1932 FORD MODEL B ROADSTER

This 1932 Ford Model B Roadster is a striking custom ‘Hi-Boy’ hot rod, with exceptionally rare original Henry Ford steel coachwork, built by a very well-regarded and experienced UK enthusiast. Power comes from a supercharged 284ci (4.6-litre) Ford ‘French’ flathead V8, producing around 240bhp, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed Tremec TKO500 manual transmission with a Centreforce dual friction clutch.

After many years building renowned ‘street rod’ style cars, including the well-known chopped and sectioned 1935 Hillman Minx called ‘Moulin Rouge’, hot rodder Bob Wellstead set his sights on acquiring a genuine three-window ‘deuce coupe’, with the notion of upgrading the mechanicals but keeping the body original.

During the search for a coupe around 10 years ago, he happened upon another rare find: a 1932 Roadster, fresh in from the US, and almost entirely stock. The individual who has sourced the car from St Louis, Missouri, had uprated the brakes and wheels, but nothing else. Seeing something of a blank canvas in front of him, Wellstead snapped up the Roadster, and set about transforming it into the car offered here today.

Its bodywork was found to be remarkably original in Henry Ford steel - as opposed to the myriad Brookville steel replicas or fibreglass cars - so this was carefully preserved, and resprayed in the current dark satin brown hue. Today, the exterior still presents in impressive condition, with a graceful patina throughout.

The car features dropped I-beams, unsplit wishbones at the front, and a Ford banjo back axle. There are original type transverse leaf springs on all four corners, though it has been completely rebuilt and upgraded with So-Cal Speed Shop tube shocks. As can be appreciated from the detailed photos in the gallery, the car has been put together to a high standard, with a clean and ordered finish to the visible suspension and steering components.

For the engine, Wellstead turned to renowned French flathead builder, Royal Kustoms. Its 284ci V8 features Ross forged pistons, Scat H-beam rods, and a Tatom custom grind cam. The bottom end has been dynamically balanced, and there is also a lightened flywheel. It has 1.6-inch inlet and exhaust valves, with Motor City low-compression blower heads that have been fully ported and polished. The addition of a Weiand 142 supercharger on a Roadrunner manifold gives this ‘deuce’ Roadster a seriously impressive output, joining triple Stromberg 97 carburettors on a Vintage Speed manifold, and Speedway ‘block hugger’ centre dump headers. There is also a Mallory distributor with a Pertronix electronic ignition module, and an MSD boost timing master control unit.

The cabin remains relatively true to its factory specification, and has been re-trimmed in smart Oxblood Red vinyl, which complements the dark brown exterior superbly. The bench seat has signs of use, but no wear or discolouration, while there is also a matching rumble seat in the back so another friend can join you for the ride.

In May 2017, this 1932 Model B Roadster graced the cover of Custom Car magazine - alongside a three-window ‘deuce coupe’ also built by Wellstead - for a feature titled ‘The Holy Grail(s)’, in reference to the remarkable find of not one, but two, highly original 1932 steel-bodied Fords. It was acquired by the current owner around two years ago, and is now offered sale on Collecting Cars at the same time as the aforementioned 1932 coupe, giving bidders the chance to own ‘a pair of deuces’.

This 1932 Ford Model B Roadster is a wonderful hot rod in the true original tradition, keeping its ‘Hi-Boy’ stance and boasting a Henry Ford steel body, which is becoming an increasingly rare find - even in its native US. For someone seeking a period-style custom, built by one of the most respected enthusiasts in the country, this unique classic would be a great addition to their collection. Furthermore, the chance to own its 1932 ‘deuce coupe’ sister car offered at the same time makes this an even more compelling - and possibly unrepeatable - opportunity.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.