1932 Ford Roadster with a Twist

I always find it to be really neat when someone restores a car and throws in modern technology, like an engine or interior.

- Don Prieto of Torrance, California, is the owner/builder of this months Track Test hot rod. Yep, it is a black Deuce highboy roadster, which should just about seal its fate in the annals of "been there, done that," but such was not to be the case. Don is a longtime rodder who has accumulated an illustrious career as a Bonneville and drag racer, author (his latest effort is titled Hot Rod Chronicle, published by Publications International Ltd), and currently handles many auto manufacturers press fleet vehicles. In other words, Don is a car guy, has been a car guy, and will always be a car guy. Before getting too deep into the roadster story, let us make sure we cover some of Dons friends who helped piece the project together: Richard Graves, Perry Price, and Jeb Scolman.
Back on track, after looking at his highboy it became apparent that this was more than your basic screw-together hot rod. Immediately you note the full Kugel independent suspension, the racecar-inspired interior, but then the magical moment all of us look for happens as the defining element that makes this car different is discovered. The powertrain is straight from a 2002 Lexus LS430, which includes the V-8 and overdrive tranny (complete with shifter). The 4.3L engine—or 262 cubes, since hot rodders measure in cubes not liters—produces 290 hp at the flywheel and propels, and we do mean propel, this 2,280lb rod down the street and strip very nicely.
Before heading to the track, here is a bit of background on the Deuce: It is based on one of the last Harwood 1932 Ford roadster composite bodies to come out of the Tyler, Texas, hot rod shop. This renowned glass manufacturer added 4 inches to the door and then Don had Steves Custom in Torrance, California, make a longer hood to accommodate the extended wheelbase (nearly 114 inches). The grille shell is a filled 1932 while the insert is an aftermarket repo. The body and paintwork was aptly handed by Gerardo Hernandez (who works for Richard Graves) of Long Beach, California, then the car was painted in black—what else? In keeping with the racecar influence you will note there is virtually no chrome plating anywhere on the car—all by design.


Read more