The Case:
A man in Benicia, CA owns a 1932 Ford roadster that, upon purchase, had an engine too powerful for normal driving. Our contributor suspects his car was used for dry-lake racing, a sport that had its heyday in Southern California in the 1930’s, and 1940s.
In 1932, although America was in the midst of the Depression, Henry Ford forged ahead, designing a new model ’32 car with the first powerful V8 engine affordable to the masses. Was our contributor’s car among the popular hot rods raced out at the dry lakes?
History Detectives high-tails it to California to investigate one of the most iconic hot rods of all time.
Related Content
Feature:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
U.S.S Indianapolis
Are these WWII souvenirs remnants from one of Japan’s famous kamikaze attacks?
-
Also in Season 5
Women's Suffrage Painting
What role did this watercolor painting play in securing women the right to vote?
-
Related Investigation
Who Killed Jimmy Hoffa?
Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa disappeared without a trace in 1975. Was he murdered? If so, who killed him and why?
-
Related Investigation
Bob Dylan Guitar
Is this the guitar Bob Dylan played at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Transistor Radio
Is this the oldest transistor radio in existence?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Army Muster Roll
What can a Continental Army muster roll tell us about this remarkable African-American soldier?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.