Wetzel's Roadster: The Iconic '32 Deuce That Defined Hot Rodding History

Wetzel’s Roadster

The story of Wetzel’s Roadster, a 1932 Ford Deuce, is a perfect example of the passion, craftsmanship, and history behind the hot rod movement in America. It spans decades and generations, showcasing how a vehicle can become a symbol of not only automotive excellence but also of the personal dedication that enthusiasts bring to the craft of car building.

The Origins: Bill Hook’s Vision

The roadster’s journey began in the late 1940s when Bill Hook decided to build his dream hot rod. He started with a 1932 Ford roadster and enlisted the help of the famed Valley Custom Shop in Burbank, California, to bring his vision to life. Known for their top-tier craftsmanship and innovative work, Valley Custom was responsible for making significant modifications to the already channeled body of the Deuce.

The team at Valley Custom made several critical changes to enhance the roadster’s appearance and performance. They smoothed the rear wheel arches, giving the car a more streamlined look, and added a rolled rear pan for a sleek finish. They also shaved the door handles to maintain a smooth profile and relocated the gas filler to the driver-side rear quarter panel, providing both function and aesthetic balance. Additionally, they installed a signature DuVall windshield, a popular modification among early hot rodders for its rakish, stylish look, which gave the car a more aggressive, aerodynamic appearance.

Inside the roadster, Valley Custom added a Stewart Warner Hollywood instrument cluster, a high-end touch that brought elegance and precision to the dashboard. Interestingly, a second Hollywood instrument panel—this time without instruments—was cleverly repurposed as a glovebox door, showcasing the level of detail and creativity that went into this build.

Dr. Leland Wetzel: Completing the Dream

In 1952, before Bill Hook could finish the project, he sold the Deuce to Dr. Leland Wetzel, a Springfield, Missouri-based physician with a deep passion for hot rods. Dr. Wetzel saw the car’s potential and enlisted the help of his friend, Leonard Carr, to finish the build, particularly focusing on the car’s engine.

Wetzel spared no expense when it came to the roadster’s powerplant. The Ford flathead V8 was built with Evans heads and an Evans intake manifold, two highly sought-after modifications that increased performance and reliability. The flathead V8 was a favorite among hot rodders for its versatility, and with these upgrades, Wetzel’s roadster had both the power and the looks to make it a standout.

Once the roadster was complete, Dr. Wetzel embarked on a remarkable journey. In 1952, he and his wife Bertha drove the Deuce from their home in Springfield to both the Bonneville Speed Week and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, events that were central to the hot rod culture. Bertha chronicled the trip in Hot Rod Magazine in December 1952, describing the varying weather conditions they encountered along the way. This journey further solidified the roadster’s reputation, proving its capabilities not only as a show car but also as a high-performance, reliable road machine.

Kurt McCormick: Preserving a Legend

Dr. Wetzel owned the roadster for an impressive 43 years, keeping it in pristine condition before selling it in 1995 to Kurt McCormick, a renowned custom car collector from Webster Groves, Missouri. McCormick, a dedicated enthusiast with a collection that includes many notable Barris customs, recognized the importance of the Wetzel Roadster and took great care to preserve its originality.

When McCormick picked up the car, he found that it remained “stone-cold original” to its 1952 configuration, a remarkable testament to Dr. Wetzel’s meticulous care. The roadster still featured its signature front nerf bar, complete with an encircled “W” that Dr. Wetzel had custom-made—a small but significant detail that added to the car’s unique identity.

Restoration and the Cadillac V8

While Kurt McCormick was dedicated to maintaining the roadster’s original 1952 look, he did opt for a slight modification under the hood. The original Ford flathead was replaced with a period-correct 1954 Cadillac 331-cid V8, sourced from the Barris-built Parisienne custom. This Cadillac V8, known for its power and reliability, was fitted with a SCoT blower—a supercharger that was a popular choice among hot rodders looking for an extra performance boost.

Kurt worked with Ronnie Simon from St. Louis to handle the engine’s machine work and ensured that the new powerplant was installed without drilling any new holes into the frame, preserving the car’s integrity. The result was a perfect blend of period authenticity and modern power, keeping the roadster competitive while staying true to its original spirit.

The Iconic ’32 Deuce That Defined Hot Rodding History

Today, Wetzel’s Roadster stands as an enduring symbol of the hot rod movement’s early years. From Bill Hook’s initial vision to Dr. Leland Wetzel’s completion and the car’s preservation under Kurt McCormick’s care, the roadster embodies the creativity, passion, and craftsmanship that define the golden era of hot rodding.

What makes Wetzel’s Roadster so special is not just its history but the way it seamlessly bridges the gap between performance and style. It was not just built to look good—it was driven thousands of miles across the country, raced, and shown at prestigious events like Bonneville and Pikes Peak. Its legacy lives on as a reminder of the adventurous spirit that characterized the post-war hot rod culture.

For those lucky enough to see it today, the roadster still evokes the excitement of those early years, with its sleek lines, signature modifications, and roaring V8 engine. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the 1932 Ford Deuce and the generations of builders who have kept the hot rod flame alive.