Only 593 of Ford’s iconic “open cab pickup,” better known as the roadster pickup, were built for 1932. All of them were fitted with the Model B four-cylinder engine, as they were all intended for commercial use.

The example offered here, from the late Ralph Whitworth’s wonderful collection, has a great “sleeper” appearance, with a stock outward appearance that includes the correct commercial grille shell, 1932 headlights, and original unchopped windshield frame; the wood-lined pickup bed is beautifully detailed. Otherwise it has been lightly modded with a dropped I-beam front axle, hydraulic brakes, and an engine with three Stromberg carburetors on a downdraft intake, high-flow exhaust header, and high-compression cylinder head. The truck rides on 1935 Ford 16-in. wire wheels for a truly classic appearance.

As far as commercial Ford trucks of the early 1930s go, there are few more desirable than the restyled 1932 models, and the most desirable of these are the final roadster pickups. Survivors are rare in any form, even more so with the sympathetic, subtle hot-rodding that this one has enjoyed, and the excellent care that it has had as part of Ralph Whitworth’s collection. It would be a joy for both local hot rod events and for driving to the local parts store, and will turn heads wherever it goes.