1932 Ford Roadster - Brookville All-Steel Body - Supercharged 383 V8 - Kugel Independent Suspension - One-Owner Custom Build
Platt Motors is honored to present one of the most extraordinary custom automobiles we have had the privilege of representing. This 1932 Ford Roadster is a remarkable one-owner creation combining traditional American hot rod styling, sophisticated engineering, exceptional craftsmanship, and extensive build documentation.
Built around a genuine Brookville all-steel Roadster body, this automobile represents years of dedication by its owner, Warren Hansen, a military veteran and lifelong automotive enthusiast.
THE STORY
Warren’s inspiration came partly from his brother’s 1932 Ford three-window coupe powered by a 302 Oldsmobile engine. Rather than purchase an existing hot rod, Warren envisioned building something uniquely his own.
He personally acquired the new Brookville steel body at the Los Angeles Roadster Show and participated in virtually every aspect of the project, including design, fabrication, component selection, and assembly.
Several accomplished craftsmen contributed their expertise:
Bill Enderson - Consulting
Dan Laughlin - Bodywork and paint
Steve White - Engine construction
Dave Tuttle - Fabrication and design
Seann Kearney - Custom upholstery
Throughout the project, Warren remained directly involved, ensuring the finished automobile reflected his vision and uncompromising attention to detail.
When asked what he was most proud of, Warren replied, “It’s the best project I’ve ever undertaken and it is a joy to look at.”
BROOKVILLE ALL-STEEL BODY
Unlike fiberglass reproductions, this Roadster features a genuine Brookville steel body.
Dan Laughlin completed the bodywork and professional paint using a color selected from the 2012 Lincoln automotive palette. The rich finish complements the classic Roadster proportions, polished suspension components, and extensive custom detailing.
The custom upholstery was completed by Seann Kearney.
The level of craftsmanship extends well beyond the visible body panels. The underside features beautifully finished floor pans, painted chassis components, polished suspension assemblies, and carefully executed fabrication.
SUPERCHARGED 383 CHEVROLET V8
The engine was professionally assembled by Steve White, beginning with a new GM four-bolt-main Chevrolet 350 block.
Its 4.030-inch bore and 3.750-inch stroke produce approximately 383 cubic inches.
A Weiand 177-cubic-inch Roots-style supercharger provides the centerpiece of the engine compartment. Warren specifically selected this blower because its appearance recalls the traditional GMC superchargers associated with early hot rod history.
Documented specifications include:
383 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8
New GM four-bolt-main block
Weiand 177 Roots-style supercharger
Air Flow Research 195 cylinder heads
2.050-inch intake valves
1.600-inch exhaust valves
8.5:1 specified compression ratio
Hydraulic roller camshaft
.510-inch intake and exhaust valve lift
Forged crankshaft
Performance pistons and connecting rods
91-octane gasoline
The accompanying engine performance modeling sheets calculate peak output at 517 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 501 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM.
These are computer-generated engine performance estimates rather than verified dynamometer measurements.
Detailed engine records document the parts selection, machining, balancing, cylinder-head preparation, assembly procedures, and custom fabrication involved in building the powerplant.
KUGEL CHASSIS AND INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION
Underneath the traditional 1932 Ford body is a fully boxed Kugel chassis equipped with independent front and rear suspension.
This sophisticated suspension arrangement distinguishes the Roadster from traditional straight-axle hot rods while maintaining its unmistakable 1932 Ford appearance.
Features include:
Fully boxed Kugel chassis
Kugel independent front suspension
Kugel independent rear suspension
Rear inboard disc brakes
Coilover suspension components
Extensive polished suspension hardware
Custom-fabricated mounting components
Professionally finished undercarriage
The polished suspension arms, brake assemblies, carefully routed lines, and beautifully painted structural components demonstrate extraordinary attention to detail.
This is a vehicle whose craftsmanship is every bit as impressive underneath as it is from above.
TRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAIN
Power is delivered through a GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission prepared by RTS Transmission.
The overdrive transmission complements the supercharged small-block Chevrolet, combining strong performance with more relaxed highway cruising.
The independent rear suspension incorporates inboard disc brakes, contributing to the Roadster’s distinctive engineering and presentation.
CUSTOM FABRICATION AND DETAILS
Dave Tuttle contributed fabrication and design expertise, while Warren personally participated throughout the construction process.
Special attention was devoted to component placement, under-dash electrical work, mechanical integration, and the overall presentation of the finished automobile.
The extensive use of polished components, detailed suspension assemblies, custom interior appointments, and professional paintwork reflects the care invested in this build.
ONE OWNER - EXTENSIVE DOCUMENTATION
This Roadster has remained with Warren throughout its construction and completion.
Approximately 200 detailed build photographs accompany the vehicle, along with extensive documentation including engine-building records, component specifications, invoices, installation materials, and performance modeling sheets.
The engine paperwork includes a 2018 invoice detailing professional machining, balancing, assembly, and fabrication work.
According to Warren, the Roadster has traveled fewer than 100 miles since completion.
The vehicle has not yet been entered into major car shows or presented for awards, giving its next owner the opportunity to introduce this special automobile to the collector-car community.
The owner has disclosed paint damage, which will be represented transparently to prospective buyers.
The vehicle is titled as a 1932 Ford.
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
What makes this Roadster special is more than its genuine steel body, supercharged engine, or sophisticated independent suspension.
It is the story of one man’s vision, his personal involvement, and the talented craftsmen who helped transform that vision into reality.
This was not a mass-produced custom or a vehicle assembled simply to follow a trend. It was a deeply personal undertaking in which the owner invested years of effort and attention.
For the serious collector or hot rod enthusiast, this represents an opportunity to acquire a highly detailed, extensively documented, one-owner custom 1932 Ford Roadster without undertaking the enormous commitment required to create something comparable.
Offered on consignment by Platt Motors, a family automotive business with roots dating to 1931.
Additional photographs, build records, and information are available upon request. Nationwide enclosed transportation can be arranged.
PLATT MOTORS - PRESERVING AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY SINCE 1931.
