HISTORIC Hot Rod is Revived After 60 YEARS of Hibernation

Historic hot rods are still out there, waiting to be found! This example is an outstanding 1932 Ford five window coupe, built by Jim Smart in the 1950's. He sold it to Jack Cowan, and then the car sat inside a garage in Niceville, Florida until 2020. Follow along to see a brief overview of this car's history, and stay tuned for a full feature when Josh completes the restoration and preservation of this car. We're referring to it as the Air Force '32, due to Jim's history with the US Air Force, which led him to find the car just outside the Elgin Air Force base during the 1950's.

So much great history with family tie-ins...you'll want to watch that one! For now, we're covering the rescue efforts, then the cleaned-up survivor when Sonny Smart had it at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals South, then the preservation efforts of Josh Scronce and Donnie Smart. This is an incredible piece of hot rodding history, and Josh is truly doing it justice by putting it back on the road with period correct parts. In part 2 of Air Force '32 video (the full feature) we'll get to listen to that 265ci small block Chevy run and hopefully take a ride down the road in this rolling display of hot rod history.

Also in this video, we do a quick walk around of Josh's shop, which has tons of great hot rod parts and memorabilia hanging on the walls, including a hand painted sign that reads Hudson Drag Strip and much more.

#hotrodhoarder #history #hotrod

[Theturbo]

Thanks for giving our service men a shout out!!! Freedom isn’t free! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[jeffreyhannan]

Thanks for sharing, I am dieing with cancer but hope I am around long enough to see the finished product.
I love these stories & old photos. This hot rod is gorgeous and when finished will be a perfect 10.
I hope there are hot rods & so fourth in heaven.

[keithadamo]

I’m lucky to own 1930 model A Hot Rod with lots of history and sentimental value 👍🇺🇸

[FNLWYR]

I’m happy to hear that the new owners are putting it back on the road. It deserves to be.

[joeparson]

Really nice to see these old hot rods being saved with the history that goes with them.
Great video Tommy.

[davida.p.]

A very cool car and a great history! 🇺🇸 I noticed the torque tube drive, I hope he keeps that. I think it's important to preserve the history as much as possible. It's easy to go to digital dashes and seats from a Silverado, but I do love old school hot rods just as they were. 👍

[stevehilliard]

No one does it better. This is one of my favorite videos of yours. I appreciate you helping Sleeperdude & really enjoy your family inclusion in your videos. God bless you and yours!! 🤓

[chrismadaj]

Keep the vintage cars alive cool stuff GODSPEED

[Funsho]

That car is what I would call Classic Cool!!!

[michaelheffernan]

This Marine wanted to get back to my 40 Ford when I returned from Viet Nam in 1970...
Wasn't long though before I purchased a new 70 Z28...in green...
of course...Big Smile!

Semper Fi

[mu]

Another great upload - Much love to ya from

[johngoodwin]

This was my Uncle Jack Cowans car. I’m glad to see it being restored. It pretty much disappeared from the family. I’m shocked to see it.

[steveclark]

That's one sweet looking Hot Rod !

[ronstewart]

Awesome old hot rod and what a fantastic shop to get to play in. Thanks for the show. Ron

[markrs]

That's like a dream, to find a car like that, in that condition. Another great film, always worth.

[mikescarhole]

That car is freaking sweet! I need to get one some day. Great video

[alanwood]

Great story, cool car with a nice chop. Get a kick out of the old Keystones!

[billyray]

Very cool car with a great history, I can`t wait to see the update.

[donsmith]

Wow what a trip, i was stationed @ Eglin AFB from 1974-1977, used to drive through Niceville a couple times a week.

[ForsakenSteel]

What an amazing car and story. Can't wait to see it again.