1932 Ford Custom - Sold at $50,000

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1932 Ford Buttera/Bradley Custom Sedan

Specifications:
Ford small-block V8 engine, automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, Halibrand 'quick change' rear end, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.

In 1976, Buttera began construction of a 1932 Ford Sedan for Richard Lovesee, using renderings penned by acclaimed designer, Harry Bradley. Buttera built the chassis and innovative four-wheel independent suspension, reminiscent of open-wheel race cars, while . 'Squeak' White's father 'Whitey' chopped the top in his shop in Riverside, California. Meanwhile, Dave Kent, of El Segundo, California filled the roof panel and constructed the radical one-piece tilt front end. As well, the legendary Art Chrisman built a hot small-block Ford V8 engine, complete with exotic Gurney-Weslake cylinder heads and Weber carburetion. Dan Fink built the fine grille insert and Steve Davis produced the custom aluminum interior panels in preparation for the addition of upholstery.

At this stage, the sudden death of Lovesee prompted the sale of the nearly complete car to Dan Cook of Parkersburg, West Virginia, minus the suspension and Halibrand rear end assembly. Cook later sent the car to Boyd Coddington's shop. There, new suspension components were fitted in the school of John Buttera's original work, along with a new Halibrand rear end. Whitey adjusted the body panel fit and alignment and Boyd Coddington installed a new set of his billet aluminum wheels. The car was then returned to Dan Cook, who painted it red and then left the car 'as is' for approximately 25 years.