Fantasy Junction

Description

1932 Ford Convertible Hot Rod (auction currently in progress)

VIN – 1847027
Exterior Color – Black
Interior Color – Taupe Leather
Engine – Small Block Ford V8
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 1,798 TMU

General Overview

The 32 Ford revolutionized modern automobiles at a time when a quality car was needed at an affordable price. Miles ahead of the dated Model T and underpowered Model A, the 32 was the perfect balance at the right time. Available in a range of models, the distinctive design and practical nature of these beautifully simple cars put millions of families on roadways and highways across America. After the war, the plentiful bounty of left-over Fords allowed young people a chance to individualize and modify these cars at nominal cost, building the very genesis of the iconic American Hot Rod. Hand-built hot rods have advanced to new heights with every consecutive decade culminating in million-dollar versions bringing home top awards as new generations of builders raise the bar with more innovative ideas to bolster this unstoppable American powerhouse of performance and design.

Unlike the original Ford cars, many newly built 32 Hot Rods utilize fiberglass bodies and mixed aftermarket components from a wide range of manufacturers. However, the best builds utilize steel bodies, properly constructed with a consistent build theme and careful selection for all features, correct stance, and highly refined finishes. Over time, these all-steel hot rods have become highly sought after in the hot-rodding community, especially examples like this example, with full steel fenders, solid running boards, shortened windscreen, tailored top, and raked stance.

History and Build Details of This Car

This 1932 Ford Hot Rod was the subject of a careful build commissioned by the owner. It is estimated that the build was completed on or around 2012 and the accumulated 1,800 miles have essentially been added since completion by the commissioning owner. According to reference photos accompanying the car, the builder prepared the steel body for paint while a fresh set of frame rails were prepared, and a tubular steel center section welded in place to aid in structural rigidity for the ladder frame. The frame was painted gloss black to match the body and a heavy-duty rear end and four link suspension was installed. A small block Ford V8 was built with tubular headers, aluminum Cobra valve covers, aluminum Cobra oil pan, and a Cobra oval air cleaner capping a Weber carburetor. The ignition system includes a Flame Thrower coil and silicon resistor core spark plug wires. Stainless steel dual exhaust was installed with low profile dual mufflers. The front suspension was modified with a chrome plated tube axle, chrome plated longitudinal leaf spring, and a four-bar link suspension with dual piston, polished alloy caliper disc brakes with finned aluminum backing plates. The adjustable parallel 4-link rear suspension uses adjustable QA1 shocks, polished coil-over springs, and a chrome plated heavy-duty rear end. A full-length driveshaft runs from the 5-speed manual transmission to the rear end.

The all-steel body features a perfectly raked stance, lowered body position over nicely tucked and trimmed wheel openings. The front rake is enhanced by sitting on “Big and Little” painted steel wheels, trimmed with polished beauty rings and 1940 Ford wheel caps. Cooper Touring tires of varied width and profile retain good tread bearing 2012 manufacturing dates consistent with the period of construction. During the build, every effort was made to finish all the steel panels with no fillers or putty, hence the personalized license plate “NO BONDO”. The careful craftsmanship and detailing performed on the entire body included all inner steel panels, firewall, metal support structure, and a new steel dashboard. Once the steel panels were finished, the car was primed using modern finishing primer, followed by a gleaming black color coat. The interior was then trimmed with a warm taupe leather and finished with a handsomely tailored removable black canvas top which can be collapsed to a smaller size and protected in storage with the accompanying bag.
Condition Overview

Today this 32 Ford Hot Rod is ready to enjoy and show. The exterior finish is glossy and smooth, and the various vintage trim and detailed features are in excellent condition. The doors, hood, and deck lid all open and shut with excellent closure, very nice panel gaps, and great fit to the louvered hood panels. The overall body work has been very well done in unforgiving black with great position and stance. The dropped front and rear bumpers are excellent perimeter accents to the wide stance. The iconic 32 grille features large headlights, the iconic Ford arched support bar, and centered V8 emblem. The lowered and raked windscreen drops the profile perfectly. Dual red pinstripe lines enhance the traditional raised body beading that curvaceously traces the perimeter of the body. The stainless-steel dual exhaust terminates at the rear bumper with twin chrome plated exhaust tips and the chrome plated differential peeking out when viewed from the rear.

The various trim is polished to a high luster including the front stainless steel grille bars, blue oval grille trim, and chrome door handles. The chrome headlight buckets match the smaller cowl mounted accessory lights, side view mirrors, and distinct blue dot taillights. From any view, the body lines are very well done, the fender drape is perfectly positioned, and the stance is spot on. This all-steel 32 truly captures decades of 32 Ford Hot Rod traditions from the excellent finishes to the exemplary component choices and details.

The interior has been prepared with equal attention to the best in Hot Rodding. Finished in a creamy taupe leather, the pleated front seat spans the length of the cabin with ample space for two passengers, modern seatbelts, and matching pleated door panels. The painted black steel dashboard features a Stewart Warner “Wings” five-gauge set of vintage style instruments nestled into an engine turned instrument panel. Under the dash a contemporary Alpine sound system is installed in a leather covered drop down mount. A matching SW Wings tachometer flanks the right side of the dropped steering column. A leather wrapped and padded smaller diameter banjo steering wheel finishes off the vintage look. Carpeting is in excellent condition, with a traditional tall shifter and chrome handle parking brake. The clutch and brake pedals actuate through the floor while a nicely articulated suspended gas pedal drops down from a firewall throttle linkage actuator. A nicely finished Ford branded heater box sits under the passenger side of the dashboard. The rear rumble seat hinges open from the top of the rear deck and is finished with matching pleated leather and carpeting with a small doghouse covering a 12v Optima battery.

Under the hood, the small block V8 engine is beautifully finished with excellent gloss black paint on the steel firewall, polished and plated parts, and raw aluminum casting finishes for the Cobra valve covers and oil pan. Clearly the build quality is of a very high level and was performed by experienced hot rod builders who utilized proven suspension, a durable powertrain, and state of the art brake components to build this 32 Ford to a rewarding level of presentation. The underside of the car is in excellent condition showing no signs of damage or neglect since completed and very little evidence of road use.

This is a truly exemplary 32 convertible hot rod with great build details, fantastic drivetrain, and perfect stance. The finish and build quality make it ideal for cruising and showing at any hot rod or custom car event.

Items Included with the Car

This car is accompanied by a Car Cover, a battery tender, four floor mats, a set of side curtains, an Alpine stereo case and remote-control unit, a spare Sirius XM unit, a spare wiper motor and wiper arm, the removable and collapsible convertible top, a storage bag for the convertible top, and selected photos from the build.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608