This ’32 was professionally built in Jim Busby’s race and restoration shop in 1998 and was inspired by the famous Doane Spencer ’32 roadster owned by Bruce Meyer. The craftsmanship and attention to detail on this rod is exceptional! It has only been driven 2662 miles since its completion and is in perfect condition.
Busby raced Top Fuel dragsters in the 1960’s (he built his first Top Fuel car when he was only 19 years old) and is the embodiment of “the California style”. After Drag racing he moved on to IMSA road racing driving Porsche 935s, BMW, and Mazda GTP cars. He competed at the top levels of the sport winning his class at the Le Mans 24 hours three times. Appropriately enough, his shop is located in Laguna Beach, a town that is the essence of the California lifestyle. .
The team started with an MCI frame and Wescott fiberglass 32 body, extra time was spent to make sure all gaps were perfect and panels perfectly flat before the custom blue paint was applied.
Power comes from a Chevy 350 crate engine fitted with a Holley 600 CFM 4 BL carburetor producing 330 HP. Moon valve covers and chrome air cleaner finish off the engine. The 350 Automatic Transmission takes the power to a Ford 9” rear end which is suspended by custom coilover Carrera shocks. The fully polished stainless steel exhaust system has just the right amount of rumble.
The chrome 4 inch dropped tube front axle carries disc brakes and 7” Halibrand knock offs wheels. Drum brakes and 8” Halibrands are mounted on the rear. The car rides on BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires.
The interior features full Connolly leather seats and door panels in a beautiful Burgundy red. The same Wilton carpet found in a Rolls Royce was custom cut and installed. The dash has period SW Classic instruments, a tilt column and “Dirt Track” style steering wheel. The Duvall windshield completes the Doane Spencer look.
This Hot Rod has the right “look”, it is finished in a great color combination, and drives like it is a race car. The build quality, fit and finish, and performance is outstanding!
