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Old 01-29-2026, 01:45 PM   #1
John Gibson
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Default 32 Roadster on BAT

Very older restoration 32 Deluxe Roadster just sold on BAT today for $32,750 plus fees, etc. 18 serial transmission but engine probably is not a 32 block. I couldn’t read the prefix number on the heads but they didn’t appear to be aluminum. Needs a complete new paint and lots of TLC.
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Old 01-29-2026, 02:35 PM   #2
petehoovie
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Default Re: 32 Roadster on BAT

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Originally Posted by John Gibson;2434922[B
]Very older restoration 32 Deluxe Roadster just sold on BAT today for $32,750 plus fees, etc.[/B] 18 serial transmission but engine probably is not a 32 block. I couldn’t read the prefix number on the heads but they didn’t appear to be aluminum. Needs a complete new paint and lots of TLC.
John
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1932-ford-model-18-9/


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Old 01-30-2026, 12:23 PM   #3
Tim Ayers
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Default Re: 32 Roadster on BAT

Wow
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Old 01-30-2026, 12:41 PM   #4
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Default Re: 32 Roadster on BAT

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Wow
'Wow' like that's a really low price? Or like 'What a beautiful Car' ? I have never followed the prices of this type of car, or anything of this magnitude. The above description is claiming that so much needs to be re-done, but to me it's already done. So I have a base line, what would this exact car have sold for at the peak of early V8 collecting, and when would that have been? I have been surprised by how quiet you barners have been on this post. Even Tim's answer was but a single 3 letter word.
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Old 01-30-2026, 01:05 PM   #5
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Default Re: 32 Roadster on BAT

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'Wow' like that's a really low price? Or like 'What a beautiful Car' ? I have never followed the prices of this type of car, or anything of this magnitude. The above description is claiming that so much needs to be re-done, but to me it's already done. So I have a base line, what would this exact car have sold for at the peak of early V8 collecting, and when would that have been? I have been surprised by how quiet you barners have been on this post. Even Tim's answer was but a single 3 letter word.
Haha. I meant it as wow that's cheap for a '32 roadster and yes a car like this, to a hot rodder now, not a purist, would have been $60K just 2-3 years ago. Heck, guys are still trying to get $30K+ for just roadster bodies. Sadly, those days are long gone.

I'm with you in it is exactly how I like them; maybe even too nice for my liking.

If I bought this car, I would install a bigger, hopped up flathead, take the fenders off and drive it like I stole it.

I know, at one time, having dual side mounts was the cat's pajamas, but I weep thinking of how many mint fenders were cut up in order to install this truly ugly, in my opinion, option.

Last edited by Tim Ayers; 01-31-2026 at 09:26 AM.
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Old 01-30-2026, 01:45 PM   #6
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I do recall that a restored '32 roadster typically had an upper 90s price tag. More than one just over a $100,000 asking price. I followed '32 and '33 roadsters for sale daily. There were times that regarding the '33s, none were available. Owners would not sell. I know because I spoke or emailed owners/members in the Early Ford V8 Club that had a '33 roadster via their address, email, phone number! At the time I think that there were eight!
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Old 01-30-2026, 02:29 PM   #7
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Default Re: 32 Roadster on BAT

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Originally Posted by John Gibson View Post
Very older restoration 32 Deluxe Roadster just sold on BAT today for $32,750 plus fees, etc. 18 serial transmission but engine probably is not a 32 block. I couldn’t read the prefix number on the heads but they didn’t appear to be aluminum. Needs a complete new paint and lots of TLC.
John
John
32's didn't have Aluminum heads. They "should" be stamped cast Iron heads either 18-6049 R H or 18-6050 L H OR just 18-6049, 18-6050. It does appear to have one 1936 head "68-####. The intake manifold is 1934, it does appear to have the correct water pumps BUT without being there in person OR getting the proper pictures, it is impossible to tell from the BAT post IF the block is correct? The left exhaust manifold is 1933-35 and the left crossover pipe is NOT 32 correct. The alternator is self explanatory and it appears like a 33-35 distributor & coil, cannot tell if the spark plug tubes are 32 correct or not? NO engine tins present. The oil pan "does" look like its Aluminum although it is quite oily. The muffle "appears" the correct type. Hard to tell but from what I see it "looks" like it has a 34 front spring (square end leafs). It looks like a good "foundation" to start with IF one were looking to "restore" it and IF the body is "real deal" I think its a 32 well bought!! AND was pointed out to me AS I did not "read" the write up, just looked at the pictures...It WAS a 4cyl to begin its life, according to the write-up. SO there is that too!!!

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Old 01-30-2026, 06:30 PM   #8
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Default Re: 32 Roadster on BAT

It figures ,two years ago I was actively looking for a nice older restored 1932 Model B or 18 roadster although I was not looking for sidemount or need to replace front fenders.Closest I got was a Model B that was an older restoration and not as good looking as one above. Guy wouldn't come off of 50K and it did finally sell for mid to high forties. I finally found a reasonably priced older restored 5 window Model B and it has been okay but even my wife said you will never be happy until you get a roadster. Had a '30 and a '31 over the years but always wanted a '32 rear tire mount like a local one when I was a kid 1963.I still check Hemmings about once a week ,one listed is in North Carolina,real nice 100K,couple others are 50 K range,plenty are showing up. At 80 years old I am running out of time besides energy. A couple years or so ago on BAT was a '33 or a ;34 roadster that was very nice,green color and it sold cheap in the thirties.
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Old 01-30-2026, 07:05 PM   #9
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It figures ,two years ago I was actively looking for a nice older restored 1932 Model B or 18 roadster although I was not looking for sidemount or need to replace front fenders.Closest I got was a Model B that was an older restoration and not as good looking as one above. Guy wouldn't come off of 50K and it did finally sell for mid to high forties. I finally found a reasonably priced older restored 5 window Model B and it has been okay but even my wife said you will never be happy until you get a roadster. Had a '30 and a '31 over the years but always wanted a '32 rear tire mount like a local one when I was a kid 1963.I still check Hemmings about once a week ,one listed is in North Carolina,real nice 100K,couple others are 50 K range,plenty are showing up. At 80 years old I am running out of time besides energy. A couple years or so ago on BAT was a '33 or a ;34 roadster that was very nice,green color and it sold cheap in the thirties.
I believe they will be getting to your price point shortly. Those looking for $100K will unfortunately be passing on their car to their heirs. Sadly, that is not where the market is for these right now.
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Old 01-31-2026, 01:30 AM   #10
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After reading the link posted by Pete the paperwork or chassis as the noted has a "B" serial number and they say they couldn't find verification anywhere on the car.So maybe it was pieced together ?
Also the engine is a '37.It has the water pump block off plate.Intake is '37 also.

Last edited by deuce lover; 01-31-2026 at 02:20 AM.
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Old 01-31-2026, 04:26 AM   #11
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Default Re: 32 Roadster on BAT

I don’t think that’s truly indicative of the market. Sure, Things have slowed down, but that is a very desirable car with a lackluster presentation on BAT. Should have sold low $40k

I think they could have done better presentation with that car. Some terrible pictures for a BAT auction and from a dealer no less. There were only 36 comments with over 7k views. I find that alone to be unusual for a desirable car.

Regardless , Something was pushing the buyers away.

Last edited by WRA; 01-31-2026 at 04:33 AM.
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Old 01-31-2026, 09:09 AM   #12
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Default Re: 32 Roadster on BAT

I'm with Tim. I think the dual sidemounts really hurt the car. I have a NOS pair of those fenders and I have had a terrible time trying to sell them!
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Old 01-31-2026, 12:51 PM   #13
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Had a 32 cabriolet once and it had dual side mounts. First thing I did was get rid of them.
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Old 01-31-2026, 02:15 PM   #14
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Were they really trying to sell car after seeing all those bad paint pictures.
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Old 01-31-2026, 02:41 PM   #15
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Were they really trying to sell car after seeing all those bad paint pictures.
Eye of the beholder I guess. That paint is exactly how I like them. Kind of nice afar, but rustic up close.

Not sure how many have priced out 1st or 2nd tier paint and product lately, but you are looking at $2-$5K just for product (color dependent). It is has gotten incredibly expensive to paint a car nicely.

That does not include the labor to get the sheet metal straight and ready for paint, which could be as much if not double depending what's underneath there and how much you are willing to do yourself.
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Old 01-31-2026, 05:58 PM   #16
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Washington blue, $265 quart lacquer. If is original pant, then I would leave it that way. With all the cracks it could be original but looking at the chips it looks awfully thick.
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Old 02-01-2026, 08:00 AM   #17
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Default Re: 32 Roadster on BAT

The nit pickers on the paint have to realize that the era of point restoring cars is dead. Even Kube is doing the rolling patina thing! Material, parts and labor for specialty work has exceeded market value. Preservation of what you have and actually driving them are where its at for the next generation of caretakers. And this car would make a great driver as is.
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Old 02-01-2026, 03:43 PM   #18
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The nit pickers on the paint have to realize that the era of point restoring cars is dead. Even Kube is doing the rolling patina thing! Material, parts and labor for specialty work has exceeded market value. Preservation of what you have and actually driving them are where its at for the next generation of caretakers. And this car would make a great driver as is.
Patina Forever!!!
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Old 02-01-2026, 08:26 PM   #19
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The nit pickers on the paint have to realize that the era of point restoring cars is dead. Even Kube is doing the rolling patina thing! Material, parts and labor for specialty work has exceeded market value. Preservation of what you have and actually driving them are where its at for the next generation of caretakers. And this car would make a great driver as is.
You are spot on. There never were very many restoring cars to a true #1 level. I did seventeen of them and was fortunate enough to profit from each I had parted with. Most, well, probably all, were done for the love of it as well as the challenge.
With the seemingly rapid devaluation on most of our beloved old cars, I doubt there'd be a profit these days.
Oh, um, profit if I don't count labor.
Paint, materials alone, ran me over $8500 (wholesale) for the last car I had done. If I was charging for bodywork (on a rather nice car to start with) figure an easy $40k additional cost.
Of course, that's metal work, not bondo. Like I'd said a true #1.
Me rolling the patina thing? Well, partly due to cost but only slightly. Mostly due to burn out. It was a tough decision for me to stop doing full restorations. I'd always enjoyed the personal challenge.
Having been so deeply immersed, I did not realize how stressful those projects were at the time.
Now that I'm "rolling the patina thing" I have actually experienced the huge difference in stress levels.
Hey, at my age, I believe reducing stress is probably a wise choice
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Old 02-02-2026, 07:51 AM   #20
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patina forever!!!
100%
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