1932 Ford Coupe

Description

Crafted by the hands of a true garage legend, this 1932 Ford 5-window coupe is more than a custom…it's a legacy on wheels. Built by the Ed Fish Machine Company, this Deuce brings together decades of experience, a lifetime of gearhead instincts, and an unwavering commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Before Ed Fish was even old enough to drive, he was welding frames, machining parts, and building choppers in the back of his family garage. While others chased fame through big-name shops, Fish stayed true to his roots, refining his skills in his personal workshop with a small, trusted crew. This car is a rolling tribute to that journey.

Starting with a Downs body on a Lobeck chassis, Ed and his team sculpted a clean, SoCal-inspired profile that nods to tradition while integrating modern convenience. The steel hood and louvered side panels pair perfectly with a steel radiator shell and Bob Drake “Big” headlights updated with halogen reflector kits. Subtle LED teardrop tail lights complete the classic silhouette. The paintwork speaks volumes. Once the body was dialed in, the coupe was laid out in Cavalier Blue with a complementary Parthenon Ivory nose…broken up with custom pinstriping that touches every corner, from the shell to the decklid. That decklid, by the way, is power-operated.

Under the hood is a thoughtfully built 347ci Ford small block, stroked from a 302 foundation and detailed to match the car's refined exterior theme. The custom-painted ivory valve covers and pinstriped air cleaner echo the car's roots in old-school hot rodding while showcasing a level of finish worthy of modern builds. The engine features a Comp Performance camshaft, Comp Magnum rocker arms, and ARP hardware throughout. Fuel delivery comes from a 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetor, while spark is handled by a Pertronix electronic ignition setup. A matching ivory distributor cap adds another layer of cohesive detail under the hood, along with chrome and polished accessories that highlight the craftsmanship without feeling overdone. Cooling is handled by a Walker radiator backed by both electric and mechanical fans, keeping temps in check even during cruise-in traffic. The engine feeds a TCI “Streetfighter” C4 3-speed automatic transmission, which sends power back to a Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.00 gears and a limited-slip differential…a reliable, road-friendly combo that blends cruising comfort with street-savvy performance.

Beneath the body, the chassis and suspension setup reflect a well-balanced fusion of traditional looks and smart hardware. A dropped I-beam front axle is paired with chrome hairpins, polished tie rods, and Pete & Jakes tubular struts. Out back, a 4-link suspension with polished bars and adjustable coilovers delivers confident handling and a smooth ride. Wilwood disc brakes, cleverly disguised as vintage drums, handle the front stopping duties, while true drums hold down the rear. The stainless steel exhaust system features glasspack-style mufflers for a classic tone, with electric cutouts for added bark when the time is right. Like the rest of the build, the undercarriage shows just as well with polished components and a painted underbody.

Inside, the coupe offers a fresh take on traditional hot rod style, reupholstered in 2024 with supple ivory leather that covers the seats, door panels, and trunk. The leather-wrapped door panels feature flush-mounted power window switches for subtle modern convenience, while the trunk was upholstered to match and finished to the same high standard. The dash is custom-painted to mirror the exterior color scheme and houses a full complement of Stewart Warner gauges nestled into an engine-turned bezel. A polished-spoke Grant steering wheel with a matching leather rim feels just right in the hands, mounted on a clean column topped with a classic Mooneyes tach. A familiar Lokar shifter rises from the tunnel, keeping the driver connected to the drivetrain in true hot rod fashion. Every detail feels intentional, well-executed craftsmanship with a period-correct attitude.

This coupe isn't just a pretty face, it's a multiple award-winner, including honors like the coveted Deuce Doins Award at the Goodguys 23rd Summit Racing Nationals. Fully sorted, dialed in, and road-ready, it's a head-turning, turnkey hot rod that embodies the spirit of Southern California and the vision of a man who's been building cool long before it was cool.

Key Highlights

• Built by Ed Fish Machine Company
• Goodguys Nationals Deuce Doins award winner
• Downs 5-window coupe fiberglass body
• Lobeck chassis
• 347ci stroker V8
• TCI "Streetfighter" C4 3-speed automatic transmission
• Ford 9" with 3.00 gearing
• Limited-slip differential
• Wilwood front disc brakes
• Chrome suspension components
• Billet Specialties Legacy II wheels
• Custom leather interior
• Custom-upholstered trunk
• Stewart Warner gauges