85 Years of the Deuce — Roadster

Much has been written about the Iconic Deuce which Ford produced starting on March 9, 1932. Edsel decided to introduce the V8 engine and new styling by Bob Gregorie, Fords chief designer. The news soon spread and dealers submitted more orders that Ford could produce in a timely manner. Early production problems caused a backup but eventually were solved and the rest is history of the most famous Hot Rod Ford ever built. Celebrations of milestone anniversaries like the 50th and 75th were well promoted and attended by enthusiasts all over the world. The 75th was probably the most attended by Hot Rodders  when Ford was the major sponsor and the Top 75 Deuces who made a difference, were presented in a prestigious display at the Pomona Fairgrounds. The Petersen also had an event which was well attended and promoted in conjunction with the Pomona display. I attended both events with friends and will never forget the experience.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the famous Deuce and while not a milestone event and will probably be celebrated to a lesser degree. The occasion will still be significant to many of us who have been in love with the Deuce since our teens. I would hope the LARS would incorporate a special display of historical Deuces at the show in one of the buildings. I’m positive other organizations will follow with special display areas for the Deuce during the events that take place in 2017. Merchandise will be available for all to add to their collection of Deuce memorabilia in their glass showcases. I have mine stored away and need to get it out to see what I would like to purchase.

The build styles of the Deuce, especially the roadster has changed over the years from the early pre-war look, the 60’s look, the resto-rod look of the 70’s and the smoothy look made famous by Boyd. The late Pete Chapouris developed his line of “Tradiitonal Parts” and sold them through his SO-CAL Speed Shops. This look continues today with some modern touches for safety reasons  and in line with today’s technology advancements. Somewhere in between these style changes, Barry Lobeck set his own “Ohio Style” with his trend setting maroon roadster in the late 70’s and is still popular today with the big and little wheels and tires. Various models of the Iconic Deuce have been converted into Hot Rods, and I will feature them as we go through this 85th Anniversary but by far the most popular, has been the roadster which I will discuss today. Just like your first real love affair, most of us will never forget our first Deuce.

“Happy 85th Birthday to the 1932 Ford”

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Stay Tooned!

Lynn

click on photo for a large image

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Early Hot Rods often attracted the attention of the CHP which usually resulted in a traffic violation.

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Many early Deuces have been restored like this Potvin Cam special.

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Over restored but very similar in design is the interior.

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Of course, all featured a hopped up flathead for motivation.

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This view is a perfect example what I love with the hiboy roadster. A quick change just sez’ I’m ready to race and very cool.

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This is the famous photo of Joe Nitti checking his oil before heading to the races.

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Joe Nitti was an early builder and racer with his Purple roadster. This Hot Rod has also been fully restored to perfection. Pat built his clone in a similar style.

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Fully restored, the profile with hidden hinges and exposed cutouts established the period of the build.

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Unique for this period was the dual gauge panels. The 40 column shift and fuel pressure pump were standard equipment for the era.

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The white firewall and highly detailed flathead were really the hot ticket to have. The electric fan was not present when Joe built the roadster.

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This 3/4 profile is why the Deuce roadster is so popular with enthusiasts today. Joe didn’t have a Qucikchange installed.

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The tires give this roadster away but in today’s builds this look is very popular for the high school Hot Rod.

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Cory, a young man with a love of the past built this show stopper a few years ago.

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Sid did his usual fine job on the inferior and top.

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Top down weather in Michigan made for a nice photo opportunity.

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Some more attempts to capture the early look of the Deuce roadster.

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Lots of money spent to build a flathead today but the look is priceless.

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The tires are correct as are the 39 taillights  and transverse spring.

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This look won the hearts of the judges last year at the GNRS. Lots of tradition in the chassis and overall look with perfection in execution by a very talented team of professional builders.

Deuces with Fenders

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Fenders added weight and drag so they were not required when building a Hot Rod. Some preferred them and built beautiful examples for us to enjoy. Mark Morton build his version using all the “old good stuff”.

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Mark didn’t skimp on obtaining the correct components for the interior. Perfection is the work I use.

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You could spend hours looking at this one which I have and you won’t find anything wrong.

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Here is another example with fenders that has a regal look with a Bop Top.

 Modern Day Deuces

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Ken Gross built this beauty using the best styles he preferred of the older builds. The detailing is remarkable but considering Dave Simard’s talents I didn’t expect less.

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Like Mark Ken stepped up for the correct components of the build. The Carson style top is perfect for this build.

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Alan has a great eye for what he likes and other people seem to also. I’m one of them.

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Keeping tradition in mind JHRS built another trend setter using his line of parts. A young man with a vision of the past and the talented team to execute the plan.

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This look is also popular today with the Stanley Wanless windshield and black on black look.

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Again the Wanless windshield in popular with Chad Adams who has built some award winning Deuces.

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The prolific builder of Deuce roadsters is Roy Brizio shown here with the restoration of Tom McMullen’s famous Deuce roadster.

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He also turns out this style for many of his customers. Chrome hinges are his trademark and an old practice.

Current Garage Builds

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Hutch Built has a project that is sure to be a winner with lots of trick parts and modifications.

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The Austin Speed Shop will have this one at the GNRS this month.

“The Love Affair Continues!”

Comments 225

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  223. Lynn, Always enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for pictures of my roadster that have posted on your site…

  225. Lynn: Nothing in my mind beats a deuce roadster. Built my first one in 73 and still doing it today. I’ve done so many both finished and unfinished that I’ve lost count. Never has there been a car with so many variations, I like them all. Can’t wait to see what’s at the GNRS.

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