Thanks to their popularity, old Fords were once as disposable as empty pop cans, and the post-World War II era saw hot-rodders turn them into all manner of fast and sometimes dangerous contraptions. This 1932 Ford Roadster in Mesa, Arizona features a host of vintage hot-rod parts, and comes to market here on Craigslist with a lofty asking price of $155,000. The “Dust Devil,” as it’s called, wears a Dick Smith-style lift-off top, paying tribute to Arizona resident Smith’s famous ’32 roadster. Thanks to reader T.J. for spotting this partially-finished Ford.
Super-trick ARDUN heads turn the classic Ford flathead V8 into a fire-breathing overhead valve monster with hemispherical combustion chambers. Designed and marketed by brothers Zora and Yura ARkus-DUNtov, the heads and related parts yielded a consistent 160 HP from motors that topped out around 100 HP stock. Some builders added superchargers for even more fun. Read the history of these cylinder heads at TorqTalk. Many fans will recognize the name Zora Arkus-Duntov from his legendary contributions to the Corvette.
Sharp eyes will immediately spot the Halibrand quick-change rear-end. Other pictures in the listing show rear fender fabrication, but some of the pictures appear to be older than others and some are pictures of pictures. It’s hard to tell if these are the new fenders or maybe new fenders were necessary to allow for more than an 1/8″ of suspension travel. Readers with highly interesting cars to sell: consider hiring a professional to craft your listing, then ask $156,000.
This picture begins to illustrate the level of craftsmanship commensurate to a six-figure asking price. Most new car body panels aren’t as smooth as the paint job on this chassis.
It’s easy to see how this Dust Devil could become a standout sensation in a sea of ’32 Fords. Stick with pre-1955 parts everywhere and you’ll hit a home run wherever you go, unless it’s an 1/8th mile dirt track because, for obvious reasons, please no. When was the last time you saw a custom ’32 Ford on a public road?
That kind of money for a trailer full of parts is about as dumb as it gets. You can sure buy a lot of hot rod for 10 to 20K anywhere on the planet. No sense in even looking at this one.
While the price is optimistic remember that it only takes one person with money to make the seller’s day.
155k you can buy a lot of completed hotrod and daily driver too
NO. It looks like they have been doing the build right but not a 155k worth even when finished.
I get it.. $155,000 you are paying for History. It’s all done for you. That if your the person who wants vintage history on the road today. And to go the car shows and win trophies. That’s another way of looking at it. Would I spend the money? Nope. The way inflation is today things have gone crazy in prices. Just look at the use muscle cars today on the market. They are up 30% easy. Our hobby is getting very expensive now because of you know who and the DC crew. Have a wonderful day guys. 🇺🇸🐻🇺🇸
For that kind of cash it better be ready to drive down the road.
Dust Devil = Crack Crazy
The Smith styled top does absolutely no favors to the car. The engine and drive train does more for me than the car even though it’s a 32.
I can buy a steel 32 finished for that price.
“It’s morally wrong to allow a sucker to keep his money.”
W. C. Fields
I don’t know what to say, Maybe a day late and a dollar short? I have been around and I think I know a lot about vintage Hot Rods, this car doesn’t ring any bells. Many of the parts are what you want and they look original. The Ardun looks like the real deal and could be 50 grand plus, if it is. The body frame etc. I really don’t know. It might be real or even be historical, but I don’t know. My opinion with out more research and an in person inspection is 155 thousand dollars is not a reasonable number, I just don’t see it.
Even if the 32 was finished it still would look like an ugly duck.
It’s the most expensive pile of junk I’ve ever seen.
For real 155k. Historical,classical even if I could afford it that’s a bit up there. It’s nice but not that nice.i dont care what anyone says.20,30k there are lots of totally useful 32s that are just as nice out there. Ones opinion. We all have one.