The ’32 Ford Highboy Roadster remains the definitive blueprint for American hot rod culture. This exceptional build utilizes a Brookville steel body mounted over a reinforced 1932-style frame with tubular crossmembers. Finished in a rich brown with vibrant pinstriping, the car exudes a traditional yet polished aesthetic. It has covered only 893 miles since its assembly, functioning more as a showpiece than a daily driver. Every component reflects a commitment to period-correct styling paired with modern mechanical reliability. The absence of fenders and engine covers highlights the mechanical honesty of the roadster’s design. This Highboy offers a rare opportunity to own a professionally curated machine with documented build records. It is a striking tribute to the golden era of dry lakes racing and street performance.
Buick Fireball Nailhead V8 and MSD Fuel Injection
The heart of this ’32 Ford Highboy Roadster is a formidable 401ci Buick Fireball Nailhead V8 engine. Installed in 2013, this powerplant features the iconic ribbed valve covers and a matching air cleaner for a vintage look. Modern MSD electronic fuel injection and ignition ensure that the big-block starts reliably and runs smoothly in all conditions. Performance is further enhanced by ceramic-coated Sanderson shorty headers and a dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. This combination provides a deep, rhythmic exhaust note that is characteristic of high-displacement vintage V8 engines. A recent compression test confirms the health of this low-mileage engine, proving its readiness for the open road. It is a powerhouse that delivers both visual drama and significant torque for effortless cruising or spirited acceleration.
TH350 Automatic and Winters Quick-Change Rear End
Power reaches the pavement of the ’32 Ford Highboy Roadster through a TCI Auto Street Rodder three-speed transmission. This TH350 automatic gearbox provides crisp, reliable shifts that make the high-horsepower engine manageable in city traffic. At the rear, a Winters Performance V8 quick-change rear end allows for easy gear ratio adjustments to suit different driving environments. The black powder-coated frame serves as a rigid foundation for this high-performance drivetrain, ensuring minimal chassis flex. Polished spreader bars at the front and rear add a final touch of jewelry to the mechanical package. This setup offers a versatile driving experience, whether you are heading to a local car show or a cross-country rally. It represents a thoughtful integration of classic hot rod parts with modern drivetrain durability.
Chassis Engineering and Halibrand Style Wheels
The suspension of the ’32 Ford Highboy Roadster is designed for both traditional looks and improved handling characteristics. A four-bar dropped front axle is paired with a transverse leaf spring to achieve the perfect raked stance. The rear end utilizes a four-bar solid axle configuration supported by adjustable coilovers for a more controlled ride quality. Staggered Halibrand-style wheels measure 16 inches up front and 18 inches out back, mounted with period-look Excelsior tires. Braking is modernized through a Wilwood master cylinder and Dynalite front calipers with braided stainless-steel lines. This hardware allows the driver to navigate winding roads with a level of confidence not found in original vintage frames. Consequently, the car maintains its historic aesthetic while benefiting from significantly improved stopping power and road feel.
Custom Tan Interior and Square-Weave Carpetry
The cabin of the ’32 Ford Highboy Roadster is a sanctuary of classic materials and artisan craftsmanship. Tan vinyl upholstery covers the bench seat and door panels, providing a warm contrast to the brown exterior. Genuine German square-weave carpets line the floors and extend into the fully trimmed trunk for a premium finish. A clever Coca-Cola cooler in the trunk serves as a vintage-style battery box, adding a playful touch of Americana. Lap belts are installed for safety, and polished pedals offer a tactile connection to the high-performance mechanicals. The interior feels spacious despite the compact dimensions of the 1932 roadster body, inviting long afternoons behind the wheel. It is an environment that prioritizes the sensory experience of traditional hot rodding with a touch of luxury.
Stewart Warner Gauges and Banjo Steering Wheel
The driver of the ’32 Ford Highboy Roadster sits behind a classic banjo-style steering wheel on a tilting column. A wood-look dashboard houses an engine-turned bezel with a full suite of Stewart Warner instrumentation. This includes a 160-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and essential gauges for oil pressure, temperature, and voltage. Beneath the dash, auxiliary gauges monitor vacuum pressure and transmission fluid temperature for total mechanical awareness. A column-mounted shifter provides easy access to the TH350 transmission while keeping the floor area clean and uncluttered. LED auxiliary lights are tucked away to provide modern illumination without disrupting the car’s vintage front-end profile. This cockpit is a masterpiece of ergonomics and style, providing all the data a driver needs for high-performance use.
Final Summary
The ’32 Ford Highboy Roadster is a world-class example of a traditional hot rod built with no compromises. Its Brookville steel body and reinforced frame ensure that the car feels solid and well-engineered on the road. The inclusion of a 401ci Buick Nailhead V8 makes it a unique standout in a sea of more common small-block builds. With its MSD fuel injection and Wilwood brakes, it offers a reliable driving experience that is ready for modern traffic. The low odometer reading of just 893 miles means the next owner is essentially receiving a fresh, high-end build. As it returns to the market, it carries the prestige of a documented and professionally assembled custom machine. This roadster is a timeless investment that captures the very essence of American automotive ingenuity and passion. It remains an icon that will be cherished for decades.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
