I need some help, I am looking to buy another vehicle. Have found two vehicles that in my world are virtually identical, Both all Henry Ford Steel, both unchopped, full fendered and exceletn builds, comparable suspensions, interior, engine, trans, paint, chrome, etc. One is a 34 three window the other is a 32 three window. For this question lets assume they are identical cars in perfect hot rod condition. which is more valuable and by what percentage?
I would guess the '32 would have a slight edge but only by a small amount. Both are nearly equally desirable but I think slightly more '34s were made.
Buy the one that you like best. There is not much to gain by trying to determine the best investment strategy in a hobby which, like it or not, is a pretty limited niche market. Future pricing of whatever you buy may be more or may be less than you are paying now. Just get a car and enjoy it.
Buy the one you like the most. However, for investment, the 32 will always be top of the desired list because of its history as the first Ford V8 and iconic hot rod. It would be neat if you could post photos of both. I would buy the 32, if I had to choose.
If you intend on driving the car you buy, sit in each one. 32's are smaller than a 34. You may not fit comfortably in a 32. I don't and I am not fat and only 5'11".
My problem is I like them both and I can just barely buy one. I have a 32 already, would not mind another but also like both of these cars they are virtually identical in build quality. The 32 has a Muncie 4 speed and the 34 has a turbo 350 that is the only difference. I’m not opposed to a manual or infatuated with an automatic.
Sooooo the genuine Henry Ford steel cars are both wearing Louis Chevrolet engines? So much for @19Fordy very valid point of it being iconic for the first ford V-8. I'd go for whichever one floats yer boat.
Oh my gosh! I thought both cars had a flatty. That would be iconic. Sounds like they have been "resto-rodded". Maybe that's what folks want now. If so, it seeems to eliminate nostalgia. Here's an ideal 32 with valuation to match the the decades of hot rod history of Henry's 32. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309856 I guess times change. It's just that when you think of a genuine 1932 Ford hot rod, you visualize one with a flathead like like back in the day.
well crap, I’ve done it again, to me the small block Chevy in a 32 or 34 is iconic - heck they have been doing it since the late fifties. Should have known otherwise because my all Henry ford steel 32 Vicky which has a Scot Blown Ardun 8BA engine was deemed a clown car because of the colors I happen to like. I apologize for the miss steps. I’ll try to find a board that will discuss the valuation difference of 32 three window vs a 34 3 window that I don’t offend someone on. Thank thosevof you that did respond.
I called it a clown car. And looking at your post history you seem to be more taken with "whats it worth" rather than loving hot rods for the love of hot rods. Might as well go collect Monets if its just the $$$ you care about.
First, get the one you like, OR then make a list of what each needs, pick the one with the shorter list? Are both jump in a drive home? like Drrrrriiiiiiiiver long way home? Pick the one that drives the best. Consider the build, get images of all the suspensions and some of the key welding. I mean, a Hoffman parts gennie, body '32, or a OG suspensions running '34? Just things to consider. depends on what was used under. I recall that post with the yellow/white '56 Ford "Which wheels should I get" I felt like he should have just bought a different car altogether.
No brainer. I like the 34 better anyway, but it is an automatic and your profile page says you are 71. I run with some guys that are in their 70s and 80s that are either enjoying their automatics or waiting until they have some bone/joint/hip operation and hoping they can shift again. So because you already have a 32, and the 34 is automatic, buy the 34. If you need to convince your self go take a 3/4 view of the rear of that car, that should help.
That 32 needs a seat adjustment, I am 6 foot, pretty fat and love riding in a 32. I would like to say driving, but the driver is even bigger than me, and we fit in there together without issues.
I always thought hot rods were a 'seat of the pants' kind of thing, and that they should be adopted and taken home purely on a heart-based decision. Too much rational thought about perceived monetary value sort of kills the mood..............
rsinor, My intent was not to offend you and I do not think I did. Rather, it was to offer an honest opinion. I know what you mean as I had a 40 Ford with a 265 Chevy in it back in 1964 when flatheads were no longer state of the art. Stick around, hold your ground and enjoy the ride, no matter which car you decide upon.
You've got a '32, get a '34. But don't ever do it as an investment. Very few make more selling their car than they bought if for unless they have had it long time. We're here for the love, not the money. I hope you are, too.
Hard to beat a ‘32 3 window……..only thing that comes close is a ‘34 3 window. Probably not much difference in value, although deuces seem to command a slight premium, but without seeing both cars one cannot say. if you have a deuce, a model 40 might be a nice change, but then again if you have 2 x deuces your parts stash can be smaller…… .
Never think of cars as value , its about what YOU want , its a highly personal and emotional choice ,picking that car you always wanted, if your into cars and worried about values ,then your picking a car for someone else and not for yourself and are concerned with selling before buying , wrong hobby , they aren't stamps , (this is my personal opinion cruicify me or ignore me ,but it is what it is and i apologize ,as well as to management , if I hurt or upset anyone with this statement) love you guys ,, fabricator john miss you dad ,,
I’m not buying this car as an investment, don’t have to worry about that. But at some point I have to rationalize the difference In price I am going to have to pay to get one over the other. So far one response says 32 17% higher than 34 if identical. That is what I am asking.
I drive a six speed every day, no joint, knee, hip, ankle issues. Weakness in the brain for Ford steel yes
Without knowing how they are built it’s hard to say anything on value . if both are truly equal in build ( quality of parts , you said one has a SBC. interior , paint etc ) the 32 should be more valuable by a margin simply because it is the “ iconic “ hot rod. Without pics and a full story this thread is pretty worthless . kinda like asking “ I know two hot women a blond and a brunette, both have big cans and an absolute dump truck for an ass, pretty much equal . Which should I date ?Meanwhile one weights 450 lbs! We would need pics and specifics to give you an accurate answer. And you got a rod with a blown Ardun ? Shit home slice you could paint it Barbie corvette pink with fake wood grain accents and I would still call it cool !!
According to Hemmings Motor News, the 3 year price average for a 1932 Ford Model 18 was $62,354. The 3 year price average for the 1934 Ford Model 40 was$52,558. No break down by body style...but that's a surprisingly BIG difference.
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