Ford Celebrates 75th Anniversary of 32 Deuce by Selling a Modern Version

Deuce Coupe Photos

Edsel B. Ford II (L) chats with Craig Knight, owner of Hot Rods & Horsepower, as Knight delivers the Dearborn Deuce Convertible to Ford at Ford World Headquarters. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

American Graffiti revisited: Paul Le Mat and Harrison Ford going at it again in a Deuce Coupe and Chevy Belair? (Photo: Unknown)

Fords 32 recreation is an all-new, all-metal car with many modern conveniences.  (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Edsel Ford signs the first Deuce. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

First of 100 Dearborn Deuce Replicas to Be Auctioned at Barrett Jackson for Charity

If theres an iconic hot rod its Fords 32 Deuce Coupe and Roadster, and to commemorate 75 years of blue-oval devotion starting next year, the Dearborn, Michigan based automaker has commissioned Hot Rods & Horsepower LLC of Branford, Connecticut to build one hundred versions of the classic rod.

The first Dearborn Deuce (Serial No. 7532001) has been autographed by Edsel B. Ford II, grandson of Edsel Ford, who was the designer of the original 1932 Ford, to be sold to the highest bidder at the annual Barrett-Jackson auction in January, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

One could only hope that along with the regular roundup of celebs that show up for the event, like Jay Leno who might even bring along his own 32 roadster, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys will drop by and sing “Little Deuce Coupe” before buying his own, and Paul Le Mat (John Milner) from American Graffiti fame will rev the engine before adding his signature.

Ford will kick off the celebration a little early, featuring the first car at the 2006 Woodward Dream Cruise tomorrow, August 19th, before being shown at the “Ford Cruisin Legends” display where it will sit until it gets auctioned off in January.

Incidentally, the first example isnt the only one to get Edsels signature. Ten additional Dearborn Deuces will be signed for a $25,000 premium over and above the price of entry; the extra cash to be handed over to the Juvenile Diabetes chapter closest to where the buyer lives.

Each of the 100 Dearborn Deuces, which feature a certificate of authenticity and consecutive numbering sequence, gets an all-steel 32 roadster body with a fully reinforced superstructure just like a modern car, plus a completely integrated and concealed convertible top. All of the cars get powered side windows as well, while its interior is slightly larger than the original, with a deeper cockpit and a bespoke leather interior, 3 1/2-inch longer doors for easier access, plus a finished trunk with expanded capacity, all achieved without compromising the overall look and outer dimensions of the original 32.

Dearborn Deuces are available in the “High Boy” configuration without fenders, or as full-fendered cars, while the show cars chassis integrates a four-wheel independent suspension setup with four-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering and Pirelli tires mounted on unique custom rims. Buyers can add an optional console, air conditioning, CD player and personalized instrumentation. Other 21st century upgrades include halogen headlights, light-emitting-diode (LED) taillights, tinted glass and wipers.

And no longer are all colors available as long as you dont ask for anything but black. Dearborn Deuce customers can choose from a variety of custom colors by DuPont Hot Hues.