Vehicle Description
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 cafe 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.
Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you
enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
