1932 Ford Dearborn Deuce Roadster
“Custom cars are for getting chicks,” the old saying goes, “hot rods are for getting rid of them.” It’s the rare significant other that will put up with the wind, weather and noise roadster guys love to endure. But even hard-core hot rodders, on occasion, would kill for a top and roll-up windows. This roadster features both.
The Dearborn Deuce body, engineered and manufactured by ASC of Detroit, MI, is all steel. The handsome convertible top is designed to fold and stow beneath a discrete body panel behind the seat, completely out of sight. Power windows lift smoothly into snug channels in the top frame and windshield posts, sealing the cabin from weather and road noise. A heater and air-conditioning, creature comforts not usually found in open hot rods, further enhance the ride.
The timeless interior features a ’40 Ford Deluxe steering wheel and traditional rolled and pleated upholstery in white vinyl with burgundy piping. The iconic ’40 Ford dashboard, a time-honored upgrade in Deuce roadsters, has been seamlessly re-proportioned and provides a rare convenience in an open hot rod: a locking glovebox. The trunk is upholstered and carpeted to match the interior.
The roadster was built by John Barbero at Pyramid Auto Engineering in Bellingham, WA. Barbero is known for his expertise in chassis and suspension engineering and great care and attention was given to this car’s design. A 5 inch dropped axle and coil-over rear provide the perfect rake. The “big and little” wheels and tires tuck menacingly up under the fenders. The grille shell has been dropped an inch and a half, another traditional Deuce trick. The stance is dead-on.
The same attention was given to the driveline. The roadster is powered by a new Ford 302 crate motor, its output boosted by a trio of Holley carbs, a Mallory electronic ignition, and a set of coated Sanderson headers. A Griffin aluminum radiator ensures dependability by keeping temperature under control, even in summer traffic. Like all real hot rods, there’s a manual transmission; this one a smooth-shifting Ford five speed. With Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners, the car stops as well as it goes.
The body is finished in a bright, Glasurit Seaform Green, a 1954 Buick color. The traditional theme continues with burgundy and white pinstripping, understated scallops, and a decklid and hood punched with louvers.
A 1932 Ford roadster is at the top of most hot-rodders’ wish list. This example, while saluting the styling cues of the past, raises the bar in comfort, performance and refinement. Like all cars offered at Canepa Design, it’s been meticulously detailed, both cosmetically and mechanically, to ensure it meets the expectations of collectors that drive their cars.
