I know the title is predictable, but what other title would be appropriate for this story? Barn Find reader Darrun has put us onto this project, so a big thanks to him for that. Possessing a clear title and for sale here on eBay is this 1932 Ford Coupe which is located in Shelby, North Carolina. With 3 days remaining on the auction there have been no bids, but the seller has set the opening bid at $18,000.
This car actually has a sad back story. The owner is selling this car which was inherited from her father. The father purchased it as a retirement project, but passed away before he could retire. The car has been in storage now for more than 30 years waiting to have new life breathed into it. Sadly, the vision for the end result on this will never actually be known. But this gives a new owner a blank canvas to realize their own vision.
The seller states that the frame is original as is the body. This one features those wonderful suicide doors. Given the fact that the car is also fitted with a 9 inch rear end, then I suspect that the original vision for this coupe was not a full restoration. Think along the lines of John Milner’s ’32 in American Graffiti, but as a 3-window rather than a 5.
There are a number of photos of different panels. These tend to indicate that most of the external sheet-metal is present, and that it is in fair condition. The panels may not be shiny and clean, but it seems fair to believe that they would all survive a trip to the soda blaster. Unfortunately there is no mention of the state of the floor, and no photos either. The photos also appear to indicate that there is no glass present and there is little or no interior trim. I think that if you were going to take this on as a project then the list of parts required should probably say “just about everything”.
Placing a value on this project is a difficult one. There are a host of completed 3-window coupes for sale online as completed rod projects. Prices range from about $25,000 up to $160,000, although the average seems to be around the $60,000 mark. If you want to build a hot rod that is faithful to the cars of the 50s, then a genuine body and frame might be the starting point for you. However, given the amount of parts and labor that this project is likely to soak up, is the price of entry just too high?
The auction was pulled.
looks like it was an old street rod. I think it has been sectioned? a good start for a rod and all steel ones like this fetch good money. I wouldnt be surprised if it shows back up.
68custom, It doesn’t look sectioned to me but, it does look channeled. I agree it looks like an old hot rod. Also, one of the “Got to have it” crowd would pay quite a bit for a real one like this.
ok I knew it was one or the other, this one has some potential!
Is 32 steel ford sale
It’s sad when a man dies before realizing his dream. I’ve seen lots of those over the years. This isn’t the way I would have done it but then, I’m not the only pebble on the beach. Best to finish what was started. I don’t know what the guy would’ve used for an engine but for me it would be a flathead. Since it would be a driver I would fix the fenders and get them mounted. A street rod without destroying the original lines.
At least he achieved the dream of owning A real Steel 32 Ford. Most of us will never get that opportunity.
At least he realized the dream of owning a real steel 32 Ford. Most of us will never get that opportunity.
jw is correct, not sectioned, nor has it been chopped which is another plus. The channel job is a hint to floor condition, likely bad, gone, or a hatchet job…..slim chance it’s done well. Looks to be somewhere 6-8″ channel, depending on how it’s done, which would just kill leg room for anyone over 5′ 8″ or so. Those fenders probably look better to anyone whose never had to actually save similar conditioned ones.
Sad stories like this are too common. The ’32 sedan I’m in the home stretch on was bought by a guy in N. Cal. to rod, but he began slipping down the Alzheimer trail before he could get to it. His daughter has been appreciative of the progress pics, I hope it gives her comfort.
Almost as sad as never being able to complete your dream are the ones that do, and then leave it covered up in their garage because they are afraid to drive it!
Bob Falfa should buy it and give Milner a fair chance..
Sorry to see the owner didn’t get to it. Hope the new owner can do it up proud.
“OK Toad, we’ll take ’em all”.
Uncle Bob is right not sectioned or chopped ,but the body is sitting over the frame. My guess is it just doesn’t have a floor to rest on. My thought is since the ad is gone it is sold.
Doesn’t look like a 32 frame to me. Maybe a Model A. The serial number on the frame will tell. Most of the repair panels and floor parts are available, but you can buy a new body for not much more than the asking price for this car. I would have to pass.
A 3 window has 13″ more room than a roadster or a5 window so l don’t think a channel will cramp anyone