OVERVIEW
1932 Ford Roadster
VIN: 1890827
Pearl Garnet
Full custom build by Moal Coachbuilders
454 cubic inch 500 horsepower big block Chevrolet V8 engine
Borg Warner 4-speed manual transmission
Halibrand Champ quick-change rear end
Hand formed aluminum top
Modified Roy Brizio chassis
Sid Chavers interior
As seen on cover of Street Rodder in April 1995
When the name Moal is mentioned in the hot rod world, there are few others that are held in such high regard. Either in their design, quality or production, each aspect is without exception to being world-class. When the coach builders began the undertaking of the '32 Roadster, it would take the Oakland-based family of hot rod builders almost two and a half years to complete the latest Moal "California Speedster".
Steve Moal began with the modified Duece frame and crossbraces, courtesy of Roy Brizio. Having the frame stretched four inches, this allowed the front suspension to be moved forward and increase both stability and handling of the hot rod while handling increased torque from the big block. With the engine balanced and blueprinted by Cub Barnett, the Chevy puts out 500 tire-smoking horsepower. Boosting power comes courtesy of a Comp Cam camshaft, Edelbrock intake manifold, Holly carburetor and MSD ignition. 15 inch Real Wheels allowed Steve to add extra rubber to get extra traction out of the roadster. A custom 40-gallon fuel tank ensures that you can use that power more often than not before stopping for fuel. The Borg-Warner 4-speed transmission sends power back to the Hallibrand Champ quick-change rear end with 3.08 gears, making highway driving possible.
Moal decided that in the pursuit of perfection by blending both the traditional and evolutionary practices, sourced a Wescott production body as a starting point. The fiberglass bodies were well made and were accurate in every detail. The removable hardtop is hand formed aluminum built around steel tube supports for strength. Structural improvements were also made, from stainless honeycomb flooring to the gusseted dash, cowl, and firewall which allows no cowl shake.
With the exterior and mechanicals well on their way, Steve contacted Sid Chavers to create a custom interior that would match both the quality and uniqueness of the roadster. Magnolia leather covers both the seats and door panels, complete with crinkled leather door pockets. Steve's father, George, created the hand-laminated mahogany steering wheel, and custom gauges with George's signature are covered in convex glass on the dashboard.
Steve Moal would end up holding onto the hot rod and driving it for some time before selling it to a collector in California in June of 1998. This same collector would keep the '32 in his collection for almost two decades. Upon arriving at Canepa, the car was in stunning condition and hard to believe that the hot rod had been finished over 20 years ago, a testament to the quality of the Moal Coachbuilders. The pearl garnet paint and stainless were polished to a stunning shine and the engine bay was washed and detailed by hand, ensuring that it looked just as good that it did in April 1995 for Street Rodder magazine. Now ready for its next owner, the '32 Roadster will not only leave tire marks for as long as you dare to push the go pedal, but will have you arriving to the next roadster show in timeless style.
