Norm Bradley 1932 Ford, steadfast hot rods, hot rod, street rod, street rod of the year, deuce

2020 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year Finalist – Norman Bradley’s 1932 Ford

Henry Richards and his Steadfast Hot Rods crew were a little dubious when Norman Bradley wandered into the shop and declared that he had a ’32 five-window coupe he wanted built. They realized Norman was serious when he returned with the car and soon discovered they had a dream customer who would provide the freedom to build the project to the level it deserved.

Norm Bradley 1932 Ford, steadfast hot rods, hot rod, street rod, street rod of the year, deuce

Norm Bradley 1932 Ford, steadfast hot rods, hot rod, street rod, street rod of the year, deuce

For Henry and his team, that meant starting with a low-slung Steadfast chassis built using a 5-inch dropped axle, Steadfast hairpins, a Durant leaf spring, and a Pete & Jake’s rear suspension locating the Winters quick-change rearend. It got rolling on Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop 16- and 18-inch wheels, with power from an Aaron Blatter-built 383c.i. small block fed by triple carbs and backed by a 700R4 overdrive transmission.

Norm Bradley 1932 Ford, steadfast hot rods, hot rod, street rod, street rod of the year, deuce

Norm Bradley 1932 Ford, steadfast hot rods, hot rod, street rod, street rod of the year, deuce


A wedge-cut top, reshaped hood, and custom grille and roof insert highlight the body mods under the deep black PPG paint. Inside, M&M Hot Rod Interiors diamond stitched distressed leather over the seat, while Classic Instruments gauges, a custom steering wheel, and a trick louvered headliner insert complete the look.

Norm Bradley 1932 Ford, steadfast hot rods, hot rod, street rod, street rod of the year, deuce

Norm Bradley 1932 Ford, steadfast hot rods, hot rod, street rod, street rod of the year, deuce

The end result is not only a bitchin’ hot rod, but a bond between customer and client. “Win or lose, our friendship means more than any award,” Henry says.

Norm Bradley 1932 Ford, steadfast hot rods, hot rod, street rod, street rod of the year, deuce

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.