Yes—another Deuce Roadster, but this one caught my eye as a cool, traditionally built ’32 roadster. Did you know this was the year Henry Ford introduced the Ford Flathead V8—the first mass-produced V8 engine? It changed engine design and automotive thinking from that point forward.
The Deuce, hot rod culture, and hot rodding in general turned these ’32s into iconic rides. The culture really took hold after World War II, when veterans came home wanting to make a statement—with a rebellious mindset and, of course, a desire to be cool. That spirit is still strong today. Thankfully it went this way—otherwise we might all be driving grocery-getters and minivans. Hail to the roots of hot rod culture, and the mission at Roddn’AZ to keep it alive.
This cool flat motor is a 239ci, putting out a conservative 100 HP, with Red’s headers and not one but two Stromberg 97 carbs on a Hexagon Tool intake manifold. The engine wiring, plumbing, and cooling stay true to vintage ’32 form—nothing less for a nostalgic ride. The transmission is from a ’39 Ford with Zephyr gears, backed by a Ford third member. Holding it all together is a Deuce chassis with—yes—mechanical brakes. They work fine… just give yourself a little room.
The side pipes are period-correct and let the flat motor breathe. It rolls on 17” Kelsey-Hayes wires with 6.00 front and 7.00 rear tires. The look is timeless—just plain cool.
Inside, it’s all about tuck-and-roll vinyl with a bench seat, plus the essential Sun tach for hitting the right RPMs. A tonneau cover is on the way. Air conditioning comes courtesy of no top at all—and judging by Gary’s constant grin, it works perfectly. Nothing beats wind in your face, bugs in your hair, and a hat pulled down tight. The 3” chopped windshield finishes the stance just right.
The paint is classic Henry “Black” with red pinstriping, completing that old-school look. It’s not bone stock—notice the ’36 Pontiac headlights and ’48 Ford taillights. That’s the beauty of custom.
Gary found the car in 2021. Originally built in the ’70s, it still runs an original, unrestored chassis. A bona fide motorhead from Detroit, Gary spent his career in manufacturing and has been into classic cars for over 60 years—an early start with that “Detroit syndrome.” He drives this cool ride as often as he can, hitting about half a dozen events each year.
He also has a ’32 Rockne Studebaker back in Detroit, now in a museum. It was originally given to his mom by his grandfather to drive to college, and Gary now carries the torch for the family.
Gary is a member of the Prescott Antique Auto Club and Williamson Valley Car Guys, and you’ll often spot this nostalgic roadster cruising the streets of Prescott or heading to local meetups. If he’s not in the roadster, he might be in his Ferrari 599—or one of his vintage race cars at historic events.
This is one seriously cool ride—and nothing sounds quite like a flathead running open. That sound? Pure music.
