A daily driven 32 roadster inspired by the Gray Baskerville roadster

[Rocking Rodney Rat]

If you're a hot rodding enthusiast, you know the name Gray Baskerville (1936-2002), he was a writer and photographer for Hot Rod and Rod & Custom for many years. He was true character, known for  his horn rimmed glasses, Hawaiian shirts, shorts and flip-flops. He had an infectious giggle and was a friend to all. Gray was almost more famous for his primer spotted red '32 full fendered roadster that was his daily driver for most of his life. The car was built by Paul Horning in 1954 and it was updated a few times over the years but Gray always wanted to keep some of it's unique features and style. The car was never a show car and had it's share of bumps and bruises, all part of it's charm. The car is now in the care of Chris Shelton. 

https://www.motortrend.com/features/1932-ford-roadster-gray-baskerville-hot-rod-magazine/ 

This project started when Dennis Lacy sent me one of the '32 ragtops he mastered cast by Ed Fluck at Drag City casting. I started mocking up the top and quickly realized the direction this build should take.

-Body is from the Revell Rat Roaster.

-Various other parts are from the Revell '32 series including the interior from the 'new' roadster kit that is taken from the Rat Roaster kit.

-Engine is a flathead from the Revell '48 Ford (Gray's car had an old small block Chevy).

-Rear suspension (Columbia two-speed) and crossmember are also from the '48.

-Stock headlight bar from one of the Monogram '32 kits. 

-Tires are from Modelhaus with AMT wheels.

-Paint is Tamiya Pure Red.

I didn't try to replicate the Gary Baskerville roadster, but take some styling cues from it. 

More pix here: https://public.fotki.com/jferren/red-32-roadster-/ -RRR

 

Edited January 15, 2024 by Rocking Rodney Rat

[Phildaupho]

Very excellent Deuce in all respects. Extremely well built. It has its own presence but definitely is reminiscent of Gray's Roadster at least on the outside before the primer spots. 

[espo]

I agree with Phil, at first glance your little '32 looks like Gary's old car but with better paint. This has a look that will never go out of style. Great clean looking build. 

[Maindrian Pace]

I think “Yer ol’ dad” would be beaming with pride.

[Rattlecan Dan]

Nicely done, clean little roadster. Good job.

[ChrisR]

Looks great!!

[Jim B]

Cool roadster.  Well done.

[PappyD340]

Very nice!

[Yeah Nah]

Beautiful deuce! Very appealing overall look.

[karbuildr]

Great looking 32, well done, sure looks like Gray's roadster.

[Zippi]

Really nice little 32 Roadster.  The white rag top really makes the red pop.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Very, very nice.

Few models capture "the look" of a real car built by someone who has a clue.

This one ticks all the boxes.

[larman]

So nice! Looks great, I would love to have a real one like it!

[Hmann68]

Wow what a beautiful deuce. Well done, love that color ??

[Kah puts]

What a pearl, well done ?

[OldNYJim]

That’s a perfect little roadster - love it!  Nice work!

[Kit Karson]

RRR, so glad U brought this back 2 Ur bench for a revival!  Dragin' it across the finish line warms the coucals of my heart, Brother! -KK

[Koellefornia Kid]

Great build and a nice tribute! Well done!

[Ace-Garageguy]

1 hour ago, Kit Karson said:

...warms the coucals of my heart...

???   You might want to get that checked by a cardiac ornithologist...

Edited January 15, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy

[catpack68]

Very nice work!? I have that same resin uptop from Drag City casting for a similar project I plan to build.

[Rocking Rodney Rat]

On 1/15/2024 at 11:01 AM, catpack68 said:

Very nice work!? I have that same resin uptop from Drag City casting for a similar project I plan to build.

Looking forward to your build! -RRR

[Chuck Mols]

Great looking build, I think Gray would be flattered.

[alan barton]

Yeah, most excellent build!  Captures the spirit of Gray's build perfectly without being Gray's exactly.

Cheers

Alan

[David G.]

A fabulous looking roadster!

David G.

[Dan Hay]

Love it! Do you have any straight-on pictures of the front end? I want to see the headlight bar situation. I'm building a few 32s and want to get some ideas for the headlight bar.