Well, it’s not exactly a “Little Deuce Coupe,” but this 1932 Ford Five-Window coupe is pretty close. Claimed to have been parked in ’62, this dusty coupe appears to be all there, and it possesses some notable old-skool engine room touches. Discovered in Richmond, Wisconsin, by Zappenduster, this 94-year-old (hard to believe!) barn find hot rod is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $49,000, OBO (Yikes!)
In Ford’s parlance, the famous ’32 three-window coupe was referred to as a “DeLuxe Coupe”, while the five-window variety, such as our subject, was simply known as the “Coupe”, though there were Standard and DeLuxe trim levels available for most models. The two-door sedan was known formally as, you guessed it, the “Tudor”, not to be confused with the “Fordor”. There were also cabriolets, four-door convertibles, roadsters, and phaetons in FoMoCo’s lineup that year. As for body count, assuming that I’ve interpreted the statistics correctly, our find is one of 32K assembled that year. As stated earlier, this one’s been sitting a while, its inspection certificate dates to ’61-’62, and it looks it. The accumulated garage mung makes an exterior assessment of this ’32 challenging, but it does appear to be complete and straight, and there’s no evidence of rust. The hinged-from-the-bottom rear deck lid and the pair of passenger-side steps tell me this is a rumble seat-equipped model, but unfortunately, there are no listing images of that rather tight rear passenger compartment.
New for ’32 was the 65 gross HP 221 CI flathead V8 engine, and in this case, it’s wearing Weiand heads and an Eddie Meyer racing intake manifold that accommodates a pair of carburetors, both topped with “Badger” air cleaners. Turn over, it does, but start it doesn’t. The three-speed manual transmission is a 1939 edition, and we’re told this coupe is equipped with “juice brakes,” which I take to mean a hydraulic system.
There’s not much to say about the interior. It’s a contained, cozy environment, but the seat is in deplorable condition, and I’m not sure what that seat cover once was – a Native American-themed blanket perhaps. The simple instrument panel is still in place, and there appear to be some additional gauges attached to the bottom edge of the dash. I wish I could assess the condition of the floor, but the two interior images aren’t very revealing.
OK, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the price, $49,000! Sure, this one’s original and unmolested, and I suppose the engine mods are attractive, but that price seems way outta here. Tell me, please, am I wrong or is this what a five-window coupe in this condition trades for these days?
I’m not sure about price, but cars modified pre-WWII have been highly sought after by collectors for decades. Even those modified just after WWII that haven’t been updated with more modern parts have a strong following. I’d bet this gets a sympathetic “restoration”, that involves more detailing than painting.
Only a someone that really follows these cars can speak to its value, when it might have been modified and how it is likely to be handled by its next owner.
Steve R
Well, I like what I see so far. It looks fairly complete and that’s the best part of a restoration.
A ’39 transmission? It wouldn’t surprise me if the engine was the same year. Of course a 24 stud could come anywhere from a late ’38 model until ’48. If this came to my place I’d likely tone things down under the hood. I would try to find a 21 stud engine but I admit I’m not too fussy about an 18A going back in. I’d try for an LB from a mid ’36, or at least tone down the engine that’s already in there. A 24 stud with a 2bbl will take it anywhere you want to go.
Pricewise, I’m going to say that it’s hit the max for a 5-window coupe. A roadster or cabriolet could go for a bit more. I’d love a cabriolet; I wouldn’t turn a roadster down either…
My ’32 5 window came with the 4 cylinder and labeled B. Put a 48 Merc, ’39 tranny, and 2 98s for whatever more power. Brakes off a ’47 along with the wheels. Lot of fun and drove it all over the country. Agree on the price but someone will want it.
Good looking car there Bobhess! I’m in no way an expert on the values of these hot rods. (My wife says that I’m only an expert on aggravating her!) This is a very cool start to a project. And I believe the price indicates a turn key car.
That’s alot of money for a car that doesn’t even run. And could you please take a garden hose and a brush and clean off some of that baked on crud so we could see the paint? There’s not many people left in this world that have 49 large to spend on yard art, I can only think of two or three dudes. I would put it’s value at maybe close to $30k on a good day. One more thing Jim, you left out my favorite body style, the Vicky.
I’m with you: an extra $19k for the barn dirt is rather excessive!
You’d be surprized at the demand for this – dust and all……..
Biggest difference between a 1931 ford model a and a 1932 ford is $25k… price reflects extremely fair. For a barn find 1932 ford. Rare a hen teeth.
So, apparently, this is the Model B or 18, new for 1932 with a V8, as said. It should also be noted, apparently, a “1939” transmission had syncros in 2nd and 3rd, the hot rodders choice then, previously a crash box, and “juice brakes” is a term for hydraulic brakes, but not until 1939. This was updated as these still had mechanical brakes that ol’ Hank thought were safer, and in a way they were, but Ford was the last holdout for hydraulic brakes. Diesels too, Ford was last to offer one.
Obviously, those of us know this is way out of line for todays interests, and judging by the cars in the background, clearly set by someone with high hopes, they’ll be lucky to get anything at all. Such will be the fate of all these cars.
Ford first offered synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd in 1932. So this car was born with one. The 1939 transmission is an upgrade thanks to improvements in the shift linkage and also to the synchromesh design. It also allowed for swapping in Lincoln Zephyr close ratio gearsets, which were preferred for drag racing.
An original Model B had a 4 cylinder engine that was upgraded from the Model A, available til 1934 I believe.
With the other cars in the background, it makes you wonder why the seller didn’t try to restore this one too.Too far gone, or “once bitten twice shy”, realizing he’d never get money back on his investment. I don’t know much about these really old oldsters, but to me anything in that rough of shape is not worth anything close to $49k.
maybe $49,000 if it were restored.
He’s a flipper and didn’t get this one cheap…….
There’s quite a selection of cars in that garage including a old funny car!
In my opinion I agree with you the price is too high, way to high….okay, given you don’t see one or any of these 1932 coupes on the road today unless totally restored….but the condition of the interior and the overall condition of the vehicle says the price has to come down by at least $20G’s just to allow for a total restoration costs!
Despite looking for a model A project to chop up into a street rod, I almost feel it’s sacrilegious to break up a complete car.
Just to put the price in perspective, a garage up the road from me had a nice 4 cylinder Model A, in running condition, for $9,000.00.
Apples and oranges Bob! They look similar but that’s where it stops.
Looks like about 24,000 K worth of dirt on it.
Seller is a dealer – if you go to his website, you’ll see that the other cars in inventory are overpriced as well, very common with these guys. If you’re a serious buyer who knows the market, the price will come down considerably.
neat car but this dealer is looking to rip out somebody’s lungs with that price. i would say 1/2 it does not even run. my guess is they have not much invested and want a killing for it.
Very interesting comments which is predictable, because this car is a Duece Coupe! Without a doubt the most iconic platform for Hot Rods since before WWII and continueing until today. Yes, times have changed and the people who desired this car are disappearing fast, but they are not extinct. No matter what there will always be buyers for 32 Fords. I agree the asking is a lot, but not unattainable. There are still card carring members of this cult with the desire and resources to buy it. As for all the comments, don’t believe eveything you read without knowing the source (includinng me).
When I hear the term “Deuce Coupe,” I think of the attached, a three-window coupe, more so than this five-window variety. And that’s the reason I stated, “Well, it’s not exactly a ‘Little Deuce Coupe,’ but this 1932 Ford Five-Window coupe is pretty close.”
JO
Um, no. Knock off some zeroes and we’ll talk.
I’d go for the Factory Five ’33 at half the price and get what I want out of it from the get-go.
You can buy a nice one for that kind of money. 50k and another 10-20k for rebuild/repairs
Hmm, not sure why this was reposted, it was pretty much scoffed at the 1st time, they did however, come down a buck! That should do it,, :D
Good question, I can’t explain that either.
JO
Summer rerun?
Not to pile on, but here’s my $49,000 worth…
Unremarkable. It has zero provenance. None of the bolt-on speed parts or bolt-on period mechanical junkyard upgrades are anything important or unique. Everything was bolted onto the car 70 years ago by a guy who knew some other guy?
Unremarkable.
And yes, there are very nice driver condition 18s out there for a hell of a lot less money.
Might as well clean it up and let bidders see what they’re bidding on. There is no way to make it roadworthy again without disturbing the filth.
Yes the price is too high, but let’s wheel and deal some.. Actually this car looks like it could be made roadworthy fairly reasonably?? It has been upgraded enough to be driven locally to shows and to cruise with.
There are still more out there!
When will there come a time when “supposed sleeper artifacts” -read barn finds- are just really faked “aged” and appropriate “dusted” vehicles to garner a sympathetic look? (not saying this 5 window is one, but these kinds of discoveries keep cropping up)
Well, then every one in here screams “wash the damn thing, you lazy jerk!”, so I’m not sure if that gambit actually works.
insults don’t necessarily motivate the lazy
Unlike a lot of ads by guys who “know what they have”, but don’t, it’s pretty obvious from the garage that this guy actually does know what he has here.
This car is a genuine 1932 Ford that is all there. The demand for this is substantial in the hot rod world, where “It’s a real 1932 Ford” matters to those people vs. the fiberfab replicas that are everywhere.
If the buyer and fabricator want, this car would make a fantastic magazine series piece, start to finish. What they decide to do with it will ignite intense debate.
There’s a big case here for cleaning it up and making it very presentable, with some period correct speed parts, racing wheels, etc. and nothing much else. The alternative it start torching it. I’d guess most people these days would prefer the former.
Let the bidding begin.
Add another 50k to restore and you have a 60k car.
That’s probably not how this one plays out. The buyer will likely do minimal re-work here, make it as presentable as possible for a little as possible.
I see, Sale Pending.. So who knows.
I agree Bluesman, this would be fun to clean up, service, and find out what you really have. A few more period upgrades (tires, wheels, etc) and just drive it. However the turnkey price (to me) makes it prohibitive.
Last Registration in 1961-1962? At least we knew where it was in ‘62.
I am surprised the by the comments, it is obvious to me that many of you don’t understand the market for these cars and you for sure have never owned one. The numbers you think it is worth is about as unrealistic as you think the asking price is. As I learned in college and getting my degree in business administration there is a concept called supply and demand. Very basic concept but not easy to figure out. It is simple do more people want it than there is a product for. If you don’t want it, you assume no one else does, big mistake, like wise for the reverse. This concept is the basic premise for almost every car on the market. It is really a mystery of all of our reasons for pursuing a certain car, how rare is it and how many people want it? QUIEN SABE?
Joe, that is always the case. Asking prices don’t mean much in this business. Actual transaction prices are what matter.
I am taken back by the prices that some categories garner. Mopar muscle, GTOs (the Pontiac variety, although the Ferrari variety is ridiculous but that’s a whole different game), big block muscle, Porsche 911s, and some other stuff. I guess there is a ready market for some of this at prices that leave the rest of us amused. You have to drink that flavor of Kool-aid, I guess.
I just think that, going forward, demographics and societal tastes and lifestyle trends are going to be the biggest driver of prices for old cars, in nearly every category except the very top tier of Ferrari, Duesenberg, etc.
I think many people are in total denial about what is about to transpire in this hobby. The old guys who wanted this stuff are liquidating. The guys who had the shop space, tools, skills and desire are hanging up the torch.
Younger guys now live in subdivisions with tiny two-car garages full of motorcycles, sports gear, nasty old kids toys, and the wife’s furniture refinishing projects.
The old homesteads that had a multi-car workshop out back and the space to store this junk now have worn out buildings and house structures that younger families don’t want to deal with at all because they cost a fortune to modernize, as well as sky high property taxes in 2026. The tax assessor doesn’t look inside to see the aged-out kitchens and bathrooms. They just look at footprint and structures.
We see these “project cars” listed on Barn Finds, one after the other. Several per day. How many actual, real car projects do you think are being initiated each month, compared to the number of “project cars” that are for shown for sale? It’s obviously a huge imbalance, and wholly unsustainable at the prices being asked.
“Part cars” used to be something that was close to running, but had damage. These days “parts cars” look like the vultures have done their work on a carcass and moved on. You’d need 5 of them to accumulate the parts you need.
It’s all just amusing to me, as an old car guy. The level of denial regarding values going forward is stunning. The demographic trends simply don’t sustain any of it.
Bluesman, I hear you. I guess I’m one of the outliers. Just completed building a new house and in process of putting the finishing touches on my 2,200 sq ft shop. I’m also on 10 acres put in the boonies and have 4 outside waiting for loving touches. And I’m 73. With all you have said, I have expected for prices to come down. But they have done the opposite. And I agree with asking price in most instances does not coincide woth actual purchase price. But you would think that the asking price scares away many lookers/prospective buyers. And $100 parts cars are now a .minimum of $500 or even $1,000!
I know that I’m an old farther living in the past. But, I still enjoy the hobby and just play in the shallow end of the hobby. Sometimes I just have to wait and keep looking for the deal. I spend a lot of time on Craigslist as Marketplace in this area is a joke. Easily 1/2-2/3 of the listing are over 6 months old and have never been taken down.(although something listed that long and still available can be had pretty cheap)
Wayne, That’s great.
At 68, I’d do what you are doing if I could, and still might. Gotta convince the wife to buy property out in the country in PA. We have the money, but that’s a big ask to take on that much property maintenance at this age.
If I did, I’d get an Alfa boattail or maybe a Healy. Or maybe just wait and get a sweet deal on something that is interesting and fun and drivable. The sell it and get something else. I’m in no mood to fix anything and I would rather play guitar than turn wrenches.
Asking prices are still driven by the “auction house frenzy” of the last 20 years. That’s going to wane soon. We’re seeing “estate sale” in the Barn Find listings, almost daily. Supply and demand.
Way over priced considering you can buy one that’s been restored to original or in original condition for $15k
That sounds like the going rate for a Model A (1927-1931), not a 32 Ford.
Steve R
That car running down the road is $45K all day long.
You’re talking Model A’s. 1932 is a one year only car and not that many made compared to the A.
Bluesman, I found over the years (many, many cars) that other than racing time trials/track days that I get .most enjoyment by building performance versions of everyday vehicles. (Mostly Ford Rangers) then selling them and on to the next project. Will get back to the turbo Ranger as soon as my shop is functioning. Followed by a Ranger V8 conversion. And 2 more behind that. There appears to be a very willing market for my non-rusty Rangers here in Nothern Nevada. Perhaps I will try the Barn Finds Auction on the Turbo Ranger in about 6-8 months when completed.
After bottling the dust, can a guy auction that stuff for 20K?