The 1932 Ford Tommy Foster Roadster, a hallmark of East Coast hot-rodding history, will cross the block at the Kissimmee 2025 auction on Friday, January 17. Renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship and storied show career, this Ice Blue roadster is a piece of automotive artistry with accolades that span decades.
Built by Tommy Foster in 1949, the roadster required 15 months of meticulous work, culminating in a stunning channeled and smoothed body, a filled cowl vent, and rolled rear pan. With its Ice Blue lacquer finish and Ivory and Blue tuck-and-roll Naugahyde interior, the roadster became a head-turner at every show it attended. Foster’s efforts earned the car first-place honors at prestigious events, including the 1952 and 1953 International Motor Shows, and “Most Outstanding Car” at the inaugural Detroit Autorama in 1953.
Under the hood lies a 331 CI Cadillac V-8 engine, enhanced with a Detroit Racing dual-quad intake and Carter 4-barrel carburetors, all chromed to perfection. Foster’s engineering acumen extended to a custom-fabricated transmission adapter, a Z-ed frame with plated components, and even Mercury station wagon tire covers repurposed as front fenders. His attention to detail set new standards for hot rod builds, earning national acclaim and a feature in the August 1952 Hot Rod Magazine.
After a storied show career, the roadster entered private ownership, eventually being disassembled before a careful restoration by Pat Slevin. Subsequent owners continued to cherish its legacy, with appearances at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Detroit Autorama’s 50th anniversary.
As one of Ford’s 75 most significant ’32 hot rods, the Tommy Foster Roadster is more than a car—it’s a time capsule of mid-century hot rod culture. This auction offers collectors a rare chance to own a piece of history, complete with its original title in Foster’s name and unmatched provenance. Will this vintage masterpiece find its next custodian at Kissimmee?
Shawn Henry