Vehicle Description
1932 Ford Model 18 Roadster
In May of 2023, the American Hot Rod Foundation named their Hot Rod
of the Year, and this time it was a 1932 Ford Deluxe Model 18
roadster, a car with pedigree that include the Pebble Beach
concours and the Grand National Roadster Show. For decades, Ford
Model A's, Model B's and Model 18's have been the platform for
transforming a pedestrian car to a low slung hot rod and it has
become the classic go to vehicle for the hobby since the
1950's.
For consignment, a 1932 Ford Model 18 Roadster, showing 2,456 miles
which are not actual. It retains a V8 but not the Flathead and has
staggered wheels and tires that give the go fast raked appearance,
while the open cab is the stuff of boyhood dreams. Well, wake up,
your dream is about to come true! This car was built by Chad Adams,
renowned '32 builder from Georgia.
Exterior
Back in the 50's paint technology wasn't what it is today, and guys
focused on speed rather than shine, so 30's paint often had to
suffice, and the lacquer finish would fade over time. This car
wears Satin Black as a nod to hot rods of yesteryear but looks
stunning and with the matte trend still popping in the U.S., it's a
finish that will be the envy of the tuner crowd as well. A
pinstripe design embellishes the nose of the car and our eyes are
then drawn to the raked and polished windscreen frame. Visible
chrome suspension and axle components add more contrasting shine to
the exterior and the open engine compartment reveals a polished
power plant behind leather straps adorned with brass buckles. Black
painted steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps are fenderless and the
rear 16-inch wheels are deep. The only imperfections on the outside
are some scuffs near the rear wheels.
Interior
Nicely patterned mottled tan vinyl covers the inner doors cleanly
and with class and the material continues on the simple bench seat
which is low on the floor matched nicely with brown carpet and mats
that have tan trim. A four spoke steering wheel has jute-like grips
and fronts a smooth, stain black dashboard with a row of Stewart
Warner vintage style gauges. The tall Lokar shifter is floor
mounted not far from the small pedals at your feet under a polished
steering column and the entire footwell is finished in the tan
vinyl for a clean presentation, which is copied in the trunk, a
showroom unto itself!
Drivetrain
That polished piece we mentioned earlier is a 350ci V8 with
aluminum heads and a Holley 4-barrel carburetor. A TH350 3-speed
automatic transmission is behind it, sending power to the Ford 8"
in back. Powder coated headers start the short journey for the
fumes. For brakes, the car is equipped with discs in front and
drums in the back.
Undercarriage
Make no mistake, you could literally eat off the underside. Just
stay away from the oil and transmission pans because there's a bit
of residual oil there, but all else is spotless. It's based in
satin black here too, but the polished parts we saw up above are
even more evident down below and that includes the 4 link and the
coil overs themselves, the front axles and adherent parts, and the
dual exhaust which runs through Pypes mufflers before dumping under
the car. Up front there's a transverse leaf spring acting as
suspension.
Drive-Ability
There are no dull days with this '32 around and a sunny day
welcomes us onto the test loop where the car performs as it
appears, with clean precision, nothing over the top, an efficient
ride that scores high in the fun factor. It's quick and with its
low center of gravity, handles well but with only lap belts keeping
you in and no side bolstering other than the doors, you'll want to
avoid slalom racing, this baby is great in the straights. All
functions, limited and efficient as they are, all work as intended.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Another iconic '32 Ford graces our halls and if you're on the hunt
for one, zero your scope on this fine ride. It needs nothing,
(unless you want a radio), and present with some retro styling that
looked good 80 years ago and will look good 80 years from now. This
roadster is Americana on wheels and we wouldn't be surprised if it
ended up overseas, because our car culture is still the most
desired! Will it stay stateside? That may be up to you. Come cull
this one from our herd!
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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!
