1932 Ford 1932 Roadster (Khougaz Lakes Hot Rod)
- Engine
- 286 cu in (4.7L) flathead V8, four Stromberg 81 carburetors, est. 225+ bhp
- Colour
- Cordovan (dark reddish-brown)
A purpose-built 1932 Ford Roadster constructed by Jim Khougaz of Van Nuys, California, as a dedicated dry-lakes racer in the postwar hot rod era. Channeled seven inches over the frame with a hand-fabricated aluminum belly pan, louvered hood panels, and a modified 286-cubic-inch flathead V-8, the car recorded 141.95 mph at El Mirage in 1949 and accumulated numerous SCTA timing tags before being retired in the mid-1950s. After more than four decades in storage it underwent a comprehensive body-off restoration, debuting at the 2001 National Roadster Show where it received the Bruce Meyer Preservation Award.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$187,000
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJim Khougazpartial documentation
Khougaz built and raced the roadster himself, using it as both a daily driver and dedicated lakes racer. After competition use wound down in the mid-1950s, the car sat in storage in his loft for more than four decades before being sold.
- Date unknownPrivate saleDr. Mark Van Buskirkpartial documentation
Indiana-based dentist who acquired the car from Khougaz and commissioned a full body-off restoration at Dave Simard's East Coast Custom in Massachusetts. Van Buskirk subsequently drove the restored car at several touring and concours events.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPaul and Chris Andrewspartial documentation
Held the roadster for approximately five years prior to the auction, during which time they served as custodians of the car's legacy.
Competition
- 1938Muroc dry lakes racingDriver: Jim Khougaz
Khougaz attended as a spectator or participant alongside a friend's older brother; described as his first exposure to lakes racing rather than a formal competitive entry.
- 1949Southern California Timing AssociationEl Mirage Dry Lake speed runDriver: Jim Khougaz141.95 mph top speed recorded
This was the car's peak recorded speed during its active lakes-racing career. Khougaz accumulated multiple SCTA timing tags over the course of several seasons before retiring the car in the mid-1950s.
- 20012001 National Roadster ShowBruce Meyer Preservation Award
The car's public debut following its full restoration; the award recognized the quality and authenticity of the preservation effort.
- 2004Antique Automobile Club of AmericaAACA judging — HersheyFirst Junior award
The car was evaluated at the Hershey meet and also received AACA certification as an authentic race car.
- —Colorado GrandDriver: Dr. Mark Van Buskirk
Driven by Van Buskirk as part of post-restoration touring activity.
- —California MilleDriver: Dr. Mark Van Buskirk
Van Buskirk participated in this vintage touring event following the car's restoration.
- —Monterey HistoricsDriver: Dr. Mark Van Buskirk
Van Buskirk drove the roadster on track at Laguna Seca during this historic motorsport gathering.
- —Eyes on Classic DesignTrophy awarded
- —Rodeo Drive Concours d'EleganceTrophy awarded
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationEast Coast Custom
Full body-off restoration carried out at East Coast Custom in Leominster, Massachusetts, under the direction of Dave Simard. Much of the original sheet metal was preserved; a replacement belly pan was fabricated and original or new-old-stock components were used throughout wherever available.
Interior in pleated cordovan leather with an authentic tonneau cover was executed by Steve Pierce of Gilford, New Hampshire; paintwork matched to an original colour sample by Viking Auto.
- —Engine rebuildMotor City Flathead
The 286-cubic-inch flathead V-8 was rebuilt using period-correct components, including four individually rebuilt and tuned Stromberg 81 carburettors. Chromed lakes pipes were fitted along with an alternative under-car exhaust route via Smithy's mufflers.
Work carried out by Mark Kirby as part of the broader restoration programme commissioned by Dr. Van Buskirk.
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