Unlike the earlier T and A and in contrast to the later ’33 to ’48 V8 models, the Deuce pretty much stands alone. The ’32 is that rare thing among early Fords, a one-year model. For 1933, the frame was completely redesigned with a robust X-type crossmember. And in production, the center crossmember was upgraded several times while the frame rails were reinforced at the rear kickup using multiple methods. A number of factory dealer bulletins addressed these problems. Also, the chassis was insufficiently rigid and prone to flexing and cracking, which in turn produced fracturing and tearing of the body sheet metal. The brand new V8 engine was fraught with development problems throughout the model year, including overheating and crankshaft failures. Campbell, head of Ford’s Canadian operations, ceremonially hand-stamping the first units.Īlthough the Deuce is held in high regard today, in 1932 it was a bit of a lemon, at least by today’s consumer standards. In the photos below, you’ll see Henry Ford and W.R.
#32 FORD SERIAL NUMBER#
The chassis number was stamped on the left frame rail in three locations, while the engine number, which also served as the legal serial number in most jurisdictions, was stamped on the transmission bell housing. However, all the various body styles carry a B prefix in their identification regardless of the engine type for example, B-40 for Roadster and B-520 for the Deluxe Coupe (aka three-window body by Murray.) (The Model B engine was a refined, upgraded version of the venerable Model A four.) The V8 carried the Model 18 designation. While the ’32 Ford is forever associated with the famed flathead V8 engine introduced the same year, roughly a third of the approximately 323,000 passenger units produced in 1932 were four-cylinder Model B vehicles. The show that year included a special exhibit celebrating the 80th anniversary of the 1932 Ford, and since the Deuce was one of Edsel Ford’s most memorable creations, it made a fitting tribute. In the slide show gallery below, you’ll find a number of original factory photos, as well as some restored cars that were photographed at the 2012 EyesOn Design car show at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. In the interest of history (and just to be different) this feature will focus entirely on stock production vehicles.
The 1932 Ford, known to posterity as the Deuce, is so frequently hot-rodded and reproduced that original and restored examples are relatively rare. Also, you can find more stories about the 1932 Ford here and here. This feature originally appeared in August 2012, and with more facts and photos available, it’s time for an update. Hey, who isn’t? Along with the 1957 Chevy and the 1965 Mustang, the Deuce is one of America’s most beloved cars.
Using rare facts and original factory photos, here we take a detailed look at the special car known as the Deuce.Įditor’s note - It’s no secret that we’re big fans of the 1932 Ford here at Mac’s Motor City Garage. The 1932 Ford is one of America’s most beloved cars.
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