10 Reasons why the 1932 Ford "Deuce" is a Hot Rod Icon (Hagerty / Chip Foose)
The 1932 Ford looks as if it were born to be a hot rod. But ask any knuckle dragger why, and they might fumble for a good answer, other than that the car is beautiful as conceived and only gets better-looking under the torch. In fact, there are definitive reasons why we lust after “the Deuce,” some based on its form, some on its function. Even if you can’t explain exactly why the ’32 is the pinnacle of hot-rodding, we know someone who can. A four-time Ridler Award winner, Chip Foose is a master at turning cars into art. We sat down with him and a couple of photos of his 5-window ’32 Ford and took notes.
1. The 1932 Ford is the intersection of quality design and mechanical performance.
2. The ’32 Ford’s grille shell has become collectible in its own right.
3. This was Ford’s first vehicle to integrate the frame rails into the car’s overall design.
4. In 1932, Ford moved the front axle farther back.
5. With 14 different body styles employing varying lines, arcs, and lengths, the model opened up the playbook for hot-rodders.
6. Personalization options.
7. No wood is good.
8. The Ford flathead debuted in 1932.
9. As with the doors, the body lines on the rear fender were specific to each ’32 body style.
10. Rodders have been working on ’32 Fords for more than 80 years, and they’re still coming up with new ways to customize the car.
(photo credit: Chip Foose)
