The 1932 Fords have long been fodder for hot-rodders, and the best customized Deuces tend to succeed because they work sympathetically with the source material—emphasizing the inherently stylish lines of these special Fords rather than obliterating them. This 1932 Roadster Custom is one example of a car that does just that, making one of Ford’s sportiest offerings even more rakish…and bringing more performance to the table than Henry could have ever imagined.

The vibrant red all-steel body of this Roadster is accented by red painted wheels with chrome beauty rings and hub caps, and it is complemented by the tan upholstery (including rumble seat) and tan roadster top. The cabin is simple, as is appropriate for a machine such as this, but every detail is carefully considered: The body-colored dash features an engine-turned insert with Stewart Warner instrumentation, and the banjo-style steering wheel sports a leather-wrapped rim. The door cards, and even the carpeting and floor mats—items often overlooked by builders in the name of expedience—are neatly trimmed on this example. Wind wings offer passengers a measure of protection from gusts at high speed, but the roadster top means that this Ford is definitely a fair-weather cruiser.

Under the Roadster’s hood sits a newer small-block Ford V-8, providing a considerable boost in output over the venerable flathead originally found on this car. It is mated to an automatic transmission with a traditional-style floor shifter. The car retains its traditional solid front and rear axle configuration, but its stance has been massaged with a mild rake, giving the car a great overall look. Dual exhaust pipes exit from the rear.

The Deuce hot rod may be a tried-and-true formula, but not every example is as instantly appealing, and as well-executed, as this car. Offered from the estate of Frank Ricciardelli, a noted collector and longtime friend of RM Sotheby’s, this tidy 1932 Ford Roadster custom would be ideal for cruise-ins, shows, or carefree drives.