid to park it in your workshop.

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Comments

  1. Fred

    What mean 5 window.

    Like 2
  2. Steve R

    Sellers like this are playing games. They know what they won’t take, so they should be able to give you a number they will take. You are guaranteed to play a frustrating dance, they tend to quickly refuse offers they deem to low, but won’t say yes or give a definitive answer to anything in the pall park. They will pit potential buyers against each other if they can, looking for higher offers. These sellers would be better off auctioning the car on eBay or some other platform and set reserve, even if it’s high, that would at least give potential buyers a starting point and help them decide if the car is worth pursuing.

    Steve R

    Like 27
    • Bigbird

      Agree with Steve. These guys keep throwing this stuff out just to see if there is an interest. Just set a price, and move on….done.

      Like 9
    • Mike

      Steve,
      You said it all.

      Like 2
  3. CadmanlsMember

    All I can see is someone had a dream and didn’t get it too far. Body looks quite rough and not too many frame shots other than to show a diff that would pretty much explode with the hemi torque. Crusty short block maybe usable this guy is fishing with some poor bait. But there might find someone that has a dream also.

    Like 6
  4. Joe Haska

    It is old car from the early 30’s and appears to be a Hot Rod, however it is not the iconic 32 Ford, it is not that long lost “Little Duece Coupe”. My best guess from what’s there, it’s not even a Ford, probably a a 1933 or 34 Chevrolet. This is not an unusual thing, I can’t even count the number of 32 Fords, I have gone to see that weren’t 32’s. Usually there Model A’s, which is a common mistake, not so much 33 or later GM’s.

    Like 9
  5. Keith

    That isn’t a ’32 Ford.

    Like 12
    • Johnny C.

      You are correct, sir. The body, what’s left of it, is definitely not a ’32 Ford, nor is the frame. My guess is this clown found an old car, doesn’t know what it is, has no title and wants a sack of Benjamins from some un-suspecting bug eyed drooler. Buyer BEWARE!

      Like 10
  6. Johnny C.

    My guess is it’s more like a ’34 Chevy…

    Like 3
  7. Mercury Man

    Maybe a MoPar but it is not a 1932 Ford.

    Like 3
  8. sg

    Looks like 33-34 Chevy. Certainly buildable, but not worth as much effort as the ’32 Ford would be.

    Like 1
  9. Tommi

    Yes,definetly not a Ford

    Like 0
  10. benjy58

    Another garage ornament not worth a second look. It comes under the heading why did i buy this.

    Like 1
  11. bobhess bobhessMember

    Fred.. 5 widows and a windshield. Like everyone says, sure doesn’t look anything like my 5 window ’32. Maybe worth a dollar three ninety eight on a good day.

    Like 0
  12. Dan H

    In the future, all that inherit a 1930s car will think they have a 1932 Ford.
    (until someone tells them it’s not, lol)

    Like 3
  13. jerry z

    Well whatever it was has been deleted from CL.

    Like 2
  14. Bruce71Camino

    not sure what it was, but I do recognize hack bodywork when I see it

    Like 1
  15. Terry Furness

    Even in new zealand we have heaps of 32 5 windows, but none like that.

    Like 0

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