Rare 1932 Ford Custom Roadster Pickup Hides Modern V8 Secret

Rare 1932 Ford Custom Roadster Pickup Hides Modern V8 Secret

No, really. The sellers don’t know what engine it has.

A 1932 Ford Custom Roadster Pickup is currently listed on Mecum Auctions, and it’s a blend of utility and classic open-top fun, with a healthy dose of modern V8 power to boot.

Also known as the open cab pickup, only 593 examples of the Ford Custom Roadster were made, making it somewhat hard to come by. How many survive to this day is unknown, but it’s few enough to make this very rare. They originally came with a Model B four-cylinder engine to fit their intended use as commercial vehicles, among the first ones to roam US roads.

This example has been refreshed with a red paint job and gets a new set of staggered polished wheels and tires. It also gets three-row louvered hood sides to complement its classic looks and ventilate the V8. We’ll get to that momentarily.

Like its exterior, the Ford Custom Roadster also has a unique interior with a mix of red and tan colors. Gorgeous tan leather covers the bench seat, door cards, and part of the dashboard, where the color transition is met by the flowing lines of the exterior body. It also gets modern So-Cal gauges along with a tachometer pod that is positioned under the dashboard, while a Lecarra 3-spoke steering wheel is added to match the whole cabin theme. Its darker hues are matched by the custom carpeting, while various satin and shiny aluminum accents (pedals, gauges, wheel, shifter, door handles, et cetera) tie the entire scheme together.

In place of the four-banger is a new 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) V8 that would make the F-150, its modern-day Blue Oval counterpart, proud. The setup is connected to an automatic transmission, though the listing doesn’t list the kind of V8 and gearbox. Power figures weren’t disclosed, either, but we’re sure it’s rowdy.

The engine has been customized with finned valve covers and a matching intake. It also has front disc brakes providing extra stopping power.

Mecum Auctions didn’t have an estimated price for this lot, but it will reach the block from January 2-14, 2024, as part of its event in Kissimmee, Florida. It will be sold alongside a rare Datsun 280ZXR Homologation Special, among other special vehicles.