Because channeling a car is more complicated and requires a lot of work to reconstruct the floorboards and body mounts, many of the younger hot rodders left the body sitting on top of the frame in the original configuration. Channeling made the bodies sit lower and look sleeker than the cars with the body sitting on the frame. Those became known as highboy roadsters. It is safe to define the highboy as a roadster or coupe that had the fenders removed but maintained factory body mounting configuration. (thx to StreetMuscleMag.com)
For consignment, a 1932 Ford Highboy roadster with a title verified 5,923 actual miles and a consignor stated 500 horsepower V8 in a car that weighs 2,200 pounds. This car proves that flames and chrome are not necessarily needed to create a stunning hot rod that is both potent and attractive.
Exterior Yellow paint pops off the Harwood body of this 1932 Ford like a highway safety vest. The frame creates a band of black and a black canvas top sandwiches the yellow and together with the tires and smoked taillights, presents a simple palette that is strikingly handsome. Staggered rows of louvers on the engine covers represent the only detour from flat panels and a pinstripe runs the length and includes a design on the radiator surround and trunk lid that add a touch of retro styling. 15-inch polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels carry staggered size tires for the appropriate raked look while maintaining a relatively level attitude. From the back, the fat rear tires spread wide to flank the body and the yellow gas tank, and above it all, a small glass rear window in the soft top. The polished metal of the front suspension, windshield, mirrors, and lights all look good. Imperfections are limited to some chips above the trunk lid and some discoloration at its base.
Interior The simple doors are lined with pleated patterned vinyl, a pattern which repeats on the bench seat with custom embroidered name in yellow. A 4 spoke steering wheel wrapped in black leather is like a modern take on a Model T wheel and it's affixed to a yellow steering column which holds the shifter and leads to a yellow dash. An aluminum plate surrounds the Dolphin gauges in the center and the interior paint is smooth and clean. The floorboard is covered with a black carpet mat to fit, and the underside of the soft top is in great condition. In the trunk, the floor is lined with a gray mat and the battery and fire extinguisher are in place.
Drivetrain Open the hood and we find a show ready engine that according to our consignor is a 383ci stroker with a GM performance cam with .509i/.523e lift and 222i/230 duration. A Proform 4-barrel carburetor is atop an Edelbrock intake with lots of clean metals and an aluminum radiator. MSD ignition bleeds some red into the engine bay for some added color. A Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission leads to a Ford 9" rear with 3.08 gears and TrueTrac Positraction. Disc brakes are housed up front while drums are in the rear. Headers begin the exhaust process.
Undercarriage A TCI frame creates the underpinnings of the undercarriage where a 4 bar with transverse leaf springs in the front and a 4 link with coilovers makes up the suspension in the back. The dual exhaust runs straight into stainless steel mufflers and then exits straight back through angle cut stainless exhaust pipes. An aluminum driveshaft stands out over black paint underneath where we find very clean conditions with no surface rust and only a single drop of oil on the rear diff.
Drive-Ability 2,200 pounds and 500 horsepower? We keep that in mind as we feather the gas pedal forward, noting the not so distant rumble coming from the exhaust tips. The upright position and bucket like cab is instant fun and obviously the car has wonderful acceleration but also tracks, brakes, and turns well. Visibility takes some getting used to with the top up, but this is not a large car and one quickly learns to scan surroundings before changing lanes. There is no A/C and no radio, and all functional items present worked 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.
A simple recipe, enormous power, and a bright exterior shell make this a well sorted and fun toy that should be on your radar if you're looking for a hot rod. We know a '32 Ford is on many wish lists and while some are adorned with polarizing personal design choices, this one is a clean Highboy with all of the right ingredients.
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.
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!
