The 2007 Grand National Roadster Show which will be held in January in Pomona, California is but the first of many celebrations taking place throughout the country during 2007 honoring the 75th anniversary of the l932 Ford coupe nicknamed the “Deuce”.
Having assembled a blue ribbon committee to select the 75 most significant 1932 Ford hot rods, Ford Motor Company chief designer Larry Erickson noted that the ‘32 coupe was a landmark car that began a period of styling dominance for the company, and presented the first ever mass produced V-8 engine known as the Flathead to the public. Some few years after it’s introduction, the ‘32 Ford ushered in the development of the hot rod. Built in backyards and in small garages, these hot rods performed far beyond their original capabilities, and secured the Deuce’s place in automotive history. Sometime later came the familiar tune we all know as “Little Deuce Coupe”.
Ford hopes to have all 75 cars on the list on display at the pomona event. As of this time they have photographs of all 75. Sixty of the cars are known to be in existance. They are still searching for the remaining fifteen.
A number of these hot rod coupes did make their mark on the Bonneville Salt Flats outside Salt Lake City, Utah. One was driven by Jerry Kugel who became a member of the 200 MPH club in l967. That record setting roadster is among the significant 75, as are those of Vic Edelbrock, Ed “Axle” Stewart and Tony Waters. There were many others on the same salt flats where drag racing began.
Besides bringing the “Diamond Deuces” to the people, 1932 was also the year that saw gas tax implemented a one cent a gallon. It was also the year that Ab Jenkins drove for twenty-four hours non-stop at the Salt Flats in a speed attempt that logged 2,710 miles with an average speed of nearly 113 miles per hour. For this historic effort, the local newspaper was not at all supportive, actually refusing to publish the verified results. The presiding board overseeing racing events on the salt at the time called Jenkins’ feat “absurd” and fined the man $500 for making that speed run without their permission.
The coming year will see a long list of “deuce reunions” historical books, and many deuce coupe street rods and racing machines featured in many shows and celebrations from coast to coast.
Regarding the “Diamond Deuces”, versions of the significant 75 display are scheduled to be shown at various locations throughout the year, including the Wally Parks NHRA Museum, Peterson’s Automotive Museum and also the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas.
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