The true test of any hot rod builder’s design is whether or not it stands the test of time. The hot rod and custom industry is one of ever changing trends. While some themes will make a comeback others may fade quickly. Take a look at many rods built in the last ten or twenty years and you will likely see what we mean. Without an update, many rods simply look dated, and often not in a good way. 

This 1932 Ford, former winner of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster however would seem to have passed the test. Constructed nearly thirty years ago by Chuck Lombardo of California Street Rods, the car looks very much like it could have been just rolled out of the shop a few days ago. Built in 1983, this rod pioneered several rodding firsts that we take for granted today. Back then billet aluminum was something used by the aerospace industry, not something familiar to hot rodding. None other than Boyd Coddington built the custom billet windshield posts, valve covers and dash for this car. 

The car’s Westcott body was the first one to have hidden door hinges, and sits on a custom stretched frame. The paint is two stage hand rubbed candy, House of Kolor brandywine. The interior is done in custom grey leather by Dave Putnam. VDO gauges sit inside that custom-built Boyd Coddington dash, the odometer shows just 1463 miles, we imagine many of them were racked up loading in and out of a car hauler. 

Under the hood is a small-block Chevy with a 6-71 supercharger, making in the neighborhood of 400HP. Transmission is also from GM with a turbo 350 doing the shifting. A chromed custom-built 9-inch Ford rearend sits out back on custom coilovers and suspended by a 4-link, all chromed as well and the front suspension is a drop axle.  Wheels are also one-off, polished Centerline Indy Champ 500’s with BFG Raidal TA tires.

We’ve seen several former AMBR winners crossing the block lately, many of them like this one have undoubtedly stood the test in time in terms of their styling. We’ll have to keep an eye on the price, as we all know cars like these seldom sell for what they originally had invested in them. This car will cross the block at the Mecum auction in Anaheim, CA on Saturday November 17 at approximately 5;40 PM. Will you be watching? Post your guess in the comments section on the sale price and let’s see who comes closest!