Good thing Henry Ford didn't let a little thing like the Great Depression hinder his progress of developing and subsequently releasing his Motor Company's all-new Model 18 passenger cars in what would turn out to be the worst year of that economic disaster, 1932. The introduction of America's very first mass-produced and affordable V-8equipped automobiles went over surprisingly well, especially with the buying market as soft as it could possibly be (and it seems even better than Mr. Ford may have anticipated, at least in regard to the demand of his more expensive V-8 models versus the standard four-cylinderequipped Model B—let's just say the salesmen had to use reverse tactics and "downsell" customers to the lesser-priced (though not by much) lesser-cylinder'd option as they were unable to meet the demand for the V-8.

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As the new Model 18 coupes, sedans, and roadsters rolled off the lots with their four additional cylinders rumbling proudly, one series of 1932 Fords that lacked the same audible pride were the light-duty 1/2-ton pickups, including the open-cab (convertible) model, despite having a much longer bed than its Model A predecessors. Definitely a saving grace to rival Chevrolet's overall sales numbers—its Series BA Confederate pickup powered by the workhorse 194ci inline Stovebolt Six helped keep the manufacturer at the top. Apparently, "Built Ford Tough" was still quite a ways from the drawing board yet the open-cab (aka roadster pickup) Model B haulers were built with the same good looks and style as the rest of the 1932 Ford family.

So, with the popularity being what it is—and has been—with the iconic 1932 Ford, why aren't there more of Henry's underpowered pickups (rodded or restored) around today? Well, aside from the fact that by nature pickups are used and abused much more than the average passenger car, Ford only produced somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 open-cab pickup bodies (not all of which were built into pickups—some say half), while over 12,000 DeLuxe and Standard roadsters were produced and sold that same year. In other words, they're rather rare—that's why.

Fortunately, Brookville Roadster apparently didn't like that fact, and as a service to all who just happen to be fans of the topless Model B truck, tooled up to produce their version of the 1932 Ford roadster pickup (as well as the earlier Model A bodies and pickup beds). "Their version" translates into a roomier interior that, unlike grandpa's old farm truck, affords nearly as much legroom as the roadster thanks to an elongated and reshaped rear cab section. But as gorgeous as they are in the raw, straight from their 750-ton press, put one in the hands of Roy Brizio Street Rods—once Roy and his crew have had their way with it, gorgeous barely begins to scratch the surface.

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Like Lobeck and Chapouris before him, Roy Brizio has a way with 1932 Fords that's truly distinguishable. His particular "way" ultimately creates repeat customers like David and Peg Farmer who, after having him build them a Deuce five-window, decided they wanted to take one of Brookville's beautiful roadster pickups to the next level Brizio style. And 12 months later, the Farmers got just what they ordered: a beyond-gorgeous, full-fendered pickup.

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As mentioned, Brookville aptly handled Henry's shortcomings as far as the pickup's cramped cockpit was concerned, which Sid Chavers further enhanced with a full leather interior. But the Model B's other weakness—its underpowered drivetrain—was never a concern. Brizio dropped an Edelbrock Signature Series 383 crate small-block under the hood, backed it with a Lokar-sticked TREMEC TKO600 gearbox, fashioned up a Stainless Specialties exhaust (fabbed by Jack Stratton) with Sanderson headers, and connected the six-speed via a Steve Moal swing pedal assembly, ensuring any Stovebolt Six be left shivering in its Confederate boots or more importantly, that David and Peggy have the power and reliability they need to take the roadster pickup from the farm to the city and beyond.