The 1932 Ford Roadster: A True Gem from Monty Booth’s Workshop
By Monty Booth (Owner)
Photos by Etienne Fouche
Enter Monty Booth, the mastermind behind an astonishing piece of machinery: his 1932 Ford Roadster. Monty is not just any car enthusiast; he is a bona fide Rodder and an obsessive perfectionist, pouring his soul into every build. After visiting countless workshops, I can honestly say Monty’s workspace is every car lover’s dream. I fought hard to suppress my envy, but as I entered, my jaw dropped, and “Wow!” slipped from my lips more times than I could count.
As I strolled through Monty’s kingdom, I passed a pair of striking Corvettes and a monstrous 454 Rat-powered Camaro. Then came the jaw-dropping sight of a supercharged 454 Willys Pro-street car, boasting the biggest Mickey Thompsons I’ve ever seen. That’s when I spotted it—the pièce de résistance: a stunning 1932 Ford Roadster, parked majestically in the corner, radiating charisma like it had just rolled off the pages of Hot Rod Magazine.
Monty, with a knowing grin, fired her up and backed her out into the golden afternoon sun. This machine shined like a Tangerine Dream with its custom paint—a mix of yellow and red, accentuated with gold pearl and micro red flake glimmering beneath six layers of clearcoat. The contrast against the winter backdrop was absolutely mesmerizing.
What really grabbed my attention was the stance of this beast. It sits low and aggressive, a predator ready to strike, on massive American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels—20s in the rear and 17s up front. Those rear tires? A staggering 305 / 50 / 20 that could grip any road. Ninety-nine percent of this ride’s components, including those tires, were imported from the U.S., elevating its status to something that’s simply unbeatable on local streets.
Monty spared no expense when it came to performance. The front suspension features the Superide series from Heidts, equipped with a sleek wishbone setup and coil-overs that ensure the ride is as smooth as it is stunning. The rear suspension is just as impressive, using a custom-made independent configuration sourced from a Jaguar. Taming this orange rocket comes courtesy of a hidden Gearhead booster linked to Wilwood disc brakes that perform as beautifully as they look.
Step inside, and the interior is a masterclass in design. The dashboard is a custom creation, stripped down to the essentials—an elegant array of Auto Meter Sport-Comp gauges mounted on a handmade backplate by Monty himself. With a Flaming River steering column and a custom leather-wrapped Billet Specialties steering wheel, the interior feels both luxurious and sporty. Trevor crafted the interior subframes, while Paul executed the upholstery, creating a cozy cabin that’s been expertly soundproofed and lined with thick pile carpet.
The transmission? A robust TH350 auto rebuilt by the talented Oom Nic Jansen van Rensburg, with gear selection handled by a smooth Lokar shifter.
Now, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance: the windshield—a real, solid cast brass Duvall that elevates the aesthetic of this Roadster to a whole new level. The distinctive oval-shaped rearview mirrors, door handles, and LED lights not only enhance the overall look but also contribute significant character to the vehicle. Front lights and indicators are sleekly integrated, ensuring minimal distraction from that stunning profile.
Midway through this build, a remarkable pivot occurred. Monty performed an a-frame swap with his other simultaneously running project—a 1932 Ford Pickup. This required extensive modifications and the birth of a custom frame that begs admiration. With careful precision, the front section of the frame was pinched by approximately three inches, brilliantly executed by Eddie Chip Finch, with support from Bern and Kyle of Eddie’s Rod Shop in Primrose.
Of course, a hot rod is only as good as its power. Under the hood lies a ferocious small block Chevy, stroked to an impressive 383 cubic inches, complete with a vintage 70s Erson camshaft that keeps everything in sync. The Edelbrock Performer Alloy Heads welcome the air/fuel mix from a 600cfm Edelbrock carb, while a custom-built, ceramic-coated full tubular exhaust system crafted by TNT Exhausts handles the expelled gases with ease, unleashing that classic Jozie smog. This powerhouse was assembled by none other than Dave “The Master” Corbett, with neat wiring work done by Alwyn “Sparky” Nienaber.
In a nutshell, this high-dollar hot rod showcases unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail. It stands as proof of the immense talent present within this country. Monty Booth’s incredible 1932 Ford Roadster is not just a car; it is an epitome of passion, artistry, and mechanical perfection that inspires all who lay eyes on it. Buckle up, folks—there’s no telling where this beauty will take you next!
