Of course, every Rod has a build story, but to attain to greatness requires a bit more. In this instance, it is the names involved that will evoke that understanding, followed up by significant recognition within the hobby. The 1932 Ford Hi-Boy Spencer II Roadster took back-to-back class wins at the Grand National Roadster Show, scoring the 2007 and 2008 AMBR Outstanding Class Award as well as the 2008 AMBR Outstanding Engineering Award. In that same era, it was depicted in leading magazines and outlets and even at one time featured in the lobby of the Petersen Museum, reflecting its multifaceted effort to reach this level of automotive artwork. This car, inspired and started by Doane Spencer, was based on a legendary ’32 hi-boy project Spencer had purchased prior to World War II. Spencer’s efforts with that car made him both influential and recognized in the growing postwar Southern California Rodding scene. That car’s long history subsequently led to another famed builder, Pete Chapouris of Pete and Jake’s Hot Rod Parts and SoCal Speed Shop fame, helping to restore the original car in the mid-1990s prior to Spencer’s passing. Chapouris completed this task for his long-time friend in time for the car to win the Class R Historic Hot Rods honors at the 1997 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a posthumous recognition for Spencer, who had died in 1995. In the early 1990s, Spencer had begun construction on an updated version of his famed car—this car—for his friend Darrell Brunn. This example would follow directly in the first car’s footsteps while benefiting from the more than four decades of experience, innovation and design Spencer had amassed. He had designed and begun constructing this car when he passed. Brunn put it under wraps for 10 years, selling it to Kirk White. Once acquired by Florida collector Dennis Higginbotham, the Spencer II was delivered to Chapouris at SoCal Speed to ensure it would uphold Spencer’s legacy. This was no casual decision; Higginbotham’s personal investment in completing Spencer’s master work totaled a cool $1.3 million. Chapouris, ever thoughtful of the legacy of his late friend, spent countless hours poring over the unfinished details. The goal was to attain to what Spencer would have likely desired had he lived to complete this car—a process that eventually took a professional three-man team working full time for 15 months to bring to reality. The Spencer II began with an original all-steel body massaged with the touches for which Spencer was noted. Power comes courtesy of a modern dyno-tested Roush 289/405 HP engine, but in place of refinement, the stainless steel headers still bear welding seams. The car’s hand-forged steering links and independent front suspension are mounted out in front of the radiator, and custom scoops direct cool air to the rear hub bearings. These are among the race-oriented details of the car that helped make the original so formidable. Even the car’s rear axle housing and 4-speed manual transmission are one-off Doane Spencer creations. So, in place of spit and polish are unique performance features that truly honor the spirit of SoCal Rodding’s dry lakes and racing heritage. The metalwork itself is stellar, but the quality of materials and finish used to convey that classic sense also speak for themselves. Rich, tan-colored, aircraft-quality Ferrari leather was used inside, featuring flawless stitching. A four-spoke steering wheel rendered in aluminum with exotic Bubinga and Ebony woods steers it, while an engine-turned dash now hosts rare vintage Stewart Warner gauges, a type originally used in 1930s Brockway trucks. The selection of Halibrand- type wheels with knock-off centers and radial tires complete the updated look. With Rodding now firmly ensconced into collector car culture, the Spencer II offers a unique possibility at owning the inspired artwork of two great builders on a no-cost-spared platform. This is not a commonplace opportunity, and, based on its exclusive heritage, may not occur again in the foreseeable future.
