This 1932 Ford “Bobtail” Speedster channels the stripped-down, purpose-built hot rods that raced across California in the 1930s. Its minimalist design, open wheels, exposed exhaust headers, and a bare-bones speedster body, emphasizes function over comfort. Without a top or side curtains, it’s a fair-weather racer, making competition in rain or wind an extra challenge.

Ford V-8 History

Since its groundbreaking debut in 1932, the Ford flathead V8 has become an icon of American performance and the beating heart of hot rod culture. No other engine has matched its legendary status or its widespread influence. As Ford’s first V8, it was the first in the world to be cast in a single piece, a bold engineering demand from Henry Ford himself, giving it unmatched durability. That durability is proven by the fact that flathead V8s are still roaring on roads and racetracks nearly a century later.

The original flathead displaced 221 cubic inches and produced 65 horsepower, but this engine has been transformed into a true performance powerhouse. Featuring a stroker crankshaft, high-performance camshaft, and increased compression, it now delivers 280 cubic inches and an impressive 160 horsepower, more than doubling its original output.

Great Race Champions

In 2022, this Bobtail Speedster competed in the Rookie Division of the Great Race, driven by Trevor Stahl and Josh Hull. The grueling course followed historic Route 66, stretching from Kirkwood, Missouri to the Santa Monica Pier in California. Facing long days, unpredictable weather, and tough competition, the team persevered—and crossed the finish line as First Place winners in their division.