1932 Ford Roadster 

From the very start, Hot Rods were produced with some key characteristics, but there was always room for personal interpretation.  This is especially true with Hot Rods built in the modern age, often with as much “show” involved as there is go.  Glossy paint schemes, cartoonish rear tires, and modern engines is certainly one way to go and appealing.  The other avenue is to create something that looks authentically 1950's, hand built in a time when function of speed was more important than form of style. 

For consignment, an old school design in a modern build looking like it just drove off the cover of a 1955 issue of Hot Rod magazine, a '32 Roadster in all its faux patinaed glory.  This car can be credited to the existence of an enthusiast's marketplace that produces the components enabling dreamers to build the Hot Rod they envision.  Put this car in a museum and only the discerning eye of true Hot Rodders might recognize its vintage. 

Exterior
With its strategically placed rust simulation and weathered graphics, the car looks tired and old.  But don't be deceived by the coat, it's intentional.  The steel body is from Dearborn Deuce and has been painted to recreate a shade tree build from the earliest days of souping up Model A's.  The shop of origin was routinely and proudly displayed on the cars and this one features Ray's Muffler and Speed shop, including their phone number which starts with a letter, raise your hand if you remember that!  Attention to detail includes an inspection sticker on the windscreen from 1953, a period license plate, (included with the sale), and even faded and chipped paint on the Ford script printed on the dog dish hubcaps.  Pinstriping abounds and is appropriately faded and broken. The exposed engine is intended for show, cooling, and ease of access since you can't be pestered with awkward covers between runs.  The staggered wheels create just the right stance and the car sits flat.  The axles and suspension parts are shiny and we'll get it up on the lift soon.  The canvas convertible top is in great condition and has a glass window. 

Interior
Stainless steel door panels are simple and flat.  A period transistor radio hangs on a door pull, probably left by the builder's sister who had to hear Elvis on the radio while getting a ride to her girl scout meeting.  The tuck and roll vinyl black bench is in great condition and has a cove cutout for gear shift movement.  A simple two spoke steering wheel shares its column with a tachometer while all other gauges are housed in a machined plate.  The Stewart Warner gauges are white faced and printed in vintage font.  The remainder of the dash is satin black.  The floor mounted shifter is tall and curved, topped by a cue ball style knob.  The floor is coated with a textured paint akin to Rhino truck coating only rougher.  Power windows are a convenient modern upgrade and in the wood panel lined trunk we find a stainless gas tank. 

Drivetrain
A 255ci flathead V8 built by H&H sits behind the front wheels and includes Edelbrock 8BA 24 bolt heads.  Three 2-barrel carburetors capped by cylindrical air cleaner elements stand like columns over the intake manifold.  Also present are headers which are wrapped in heat tape.  A 5-speed manual Tremec transmission spins to the back wheels and a Winters Quick Change rear is in charge of turning the rear tire.  Disc brakes are present and of course visible in this open-wheeled car. 

Undercarriage
A Brookville frame provides the structure while 4 bar suspension with transverse leaf springs soften the ride at both ends.  The axles and 4 bar are chrome, as is the driveshaft and shocks.  Posie's custom exhaust runs the length of the car, straight back, then the tips turn downward on each side of the rear differential.  Other than some road spray, all is very clean and dry underneath. 

Drive-Ability
You think when they chopped up granddad's Model A for racing they cared about mufflers back in the day?  Of course not and with the pump of the gas and a turn of the key, this raucous roadster roars awake.  Long before Nancy showed up to propose a noise ordinance, the kids down the street were testing their rods in the neighborhood, just as we took this one out on our loop.  The ride was smooth and flat and acceleration was on call with the flick of an ankle and a shift of the stick.  This is bad boy territory, but more than that, it's a rolling piece of Americana.  Before we woke up all of Morgantown, we utilized the disc brakes and pulled back into the garage.  

As they would have said back in the day, his thing is cherry!  This car is a combination of old school patina and polished bling with the legendary flathead engine, staggered stance, and quality pieces from some of the best Hot Rod suppliers in the country today.  Happy Days are here again, so stop into the mall soon!

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!