By Brian Brennan – Photography Courtesy of Mecum Auctions
If you follow auctions, as I do, much history passes before us. A prime example is the iconic Tommy Foster 1932 Ford roadster, featured on January 7-19, 2025, at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida. This channeled roadster comes from the Richard V. Munz Collection.
The event brochure, authored by Chelsey Hinsenkamp and Ken Gross, provides insight into the significant achievements of this unique roadster. Few vehicles inspire as much admiration in American hot rodding as Tommy Foster’s creation. Starting in 1949, Foster meticulously crafted his masterpiece over 15 months, achieving legendary status in the process.
This roadster’s journey was remarkable. It won First Place trophies at prestigious venues, including the 1952 and 1953 International Motor Show in New York, the Mid-America Motor Show in Cincinnati, and Speedorama in St. Paul. Its prowess continued to shine at the 1952 Motor World Fair in Miami while securing a close Second at the 1952 Motorcade of America in Chicago. By 1953, the roadster debuted at the inaugural Detroit Autorama and was crowned the Most Outstanding Car.
Foster’s work captured nationwide attention, especially after being featured in the Aug. ’52 issue of Hot Rod magazine. His roadster combined performance with artistry at a level unmatched by many builds of its era. In 2007, it was honored as one of the 75 Most Significant 1932 Ford Hot Rods at the Grand National Roadster Show, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the storied model.
After a successful career in the Pontiac Division of General Motors, ending in 1978, Foster sold his cherished roadster. Unfortunately, it fell into less caring hands and was disassembled, left in pieces for nearly a decade. However, the story did not end there. Enthusiast Pat Slevin discovered the scattered remnants and dedicated himself to restoring the roadster, often collaborating directly with Foster to retain his vision.
Once revitalized, the roadster passed through several collectors, ultimately landing with Kirk F. White. It then briefly went to Harry Levy and finally to Munz in 1996. Munz showcased the car’s historical significance at the inaugural Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1997, followed by appearances at Meadow Brook Hall in 2000 and the 50th Detroit Autorama in 2002, reminding observers of its incredible journey.
Foster’s channeled roadster features numerous unique attributes rooted in craftsmanship and innovation. The body is skillfully channeled, smoothed, and modified, including a filled cowl vent, filled grille shell, shaved doors, and an inset rear license plate setup. The front fenders, fashioned from a Mercury station wagon tire cover, further enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Underhood lies a potent 331ci Cadillac V-8 engine equipped with a Detroit Racing dual-quad intake and a pair of Carter four-barrel carburetors. The transmission is a chromed and modified 1939 Ford top loader, ensuring smooth power delivery. Mechanical and custom touches adorn the roadster’s frame, such as Z’d framerails, a plated, dropped front axle, and 1948 Pontiac tubular shocks.
The eye-catching Ice Blue finish and the elegant Ivory and blue tuck-and-roll Naugahyde interior create a striking overall presence. Tommy Foster’s roadster is not merely a car; it represents a vibrant piece of hot-rodding history, embodying the spirit of an era and highlighting the culture of custom automotive craftsmanship.
As it inspires future generations, the roadster serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the hot rod community, reminding us why we celebrate such iconic automotive artistry. MR
