One of the most revered hot rod genres is the “deuce hi-boy,” a 1932 Ford roadster so-called because it retains its original height, with body on frame. Fenders are typically removed. This was the original form of hot rodding, with modifications mainly for lightness and performance. The typical highboy had a flathead V-8, with high compression heads, magneto ignition, multiple carburetors, a Ford transmission with Lincoln-Zephyr gears and a quick-change rear end. The latter enabled the right ratio for conditions to be easily installed.

This highboy not only looks the part, it is the part. Built by Miller Automotive of Chino, California, it was timed at 142.97 mph at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats on 21 August 1954. Powered by the venerable flathead with Offenhauser aluminum heads, three two-barrel Stromberg carburetors, Harman-Collins magneto, and a Halibrand quick-change axle, it remains in its racing condition.

Very clean, it has the patina of history, with metallic blue paint, grey leather upholstery, a utilitarian custom instrument panel with white-on-black Stewart Warner instruments, and blue carpet on the floor. On the dashboard is a brass plaque from the Southern California Timing Association commemorating its Bonneville speed run.

Once ubiquitous, not many examples of this genre remain. This is a chance to acquire a genuine example with distinguished history.