1932 Ford Model 18 Deluxe Highboy Roadster

Description

During the post-Great Depression economic recovery, a resurgence of interest in hot rodding emerged, particularly in Southern California. The favorable weather and vast, dry lakes of the region provided an ideal environment for the development of dual-purpose race/street cars. Among the diverse array of body styles crafted from Ford Model As, Ts, and Bs, a notable category emerged known as "Highboys." These vehicles featured unmodified hot rod bodies positioned directly on top of the frame rails. Unlike the labor-intensive process of "channeling" a body to sit lower on the chassis, many young hot rodders opted for the simpler approach of leaving the body elevated above the frame, just like the 1932 Roadster bodied example on offer. 

Highlights 

• Powered by a Ford 302 cu-in V8 engine bored .030 inches over with a roller rocker cam and a four-barrel Edelbrock carburetor 

• Finished in metallic teal with custom pinstriping  

• Interior upholstered in tan leather with matching carpeting 

• Fiberglass body from County Line Rod of Pauline, South Carolina 

• An original chassis from a 1932 Ford has been blocked and channeled for increased strength and durability 

• Five-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter knob mounted on a Lokar shifter 

• Tan Sid Chavers Bop-Top folding soft top reported to cost $3,500 

• Staggered 17-inch front and 20-inch rear American Racing chrome five-spoke wheels 

• Wilwood disc brakes 

• Ford nine-inch rear axle with a four-link setup 

• Well-detailed undercarriage 

• Please note that while the odometer displays just under 5,000 miles at the time of listing, this is the total mileage since the completion of the car in 2022, leaving the true mileage unknown 

Features 

• Period correct steering wheel 

• Carrera coil overs 

• Autometer gauges 

• Aluminum instrument panel 

• Lap belts 

• Right-hand side view mirror 

• Tubular headers 

• Edelbrock intake manifold 

• Electric cooling fan 

• Braided stainless steel brake hoses 

• T-handle shifter handle 

• Floor-mounted gear selector 

• Aluminum radiator 

• Ford script headlight lenses 

Known Imperfections 

• Chipped paint on the transmission cross-member and corresponding frame cross-member 

Ownership History 

The current owner of this 1932 Ford Model 18 Deluxe Highboy Roadster acquired the car from the previous owner and builder in December 2023.