Dreamcast18
05-17-2006, 09:56 PM
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060514/BUSINESS01/605140633
1932 Ford Deuce Coupe rides again
Former Chrysler designer inspires rebirth of custom hot rod
Tom Gale, former head of design for Chrysler Group, appreciates automotive history.
Gale, who retired in December 2000, was instrumental in developing the PT Cruiser, Prowler and Ram -- modern vehicles with cues from the past. So when Gale and some friends decided to build custom hot rods, he chose one of the greatest cars of all time: the 1932 Ford, nicknamed the Deuce Coupe.
"The '32 is special because of the way that the body related to the frame, the ability to remove parts like the fenders and still have a very complete form," he said.
Known for building concept cars and convertibles, ASC Inc. in Southgate built eight custom replica Deuce Coupes for Gale and his friends for about $100,000 each.
ASC previously had developed replica '32 Fords as a joint venture with another company. But Gale's project called for special measures. A legend in automotive design, he helped guide his friends through the process. Gale had exacting measures for his Deuce Coupe.
It features a quick-change rear housing, something street racers employed to quickly change gear sets for faster acceleration. The interior is wrapped in a special Italian leather normally used on high-end furniture, and such modern features as air-conditioning and audio are hidden.
For a Chrysler twist, Gale also had ASC drop in a 1957 Dodge D-500 Hemi engine. The result is a stunning, black '32 Ford with power and style.
"It's all about the subtleties," said Mark Trostle, ASC's president of creative services. "That's definitely what makes his car unique. Tom knows how to stay with theme."
http://img151.imagevenue.com/loc56/th_24716_bilde.jpg (http://img151.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc56&image=24716_bilde.jpg)
Tom Gale, left, former Chrysler design chief, and Mark Trostle, president of creative services for ASC Inc. This replica of a '32 Ford Deuce Coupe, along with a host of rare vehicles, will be on display June 23-24 at the Bay Harbor Concours Festival (www.bayharborconcours.com).
1932 Ford Deuce Coupe rides again
Former Chrysler designer inspires rebirth of custom hot rod
Tom Gale, former head of design for Chrysler Group, appreciates automotive history.
Gale, who retired in December 2000, was instrumental in developing the PT Cruiser, Prowler and Ram -- modern vehicles with cues from the past. So when Gale and some friends decided to build custom hot rods, he chose one of the greatest cars of all time: the 1932 Ford, nicknamed the Deuce Coupe.
"The '32 is special because of the way that the body related to the frame, the ability to remove parts like the fenders and still have a very complete form," he said.
Known for building concept cars and convertibles, ASC Inc. in Southgate built eight custom replica Deuce Coupes for Gale and his friends for about $100,000 each.
ASC previously had developed replica '32 Fords as a joint venture with another company. But Gale's project called for special measures. A legend in automotive design, he helped guide his friends through the process. Gale had exacting measures for his Deuce Coupe.
It features a quick-change rear housing, something street racers employed to quickly change gear sets for faster acceleration. The interior is wrapped in a special Italian leather normally used on high-end furniture, and such modern features as air-conditioning and audio are hidden.
For a Chrysler twist, Gale also had ASC drop in a 1957 Dodge D-500 Hemi engine. The result is a stunning, black '32 Ford with power and style.
"It's all about the subtleties," said Mark Trostle, ASC's president of creative services. "That's definitely what makes his car unique. Tom knows how to stay with theme."
http://img151.imagevenue.com/loc56/th_24716_bilde.jpg (http://img151.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc56&image=24716_bilde.jpg)
Tom Gale, left, former Chrysler design chief, and Mark Trostle, president of creative services for ASC Inc. This replica of a '32 Ford Deuce Coupe, along with a host of rare vehicles, will be on display June 23-24 at the Bay Harbor Concours Festival (www.bayharborconcours.com).