Vehicle Description
1932 Ford Model B 400 Convertible Sedan
In 1932, the top of the line Ford B 400 convertible sedan would set
you back a whopping $650, ($14,723 in today's money). That's if you
could find one as only 842 were produced and some of those were
exported. They were two door cabriolet coaches with rear window
frames and were originally powered by a 221ci flathead V8. They
were rare in 1932 and as a result, are one of the most sought after
models from that year.
For consignment, a spectacular build of an ultra rare car for the
discerning enthusiast. This 1932 Ford leaves no nut or bolt
untouched in a modern interpretation of an antique car. With just
275 miles since completion of the build, this amazing car has many
handmade parts and 21st century conveniences. The seats are
restyled from a Corvette, the steering wheel was custom machined,
and there's even a back-up camera to help avoid damage to the
incredible paint. But that's not all, as this car was featured in
the May 2021 issue of Modern Rodder magazine as well as being a
calendar car for Classic Instruments in 2022. Read on and prepare
to be amazed...
Exterior
Inky black paint coats the smooth panels of this car in flawless
coverage. The headlights are mounted via stalks to the steel
fenders and the grille is on full display as the lightbar has been
deleted. The hood, in a bit of clever engineering, opens like a
modern hood as one piece and the cowl vent doesn't open at all. A
flush mounted windshield, when you notice it, is such a simple yet
impactful modification. With the framed rear seat windows and
canvas top, the profile of the car is unique especially with the
top down. It also has a raked stance with 16-inch wheels in the
front and 18-inch wheels in the back where you'll also find larger
tires. With the risk of overusing a word, the chrome bumpers and
metal work including door handles, light housings, trim, and the
gas cap are spectacular. The top and its small glass rear window
are in excellent condition.
Interior
Open the door to be greeted by Bordeaux Red leather affixed
perfectly to the door panels in varying patterns and sections. The
armrest is a flowing sculpture and even the storage pouch is
carefully crafted. This fine leather is repeated on the custom
redone Corvette front bucket seats that are modern and supportive
and controlled by electrical switches at the base. Similar bucket
seats are in the back where the swooping armrests make another
appearance, all in stunning red leather. The custom steering wheel
is a more robust tribute to the banjo wheels of the era and per the
consignor, the column is also custom fabricated. The gauge surround
looks like a sterling silver crudite platter and the gauges are set
in rectangle framed bezels. This cluster is part of the dash which
is glossy black. The center console where the red river of leather
continues, houses a modern automatic shifter and a hidden storage
compartment accessible between the seat bolsters. Even the
footwells are show worthy with panels of red leather and areas of
shiny black paint. The floor is covered with black low pile carpet
sections and are protected from above by black carpeted mats.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, we have a spotless 383ci stroker engine with
aluminum heads and eight throttle bodies each with a velocity stack
and individual air cleaner, in glossy black housings that match the
valve covers. A 4-speed automatic 700R4 transmission is behind the
picturesque power plant, and power is sent to the back where a Ford
9" rear resides. Buick finned drums with consignor stated disc
brakes hidden inside are supplied at each wheel.
Undercarriage
As dear old dad would say, this undercarriage is so clean, "you
could eat off of it!". And he'd be right, it's an impeccable
showpiece with polished metal parts, gloss black belly pans, and
virtually zero evidence of road dirt or an overambitious grease
gun. The dual exhaust flows from headers to an X-pipe where it
splits again to meet a pair of Flowmaster mufflers and finally exit
discreetly under the car. Four bar suspension with a transverse
leaf spring is located in the front while a four bar with coil
springs is in the rear. We do note some oil on the oil pan, a drop
of red on the transmission pan, and a drop of oil on the finned
rear diff.
Drive-Ability
As much as I love the front bucket seats and view out of the flush
vertical windshield, the back seat looks like a fun place to sit!
Family members and friends are really going to enjoy the ride.
Anyway, the door shut soundly, the 383 cuber cranked to life and
with a mighty rumble, we set the Model B into motion around the
loop. It purred along with fine acceleration, braking and turn-in.
No silly radio to distract us from the sights and sounds that are
this '32 and like all good things, the ride must come to an
end.
This is a fine build that will be a wonderful addition to a
collection, even if it is a collection of one. If the new caretaker
elects to share the beauty and craftsmanship of this car at car
shows, she/he should make room for trophies and be prepared to
address the throngs who will stop by to get a closer look. If
concours events ever have a "modern interpretation" category,
there's a Blue Ribbon with this car's name on it. This one is just
about flawless.
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!
