by John Gunnell
The iconic 1932 Ford is 90 years old. Which makes what is probably the most iconic hot rod—the Deuce Coupe—90 as well. When it was introduced, Ford said “The modern trend is reflected in the style of the ’32 Ford V-8.” According to Dearborn, the basis of the new Ford’s beauty was its air-flow body lines. Ford said that its new, streamlined “Deuce” nickname came from the “2” in 1932. The ’32 Ford with its flathead V-8 was a hit with enthusiasts from the day it hit the marketplace. It gave the average driver and affordable car that could keep up with the big Classics on the highway. Sometimes, because it was lighter, it could even outrun an Auburn or a Buick.
Bank robber John Dillinger was so impressed with the V-8 that he wrote a letter to Henry Ford praising its “getaway car” attributes. Later, the Deuce became “the” car to bring to California’s dry lakes for a high-speed run, which made it a hot rodder’s “dream car.” Then, car collectors started scooping up any Deuce they could get their hands on.
While Ford continued to offer a four, the spotlight was definitely on the V-8. This 63-hp job was simple in design and construction. The 3-1/8 x 3-3/4 bore and stroke measurements added up to 221 cu. in. The 90-degree flathead had two banks of four cylinders each cast in a single-piece with the crankcase. This increased rigidity and aided cylinder alignment. The crankshaft was short, stiff, counter-weighted and smooth-running.
The V-8 wasn’t the only thing modern about the Deuce. It had a fuel pump instead of a vacuum tank and thanks to its automatic spark control system, there was no spark advance lever on the steering wheel hub. Most 1932 drivers had a car with synchronized gear shifting between second and high gears and the Ford’s second speed gears were of the silent helical type and revolved very quietly. The Deuce body also had a hint of streamlining with its rounded front roof line and 10-degree-slanted windshield,
The ’32 Ford came in 14 body styles, but the Deuce Coupe became the quintessential hot rod. Enthusiasts did hop up roadsters, Tudors and Phaetons, but the coupe seemed to have the most appeal to hot rodders over the 90 years since 1932. This view was musically Backed up by the Beach Boys 1963 hit tune “Little Deuce Coupe.”
You don’t see many ’32 Fords for sale today. When you do, prices are extremely high. According to the Old Cars Report Price Guide, stock models can be worth up to $87,000 today. Some hot rod versions bring even more. With the Deuce turning 90 in 2023, some new headline prices may be set. Don’t be surprised if a couple of nice examples of Little Deuce Coupes get up to six figures this 90th-anniversary year.
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