1932 Ford Model B Roadster

In 1932, a Ford B Roadster, with a four-cylinder engine, would set you back a whopping $495, ($12,050 in today's money). If you stretched your budget $10 more, ($219 in 2024), you had the option of a Model 18 or 40…which had a V8. Many people opted for the V8 which outsold the B considerably. Model B was derived with as few technical changes as possible to keep cost low. Other than the 4 cylinder engine, badging on the headlamp support bar, and hub caps, it was virtually indistinguishable from the V8. Its intention was to be a price leader, and as it offered more than the popular Model A, this should have been a winning formula. In fact, the V8 stole the show, and finally made the four-cylinder obsolete. Ninety two years later, turns out the less common Model B's are collectable and the relatively rare roadster B even more so.

For consignment, a spectacular 1932 Ford Model B Roadster with some modern modifications that make it enjoyable to drive and reliable but stops well short of entering the “resto-mod” stratosphere. This is a turn-key, show-stopping B that enjoyed a no-expense spared restoration and is ready for the next discerning caretaker. Sporting a 1 of 10 built custom R.E.M dual overhead cam engine, full pressure lubrication, insert bearings, and modern aluminum pistons. Whether it's your first foray into early Fords, or an addition to a collection, this is one you'll be proud to own.

Exterior
As we always say at Classic Auto Mall, “there's no perfect car…” and that's especially true with exteriors. Save for two minor blemishes, the paint on this car is fantastic…and that's not always easy with black! It shines like an ink well and is accented by a double red pinstripe that draws your eye like a laser beam to the top edge. The contrasting chrome pops like a bright light against the black background while red wire wheels and taillights pick up where the pinstripe leaves off…it's a coordinated little package that simply works. The wide whitewalls are crisp and the fawn-colored top is mirrored by the rear-mounted spare tire cover…all in excellent condition. The stance has been lowered with the addition of 16-inch wheels, (down two inches from the original 18-inchers), and it works well to give the car a more stable, if not racy profile.

Interior
Not to be outdone by the exterior, the interior carries on with the quality. The seats are covered in smooth brown leather, including the rumble seat. Door panels pick up the café latte-color and are simple and clean, tethered to the body of the car with a small leather strap reminiscent of saddle wear. Low pile carpet is tan in color and this color repeats for the seatbelts! It's obvious that thought was given to every color chosen for this car's restoration….right down to the seatbelts! Modern VDO gauges in a machined metal surround add not only a touch of class, but the ability to monitor speed, oil pressure and temperature. Two additional gauges mounted under the dash indicate fuel levels and voltage. The wood dash is a glossy and warm quality piece of workmanship…like a fine piece of furniture. The shifter and brake handle are polished and clean while the steering column is dressed in satin black and topped with a flat black wheel. Polished wood and metal braces frame the soft roof.

Drivetrain
The 201ci four cylinder has been massaged into the modern age! Inspired by an Offenhauser set up, the engine has been reworked from the bottom up – one of ten built by R.E.M. Engineering, (Robert McKinney), in which the twin-overhead cam is supported with modern aluminum pistons, insert bearings, and full-pressure lubrication. Dual Stromberg 97 carburetors sit atop a dual intake manifold. An aluminum sump and an electric fan assure that this old Ford won't be the one to overheat on the rally! A three-speed transmission with Mitchell overdrive sends the power to the rear wheels via 3.78 gears.

Undercarriage
After seeing how the clean engine bay was, it comes as no surprise that the underside is also show-worthy. The red wire wheels peek through, backed by power hydraulic drums on both ends. Smithy mufflers dampen the internal combustion while transverse leaf springs span the width of the car on the front and back. In all, it's spectacularly clean and tidy; we wouldn't hesitate to use a mirror at a car show to highlight this undercarriage…it's that nice.

Drive-ability
We've driven our fair share of Model A's and B's at the mall and this one is a real joy. The engine runs and sounds tight – somewhat different from the standard fare of the era. The two inch drop really does make the car feel more stable, especially around the turns of our test loop. Its burbling exhaust is pleasant to the ear; acceleration and braking induce confidence and the seats and driving position are both very comfortable.

Every once in a while, an early Ford comes to our Hallowed Halls and captures everyone's attention. Nearly 300,000 V8 Fords were sold in 1932 – Ford could barely keep up with demand. But it's the much less common 4-cylinders that today are among some of the most desirable early Fords in the collector world and the special roadster we have here might be one of the finest around! If you're in the market for an early Ford, this might be worth a look.

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.

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