Did you think we’d only focus on typical Japanese and European tuner cars? For the first time here on The Speed Cartel, we’re deep-diving into an old American classic. This is Anders’ ’32 Ford 3-Window Coupe hot rod, and what a car it is!
It’s completely different from anything we’ve covered before, and there’s no doubt that the 48-year-old hot rod enthusiast owns something you don’t see every day on Norwegian roads.
It was originally imported and modified by Trond Larsen over 20 years ago, then, Torbjørn Hvam took over and further developed it.
Anders first saw the car in 2010 when an acquaintance owned it, but nearly a decade passed before he realized he actually wanted a hot rod himself. In 2019, by pure chance, he stumbled upon some tempting pictures of the very same car while scrolling on Facebook.
The hot rod in question now lived on the Norwegian west coast, in Bergen, to be specific, and he couldn’t resist the urge to persuade the owner to part with the beast. Armed with a healthy dose of patience and persistence, Anders eventually convinced him to sell, and the car has been safely parked in his garage ever since.
Of course, the story doesn’t end there. After all, Anders is a true car enthusiast, and over the past few years, he’s made some modifications to get it just how he wants it, marking the latest chapter in the ’32 Ford’s history.
Like most hot rod enthusiasts, Anders doesn’t just view his Ford as a car; it’s a statement, and his decision to embrace uniqueness played a role in every modification made, reflecting his desire to stand out on Norwegian roads and at car meets.
In fact, Anders’ hot rod journey has involved a series of upgrades and modifications so far. The first change he made was exhaust cut-outs, and as ideas kept coming, so did the upgrades.
In Anders’ own words, the philosophy behind the build was “dare to be different,” which has led to a car that stands apart from many other hot rods.
Under the flame-painted hood hides a Vortec 350 engine with a few extra goodies. We’re talking a sharper cam, improved intake, a new carburetor, stainless steel headers, and a handful of other goodies.
Purists may argue that the car should have a Ford engine, but in the hot rod world, those rules don’t apply. Over the years, the GM V8 has proven to be a reliable and solid choice.
Another advantage of this mill is that it’s relatively easy to extract more power, and Anders can now boast of roughly 360 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque — and that’s before he taps into the nitrous, which adds 150 additional stallions.
With the car weighing in at a mere 1,100 kg, or 2,425 lbs, it doesn’t take a genius to realize that these horses provide a serious kick! All the power is sent straight to the rear wheels via a TH700R4 automatic transmission with four gears and overdrive, and a Ford 9” rear axle with a Moser aluminum housing and Truetrac limited-slip differential.
Anders himself says the car is “reasonably quick” from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph), and the top speed is likely well over 200 km/h (125 mph) — but he hasn’t dared to find out, as it gets a bit “sketchy” when the needle approaches 190. This was obviously tested on the Autobahn, not on Norway’s pothole-strewn roads, as that would be highly illegal.
What we can say for sure is that this hot rod isn’t just for show; it’s a beast on the road, thanks to a chassis that’s built to match the engine’s power.
Unlike many other hot rods, you won’t find a bargain-basement leaf spring suspension setup here. At the front, there’s a pair of stainless steel coilovers, and the rear features coilovers with a 5-link suspension. Slowing down isn’t a problem either, as there are Wilwood disc brakes front and rear.
Anders’ hot rod is definitely not a “sleeper.” Here we have an exterior that matches the engine, and then some. Neither he nor the previous owners have spared any expense in the quest to build a unique hot rod.
The fiberglass body from Downs has a steel front, the flame paint job was done when one of the previous owners had the car, and the pinstripes were applied by “the Line Doctor” Herb Martinez from California.
In true hot rod style, there’s a massive, shiny chrome grille that’s probably a nightmare to keep clean, along with two large headlights to keep it company.
Chrome details are everywhere, including the tiny mono wiper mounted above the windshield — which, by the way, is framed like a work of art.
Under the classic fenders with elegant curves, you’ll find a set of American Racing wheels with a fat lip, measuring 6×15 in the front with 195/65 Hoosier rubber, and 9.5×17 in the rear with solid 245/65 tires of the same brand.
The cabin is a continuation of this flashy style, and those with an eye for detail can keep themselves entertained for hours. According to Anders, the comfort level inside the little coupe is surprisingly good, and I believe him.
Renowned Sybo in Sweden did the interior, and there’s also a professionally built Kenwood sound system with TV/multimedia screens. The list of creature comforts continues with air con and heating from Vintage Air, there are electric windows and trunk, as well as remote-controlled pop-out door locks, and a ton of other cool things.
When asked about future plans, Anders hints that there may be some potential modifications in the Ford’s future, but he wants to keep the details secret for now.
He would like to thank Werksta Hadeland, John Reinsborg, and Steffen Hagen for their invaluable contributions to the ’32 Ford’s striking aesthetics and powerful performance.
Specs:
Brand: Ford
Model: 3-Window Coupe
Year: 1932
Engine: Vortec 350, upgraded camshaft, intake, carburetor, stainless steel headers ++
Transmission: TH700R4 gearbox, Ford 9” rear axle with Moser aluminum housing and Truetrac limited-slip differential
Power: 360 hp + 150 additional hp with nitrous
Torque: 520 Nm
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): Fast enough
Top speed: Well over 200 km/h
Wheels & tire: American Racing 6×15 with 195/65-15 Hoosier tires in the front, 9.5×17 with 245/65-17 in the rear
Interior: Sybo custom, professionally built Kenwood system with TV/multimedia screens. Vintage Air air conditioning and heating, electric windows and trunk ++
Paint: Red with flames and pinstripes
