Images Compliments of: Art Engel

Whether it’s catching our eye at an event or answering the requests from a number of our dedicated readers, our days at Rod Authority are filled with skimming through potential feature cars from all over the country. This latest one, which we happened to catch a couple of times at California Goodguys events in the last year, is one of those cars. Owned by Art Engel of Pleasanton, California- the home of Goodguys and so many other automotive organizations-we couldn’t have asked for a better spotlight vehicle.

Having been a fan of the hot rod scene since he was in high school (in the 1970s), Engel was bound to build a custom vehicle of his own some day. Like many rodders, Engel was particularly inspired by the ’32 Ford in American Graffiti and the ’34 Ford in The California Kid, which led to the build of this ’32 Ford roadster you see here.

Prior to this Ford, which was completed in 2013 and took three years to build, Engel built another ’32 Ford; a 3-window coupe to be exact.

With creativity as his major motivator, Engel started his project off with a brand new frame and built the car around it over long weekends and late nights in his personal garage. Engel told us, amazingly, most of the build was done using hand tools with only a few power tools used in the end to get the job done.

The result is crisp, clean and classic!

Under the traditional ’32 roadster body, topped off with House of Kolor Solar Gold paint laid by Pleasanton’s RJ Paint Shop, Engel’s hot rod features a chrome I-beam suspension system up front and a coilover setup out back. So-Cal shocks are used all the way around while ’36 Ford wishbones were added up front.

This setup is tied to 15-inch smoothie steel hoops powder coated gloss black and wrapped in Firestone wide whitewall tires. Braking power comes from a front disc and rear drum combination.

Powering the 60s-style rod is a 1965 Chevy 283 ci engine bored .30 over and adorned with Power Pack cylinder heads, Edelbrock dual carburetors, lake-style headers, and a Mallory ignition. The engine also makes use of a Walker radiator, original 12-volt generator, nickel-plated exhaust, and an original GM Winters aluminum intake.

The engine is backed by a GM 4-speed transmission with the reverse lockout option, tied to a Ford 9-inch posi-traction rearend featuring 3.25 gears.

Fitting of Engel’s idea of building a car with an “early 60s style and vibe,” the roadster’s interior is simple and traditional, featuring a bench seat, no stereo, and a ’32 Ford dash. Upgrades include Stewart Warner gauges, Ivy Gold carpet to contrast against the Bone White upholstery, and a custom lower headlight and ignition panel.

Just about everything on the car was done by Engel, except the painting of his rad ride.

Because of all his hard work on the roadster, Engel has had his car noticed by many, including the fine folks at Goodguys, who have given Engel a number of awards. His car was also part of the Street Rodder Magazine’s Top 100 vehicles for 2013 and featured in that publication.

Engel’s ride certainly stands out in a sea of hot rods and we’re glad we got to get to know this hot rod a little bit better! Thanks goes out to Engel for sharing it with us!