The 1932 Ford, or “Deuce” as it’s known to enthusiasts, isn’t just a car; it’s a cultural icon. This explains why the triennial “Deuce Days” event in Victoria, British Columbia, draws over 10,000 people from around the globe, and why the local tourism board now owns and actively promotes the spectacle. The event’s enduring appeal isn’t about nostalgia alone – it’s a testament to a vehicle that has consistently reinvented itself over nearly a century.
A History of Reinvention
The ’32 Ford wasn’t initially special. It was a practical, affordable car with a powerful V-8 engine that offered exceptional performance for its time. But the car’s simple, all-steel construction made it an ideal canvas for modification. Early hot-rodders quickly recognized this, stripping down the body, boosting the engine, and creating a new aesthetic that defined speed and rebellion.
As automotive trends shifted, the ’32 adapted. Whether it was the stripped-down aesthetic of the 1950s, wild paint jobs of the 1970s, or the modern builds incorporating electronic fuel injection and custom chassis, the ’32 never felt dated. Each generation found a new way to express itself through this classic platform. Veteran enthusiast Ed Gilbertson, a former Pebble Beach judge, put it plainly: “I dreamed of owning a ’32 as a kid.” He eventually did, decades later, proving the car’s lasting allure.
The Event That Keeps the Legend Alive
Deuce Days isn’t just a car show; it’s a pilgrimage. Attendees don’t simply see the cars, they experience them. The event begins the moment the ferry docks in Victoria, unloading a parade of meticulously crafted ’32s from Washington State and beyond. The atmosphere is immersive, with conversations revolving entirely around engine specs, build details, and shared history.
The event’s unique cadence – held only once every three years – adds to its mystique. It’s become a ritual, a moment where the community converges to celebrate a shared obsession. The event also draws in younger generations like Joey Hawley, who grew up around hot rods and now drives a modern, high-tech ’32 built by renowned customizer Roy Brizio. This generational continuity ensures the culture doesn’t fade.
Why It Matters
The enduring popularity of the ’32 Ford isn’t simply about the car itself. It’s about the community it fosters, the creativity it inspires, and the way it transcends mere transportation to become a symbol of personal expression. The Deuce embodies the spirit of hot-rodding: taking something familiar and making it entirely your own.
The 2025 Deuce Days featured 1,300 registered cars from seven countries, with over 500 of them being 1932 models. This demonstrates that the car’s appeal isn’t limited by geography or time. The ’32 Ford remains relevant because it continues to evolve, absorbing new technologies and aesthetics while retaining its iconic shape. The event confirms that the passion for this vehicle isn’t slowing down, and the next Deuce Days in 2028 is already on enthusiasts’ calendars.
