I have long admired the American hot rod scene. I think it is because it draws its roots from necessity and a time when enthusiasts were forced to innovate if they wanted to slip behind the wheel of a car offering respectable performance. This 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe perfectly encapsulates that philosophy, although it is only a relatively recent build. It is a turnkey proposition that a new owner could enjoy as-is. However, there is scope for change for those seeking a personalized approach. The Coupe is listed here on Craigslist in Boring, Oregon. All someone needs to do is hand the seller $79,000, and they could drive home in this classic.
Some people are renowned for producing great hot rods, and brothers Joe and Jay Kennedy enjoy that reputation. Operating what they call The Bomb Factory in Pomona, California, they have been creating vehicles like this Coupe since around 1994. While they can diversify, their focus has been almost exclusively on Blue Oval projects. This is one of their creations, carrying the hallmarks of a traditional hot rod. The fenders are a distant memory, and there is virtually no chrome or bright trim. The seller indicates the starting point was a nice, tight ’32 bodyshell with minimal rust. The Kennedy Brothers replaced a few sections of suspect steel but elected not to cloak its exterior in bright paint. They retained the aged look that many people like, but this is one area where the buyer could personalize this beauty. The vehicle needs nothing and could remain untouched indefinitely. Adding a splash of color to the exterior is an option, and it will be fascinating to discover whether any readers would follow that path. The glass is in good order, with the windows rolling up and down as they should. The exterior package is rounded out by steel wheels that wear spotless hubcaps.
This Coupe’s engine bay reflects its old-school approach. While fitting a modern powerplant into that space would have been easy, the Kennedy Brothers selected a Ford flathead V8. The motor is of post-1937 vintage and was sourced from the good folks at H&H Flatheads in La Crescenta, California. The company has operated for over two decades, and as the name suggests, the owners are flathead gurus. It wears the almost obligatory Offenhauser cylinder heads and an upgraded intake and carburetors. It is unclear what internal changes H&H performed, but it is a safe bet that this V8 churns out more than the 65hp the original owner enjoyed when it rolled off the line. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed manual of 1939 vintage, while the seller states there are further updates below the surface. The entire package has come together as well as we should rightfully expect from people like The Kennedy Brothers because potential buyers can consider this Ford a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.
The Bomb Factory may have chosen the aged look with this Ford’s exterior, but the interior appears to present beautifully. The seller supplies no shots of the dash, but the seats and door trims wear Black and White vinyl, with Black carpet continuing the theme. The wheel looks new, the column is spotless, and the chrome shifter provides a striking contrast. This Ford doesn’t merely drive well but seems to be a total package. The doors close with a reassuring click, and driving down the road reveals none of the squeaks and rattles that often plague hot rods.
Hot rods occupy an interesting spot in the classic world because pinning down a value is almost impossible. These cars rewrote the rule book when they first appeared and continue to do so today. This 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe is worth what someone is willing to pay, but it is worth qualifying that statement. There is a profound difference between buying a vehicle of this type that was built in a home garage and one constructed by professionals. The latter should offer better build quality due to decades of accumulated experience. That should be the case with this Coupe, and it will be fascinating to see if the seller successfully finds this gem a new home. Do you think they will?
Other than the fact It’s a ’34 it’s a neat old car. Do think the ’33s and ’34s looked better with fenders but the workmanship looks top notch. These are fun cruisers and I think when used to cruise the hood side panels need to come off to show that beautiful flathead.
Best me to it
At least we won’t get the guys that claim they’ve built “75 hot rods,” and folks that prefer a Ford in a Ford, “Don’t have a clue, cuz they never built one,” chiming in on this one. Nice looking coupe, but $79k?
They got it just right in 1932, especially that grill!
This car is a ’34. Makes me wonder about a lot of things, including title issues.
@Bellingham Fred, Title issues ? The car is listed properly in the CRAIGLIST ad as a ’34, It is this venue that is in error and listing it as a ’32 ! Nice enough car that deserves some paint , even then $79 K seems a bit high.
The grill in these pictures is a 33 or 34. I agree the 32 grill is the best looking grill ford has ever had
Nice but should of had a nice paint job too for that price.
Very nice Ford old school. The only changes I would do. Blower for flathead. If that motor was done up it should be pushing 100hp. Add the blower 150 or more. Rear tires to me need to be wider. And that’s it. Enjoy the ride. Ok…. The seller gave us 8 photos for $79,000!! Not right. No pictures of the dash or underneath to see how it hook up. I wish good luck to the seller. 🐻🇺🇸
Kind of a neat old school hot rod, but to be honest, I’m not a big fan of 50’s style rods. The one comment I would make is, (and some others already have) is that it’s not a ’32, but a ’34. I hope that information didn’t come from the seller, because if it did, I would question anything listed about the car. Also, if one endeavors to write about automobiles, one should know what they are writing about.
Craigslist ad calls it a ’34. Price way too high.
This could be either a 33 or a 34 Ford. Cribbed the basic design from the 32 Graham Blue Streak.
80,000 surprise package…LOL No thanks
This is a spot on ,build of a traditional Hot Rod! There is no one that could do it better than the Kennedy Brothers. Is 79 K a little pricey sure it is, but there are several reasons for the price. This is an exact copy of a 34 3-window from the late 40’s to mid 50’s ,it is a re-creation of Hot Rod History, by builders who know exactly what is correct and authentic. How much does it cost to do a car like this? I would guess if you could locate all the original pieces about 80 thousand dollars. You have a re-creation of history, not un-like a Pebble Beach car. What’s that worth? You don’t know, and neither do I.
Whatever year it is, it has a ’34 grill. The ’33 grill had a curve to it.
That is soooo cool! Or I thought until I saw the price.
But the alternatives available at $79K are staggering.
In 1960 I turned 16 and my high school buddy took me into his Dad’s garage to show me what his older brother was doing. This is exactly what was in the garage. Not quite as complete as this, but he finished enough to drive it to school before his grad. After he graduated he built a T-bucket roadster pickup that was a real beast. He then acquired a ’34 Ford roadster to hot rod, but it was so nice he couldn’t do it. He restored it to perfection and he and his younger brother are still at it… restoring. My paper route did not pay well enough, but I really wanted that ’34 3 window.
Original ad states 34, clean title. Adam hit wrong button. Killer car, $80k ?, Depends on what Mr. Market is feeling like spending, maybe with a candy apple, that patina thing needed to disappear 10 years ago.
Did he hit the wrong key 3 times in the body of the story?? Don’t write about what you don’t know…..
V12 MECH, That’s the problem with a car like this you missed the point, meaning you don’t know why it was built the way it is! If you really knew Hot Rods and the people who build them ,you would understand why your post makes no sense.
This car would have to be a 32 and immaculate to be worth anywhere near this kind of money this a hacked up patched up car year misrepresented also so dream on with that79k.
There are cars out there that would make this look like something to recycled for that kind of money
Charles, I am going to make a blanket statement for all of you. If you don’t know what your looking at, don’t make a stupid statement about it. It kind of gives you away.
Go buy her buddy! I’m sure it’s still available.
I’m telling you it is a mixed up misrepresented car like most all are telling you on here I am not ignorant this is nota79k car not anywhere near you will see !
Charles, It is not a mis-representation ,it is the exact opposite! This car represents what the early days of Hot Rodding looked like. The time frame from post WWII (1945) to the mid fifties (1955) I was barely a teenager by 1955, but I was obsessed with everything Hot RODS. My subscription to HRM (Hot Rod Magazine) started in April 1955. Norm Grabowski with his Roadster were on the cover. I was amazed, if I had known then how iconic the car would become and I would be a good friend of Norms and hang out with him, I wouldn’t have believed it! I just love Hot Rods and the history of the people that started it all. I know I over react ,but when some of you don’t get it, I just can’t help myself from trying to say something and give you a perspective you don’t understand.
I happen to own a 1940 Ford coupe most likely built by Joe and Jay Kennedy, because I bought it from their father, Bob, almost three years ago. It’s an amazing car, built to 50s hot rod standards. ’53 Merc flathead and all stock ’40 trans and Columbia two speed rear end. It looks and drives like a brand new 1940 Ford, smooth and quiet up to about 80MPH (I won’t push it beyond that).
Mine looks new, though, in new Acadia green lacquer, wide whites and stock three piece hubcaps.
Those here questioning the build quality of a Kennedy Bros car simply have no idea what they’re talking about, and probably should just remain quiet.
And, yes, this is a ’34, although the Kennedy Bros are known for their Deuces.
Larry, Thanks for the support, I also know the Kennedy’s and for people who don’t know ,they should not offer an opinion. I had the twin to your 40 a few years ago. Mine was a std 2-dr, black with a stone stock 265 SBC and early running gear. I drove it all over including to LA Roadster Show from Colo. You name seems familiar, Have we met? Are you from Colo? Only thing I don’t agree with you on his Kennedy’s being mostly 32. Bob Hugh early V-8 guy and so are the boys!
No, but I’ve posted here before.
And I am in Colorado.
Larry, thanks for the info I am a Colo native and I was very involved in the car scene in CO. for many years. We transplanted to AZ, 7 or 8 years ago and when I saw your name, I thought I recognized it. I don’t know why ,at 80 plus years old, sometimes I don’t even know my own name.
I’m pushing 75 and I’ve been in Pueblo since birth. I was in the retail awards business for over 40 years and made a lot of trophies for car shows etc over the years. Got to meet a lot of great people. Now, in my retirement, I’m able to join in the fun with hot rods.
I used to race at Pueblo Motorsports Park with my 1968 Mustang fastback GT 390. Also ran an autocross there once.
Larry Thanks,
I know now ,that I am positive our paths have crossed. I owned Greybeard Promotions and produced the Car Show in downtown Denver for 20 years. Brenda and Mark at Sport Custom Trophies in Lakewood did all my awards. I am sure I have friends in Pueblo, that you would know…………jgh
Haska! Are you related to the Kennedy bros? Or expecting a commission,or are you invested in this” accurate” representation of happy days of yore? Nice car for$40k absolute max! Take yer walker to a local show and you will see one for sale.
Mr Peterson, I just looked at all my posts on this car, did you read them? If you did I can see my communication skills suck or your reading comprehension is worse than my writing. I am just a long time Hot Rodder and friend of the Kennedy family. I was just pointing out what a nice build and tribute it is to the 40’s and 50’s era Hot Rod. The cost to build one this nice with vintage parts could easily cost the asking price. If you think this is a big number, take a look at BAT, a 32 5-window built by Bones Hot Rods sold for a Quarter of a Million Dollars, that’s right 250 thousand dollars! Too bad the buyer didn’t swing by a local car show and get one for 40 K, the exact same car. All 32’s and 34’s are the same, right Lowell
Mr Peterson ,You are guilty of two things you should never do. Think you are the smartest person in the room and not knowing the person you are speaking too. I don’t know you and you don’t know me but I do know by your comments ,you don’t know jack about real vintage Hot Rods or who your audience might be or know. I would like to talk with you but not in an email.
So you are connected! Thoght so. Its $40 max all day
Lowell,
I don’t know what you mean by “connected” but I am guessing since it is from you, it’s not a good thing. I have thought a lot about responding to your comments and I don’t know why, I even care? I am curious, though ,how did you gain all this knowledge about vintage Hot Rods? How did you determine that this B/F car is only 40 K all day long? Is it because you saw one just like it at a local Car Show, and it was 40 K? Seriously, do you have any idea how many things can affect the value of a car, especially one that is an icon and one of the most replicated cars on the planet? Yet, you seem certain of the value of this one. I find that amazing! I will assure you, I know quite a bit about old Fords and Vintage Hot Rods (You can check, I am connected) and I would never make a statement, like you just have. It will certainly blow any credibility, you might have had. Sincerely, Joe
I am recently retired from 35 plus years ofvrestoration shop ownership. Plenty of streetrods and exotics. I have seen at least a couple thousand specialty cars go at auction since last year Hot August Nites. 2 McCormick Palm Springs auctions , January Barrett Jackson and RM auctions, every week at least 2 Niehborhood Cars N Coffee car shows plus helping sell cars for people stuck with overinvested projects left behind for usually unqualified spouses. I am in Orange County, SouthernCalifornia ya know? Close to Disneyland! I have a current realistic opinion in my view of what this stuff sells for. I’m 79! I have been here since the ’60’s.
Lowell,
Thanks for sending your career history, very impressive and I was also surprised not at all what I was imagining. I am 81 and have about 30 years as a Car Show Promoter. My company was Greybeard Promotions and we were in business for 20 years. The number one show we did was The Rocky Mountain Rod & Custom show at the Colorado Convention center in downtown Denver. It was a three day show judged with about 500 cars and a 100 plus vendors. We did as many as 4 shows a year with 3 being outdoor 1 day shows. I have been in cars all my life and have worked buying and selling cars, building a few cars for people, doing commissioned sales and appraisals for private sellers, wrote a monthly column for Hot Rod magazines. You thought I was connected ,not true ,but because of all my involvement I have met lots of car owners , builders and icons in the car world that I never thought I would ever know.
That takes us full circle and we certainly have some shared experiences and seeing what you have done, I just don’t know why you would say 40 K all day long. I am sure you know, no two cars of the same make and model have the same value. Which one is the best? Why take your car to a car show? To see whose is the best? It’s all about the best and its value and nobody knows until it sells. All we do ,all the time is look at the value of our cars and other peoples cars, but there is no set price and no two are alike, it is only worth what it sells for and no one knows what that will be, It is similar to the chicken and the egg.
I appreciate your insight always. For my opinions ? They are just….my opinions.
Lowell,
I agree with you! We got off to a bad start and that was my fault. I have a sign in my garage that says “Don’t get lost in your own BS” That’s exactly what I did and I made assumptions that were not correct. Again my mistake.
I am sure if we had our conversation in person ,one on one, it would have been an entirely different out come. I am Sorry Joe
No worries!
I am surprised Nick is selling this one. He’s had it for years. Beautiful as the day he rolled it out of the shop. I guess he has to make room for something a little more special. Love the car nick.