It could almost be said that hot rods developed out of necessity. Their creators typically didn’t have the cash available to buy the latest and greatest Detroit offering. They would adapt whatever was available on hand or could be purchased cheaply to create a unique vehicle. The scene was at its height during the 1950s and 1960s, but these cars retain a strong following today. This 1932 Ford Roadster is typical of the breed, but it is a new-millennium creation. It presents superbly, featuring a traditional V8 and a few modern touches. It is set to find a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Upland, California. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $60,100, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim.
The seller didn’t start with a blank sheet of paper when creating this stunning classic because the foundation was an old hot rod body. It retains most of its original Ford steel, including the body, fenders, hood, firewall, floors, and grille shell. These have been massaged to perfection before the stunning Black paint was applied. It retains a mirror shine, although some close-up shots reveal a few swirls that should polish out. A wide selection of photos is provided in the listing, confirming that this hot rod is totally rust-free. The windshield received a 2″ chop, and a Beige Sid Chavers top was added. The chrome components made a trip to the platers, providing a striking contrast to the predominantly Black exterior. The builder resisted the urge to add modern wheels, with this Ford riding on ’35 wire wheels with chrome hubcaps. The overall impact is quite subtle compared to some traditional hot rods, but it pays a fitting homage to the genre’s roots.
The interior continues the creator’s old-school approach to this build. They resisted the temptation to bolt in bucket seats, settling on a Glide bench trimmed in Brown leather. The same material covers the remaining upholstered surfaces, with the Black carpet matching the painted dash. A machine-turned fascia frames a selection of vintage-look Stewart-Warner gauges, and the car retains its original wheel in excellent condition. Finding anything to criticize inside this rod is impossible. There is no wear, physical damage, or other problems that would cause embarrassment if the new owner rocks up to a Cars & Coffee or a cruise in this beauty.
Peering below the surface of this Ford reveals its creator’s old-school/new-school approach. Power is derived from a rebuilt 239ci 8BA flathead V8. It would have originally produced 95hp, but adding cylinder heads from Offenhauser and an intake from the same company, topped by a pair of Stromberg 97 carburetors, means the output will be comfortably in three-digit territory. Engine temperature is kept in check by a Walker radiator. The power feeds to a 9″ rear end via a five-speed T5 manual transmission. The suspension received a 2″ dropped front axle, split wishbones, and a Pete & Jake’s ladder bar rear suspension. The mechanical combination should provide lively performance, but the modern overdrive transmission will allow it to cruise effortlessly at freeway speed. The seller offers no specific information on how this hot rod runs or drives, but the overall presentation of the car’s engine bay and underside suggests the news should be good.
One of the few drawbacks of writing for Barn Finds is that I frequently feature cars that I would dearly love to find parked in my garage. This 1932 Ford Roadster is one such vehicle, but the price is well beyond my modest means. Hot rods originated from humble roots, but well-executed examples can command significant interest and astonishing prices when they hit the market, with this Ford providing a graphic illustration. It has reached $60,100 after receiving twenty-six bids, and there is almost a week remaining on the listing for both figures to climb substantially. I believe that will happen, but what do you think the price will be when the hammer falls?
This is very classy and a nice iteration of the old school/very cool combined with lots of money and it’s a honey.
But IMO the ‘57 Fairlane shown earlier with the Caddy motor is a better representation of the old hot rod ideology and rolled up sleeve, blue collar, “usin’ whatcha got” go fast build, sometimes out of necessity like “cooter” said..
You nailed it brother! I cannot resist the urge, since I saw that 57, to pull up that pic from the rear. It looks like its about launch a serious amount of tire smoke. That would make a great poster for our garage walls!
The 1932 Ford, with the first flathead V-8 that would be built unti l 1953, is the Holy Grail of old-school hot rods.
There couldn’t be many left, especially unmodified and in this condition.
Yep, it sure is the closest thing to a perfect old/new hot rod one can find. I could afford it at the price that it is at now but only if I could also live in it down by the river. I want to offer my opinion of where the hammer will drop…$87,950.00. this could be fun so thank you Adam for the suggestion.
If I bid one dollar, and your “price is right” guess goes over, do I win the showcase?
Where is Drew Carey when you need him?
$71, 650.01
As pure as it gets as a street rod. Real roadster body, flathead engine, spoked wheels, etc. Art on wheels.
I agree with everyone on this one. Very classy. Beats the snot out your typical cookie cutter street rod painted their wife’s favorite colors, SBC and a beige interior looking lifted from a late model SUV.
You get no argument here Jasper. Sick of nice old Fords with belly-button sbc’s. Get some imagination!
This car is a perfect representation of what old school Hot Rodders would consider the perfect example of a real Hot Rod. This car represents so much Hot Rod history and also where it is today and indicates where it is headed. As far as price goes that’s a hard call. This car is king of the hill and it always will be no matter what decade you would put it in. At the height of its popularity it would have been six figures. Today ,many would argue 60 K is too much! I think it is a great deal, it is also the real deal. I have the exact same drive train in my 34 5-window and it is a perfect combination to connect the old to the new. It will be an indicator of the market when it sells. The biggest thing will be who is the buyer and why is this the car? I think it will make the reserve and more. But the buyer will be a senior with a history of Hot Rodding and the knowledge of what it represents. I wish I could be that buyer.
Joe knows!
This is how these ’32’s should be. If you’re gonna hot rod them.
All the nice hot rods are out of Kalifornia.
Don’t tell Don Garlits that! He proved speed wasn’t restricted to the west side of the good ole USA!
What a beautiful rod. I was dreading the usual “It has a sbc and powerglide/turbo 350 transmission combo” that seems to make up so many hot rods these days. When I read that it has a flathead V8 and a 5 speed manual transmission it really makes me want it! This really is an exceptional example of a true old school hot rod done right, all the way down to the wire wheels. I know I can sound like a broken record, but the only thing I’d do is build the flathead for boost and install a vintage roots-style supercharger and then drive it as often as the weather permits. Beautiful car, wish I had the funds to make it mine.
As I scrolled down to see what the engine was I almost cried out with joy (seriously) when I saw it was a Flathead. I was almost resigned to a SBC.
I love this car. Would be one of the first to buy were I to win the Lotto.