Regular Barn Finds readers will know my preference for original classics. However, I treat that attitude as a guide, rather than a hard-and-fast rule. I have total respect for well-executed custom builds, and am almost irresistibly drawn to old-school Hot Rods. This 1932 Ford Roadster ticks the last box, having recently been uncovered following a long hibernation. It runs and drives, and would seem to need little to be considered genuinely roadworthy. The seller has listed the Ford here on eBay in Lutz, Florida. Bidding sits at $6,850 in a No Reserve auction.
The history of this Ford is largely unknown, with the seller unearthing it as part of an estate. They believe that it has sat for a while, although how long that period was remains a mystery. They confirm that running a magnet over the exterior confirms that the only non-steel body component is the hood. I don’t see that as bad, because the hood scoop doesn’t float my boat. I would probably ditch it to improve the car’s overall appearance. The builder cloaked its arrow-straight panels with Dark Green Metallic paint, adding a quite subtle stripe in a paler shade. The Roadster presents quite nicely, with the paint shining and the wide selection of close-up shots revealing only minor scratches and chips. Performing a cosmetic refresh would be easy, although I would probably enjoy this classic in its current form as a driver-grade vehicle. The underside shots reveal floors and a frame that are rust-free, while the trim and windshield are in good condition. Rounding out the old-school approach to this build are the chrome steelies with their iconic Baby Moon hubcaps.
The builder resisted the temptation to create this vehicle as a restomod, following a path that was forged by many builders during the height of the Hot Rod craze. That means that they slotted a Ford flathead V8 under the hood, teaming the engine with a manual transmission. I believe that this is a 239ci flathead that would have produced approximately 100hp when new. However, with headers, a side exhaust, and twin carburetors as obvious additions, this V8 may deliver more to the winning bidder. The seller states that they coaxed the Rod back to life and have driven it around the block without issues. They do recommend a thorough mechanical inspection before proceeding further, because it is unclear how long it has been hibernating.
Traditional Hot Rods usually featured fairly rudimentary interiors, and this Ford follows that path without appearing spartan. The upholstered surfaces wear Black trim, with the floors covered in matching loop-pile carpet. The dash is a flat piece of timber housing a range of gauges, while the driver grips a chunky banjo-style sports wheel. It lacks the creature comforts of a radio or a stereo, but with the side exhaust exiting right beside the occupants, who needs one? The overall presentation is extremely tidy, reflecting the possibility that this Hot rod has been treated respectfully since the build ended. It needs nothing, and would cause the buyer no shame should they show up at a local Cars & Coffee.
This 1932 Ford Hot Rod will head to a new home in a few days, marking the first step in returning it to its rightful place on our roads. Its few cosmetic shortcomings mean that it isn’t a show car, but would be ideal for someone seeking a driver-grade vehicle that can turn heads. The fact that it has attracted forty-three bids is impressive, with the View and Watch List tallies of 574 and 154 suggesting that plenty of people may join what is fast becoming a bidding war before the auction ends. Are you tempted to join them, or will you remain a fascinated spectator to see how proceedings unfold?
The one flathead I heard go buy me while driving rig sounded great. I bet this one does too, especially w the stick shift 😎
More hot rods, please. I know, a true American, MORE, MORE, MORE!!! See, the thing with hot rods, is the originality. Okay, the cash too, but take this for example. This was probably made in the 80s, unlike the T bucket. Electric fan, interior, and overall build quality, well, you can easily tell the difference. Again, street legal? Unless there is some kind of exception for “home made” vehicles, I’m pretty sure you need things like fenders, bumpers, wipers, turn signals and that exhaust too, just hope the inspecting trooper is having a good day. This goes beyond the definition of cool.
It’s Florida. Trust me I see things on the road every day that makes this car look like an old square Volvo, at least regarding safety.
If the buyer keeps the car here, I doubt the DMV will do anything more than take his or her money.
It’ll be on the road as soon as the buyer walks out with new tags.
The cut down sides a la Triumph TR 3 give it an edge over the common T bucket crowd- nice looking rod.
I was going to mention that British vibe…. even to the BRG….
Sure did cut up that body to the point of hiding all the beauty of a ’32 roadster. I’d rather have that Mercury in the garage.
I love everything about this build! There’s no sound quite like a hotrod flattie, music to my ears! That hood scoop though. Looks like the upper part of a mailbox. A buddy of mine just finished a build very close to this except with a GM V6. The thing scoots!
Bud Crayne approves!
I may have to see if I can take a look in person, it’s located just up the road from me in LA (as the locals call it, stands for Lutz Area). Turn signals may be all it needs in the “Free State of Florida “. I’d look into getting a built flatty, maybe front fenders, new hood and let’er roll.
Looks like it may have turn signals hiding out as neat little square amber lens things between the headlamps and the grill shell down low , Theres a lot to like on this hot rod and a lot not to like but if the price stays tolerable I’d like it all and go over what I don’t like. It promises to be a fun car for someone ,
My pet peeve is any old car, especially if it doesn’t have fenders, is a 32 Ford. This car is not even close to being a 32 Ford. I can’t even count the number of cars I have chased down over the years that were supposedly 32 Fords. Key words to watch out for: 32 Roadster, Roadster, Hot Rod, Jalopy, Custom, mostly if their not sure it is a 32 Ford. Translation old car.
I’m having difficulty finding any ‘32 Ford in this one…
Gotta say I like this 32 Ford. The heavily modified body doesn’t bother me. It was someone’s vision. I like the hood scoop as it looks period correct. Remember back in the long ago there weren’t dozens of company’s making hood scoops like the present. The color and the steelies look good. And there’s nothing like the sound of a flat head Ford. If this were mine I wouldn’t change a thing and would love it and drive it often. And if the price stays low someone is gonna get a real bargain. GLWTA
IT’S NOT A 32 FORD!
Joe a title check may be in order cuz if the title says 32 Ford then it’s a 32 Ford. Cuz as we all know the government is never wrong.
Oh Yeah, I have heard that before, sorry I forgot! My bad
I don’t think there is much 32 Ford on this car.
I really think the space between the engine and radiator is tooo much, makes it look funny to me.
It looks funny because it’s not a 32 Ford.
I think maybe some are missing the point of this build. Looking at the engine setback and what is possibly a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, he was not building a “Hot Rod” but instead a sports car.