The Yellow Deuce 32 Coupe
When you picture a hot rod, chances are it’s a ’32 Ford. And for good reason — the Deuce Coupe is the blueprint for hot rodding. Light, low, mean, and made to run. It’s the icon that started it all, and it still turns heads nearly 100 years later.
For Monty Booth, this build wasn’t just about nostalgia — it was about making a statement. Something bold. Something world-class. Something yellow.
Owner: Monty Booth
Photos: by Jan van Der Walt
Built to Stand Out
The inspiration? Boyd Coddington — the man who changed the game in the late ’80s and ’90s with clean, high-end rods that ditched chrome and clutter for sculpted lines, tucked trim, and factory-smooth finishes. Boyd’s builds caused a stir — some loved them, some hated them — but no one could ignore them. And that’s exactly the vibe Monty chased with this car.
“I’ve always loved the Boydster III,” Monty says. “That long, low, sleek look… there’s just nothing like it.”
In South Africa, finding a genuine ’32 steel body is near impossible, and the usual fibreglass options didn’t cut it. But fate stepped in — a fellow rodder had imported a Southern Rods kit from overseas, complete with the right chop, the subtle door tweaks, and that perfect silhouette. When the project stalled, Monty swooped in.
Yes, It’s Yellow — Really Yellow
“I asked my wife what colour she thought I should paint it. She said, ‘Anything but yellow.’ So of course… it had to be yellow,” Monty laughs.
And not just any yellow. This coupe is yellow everywhere. Body, interior, underside — it’s like stepping into a high-gloss egg yolk. It’s bold, it’s loud, and it absolutely works. Sunglasses required.
AMBR Energy in SA
This wasn’t just a casual garage build. Monty built this car with the same level of precision and obsession you’d expect from an AMBR (America’s Most Beautiful Roadster) contender. Every panel, every bolt, every gap was planned and pre-fitted — sometimes five or six times.
“I wanted something that could park at any show — here or overseas — and represent South Africa proudly. We’ve got the talent, the tools, and the eye for detail to build cars that can compete globally. This coupe is proof.”
Real Craft, Real Passion
Special shoutout goes to Bern van Gass, who absolutely nailed the fabrication on the hood and custom louvred side panels — all hand-built from scratch. Monty also gives thanks to TNT, Clint & Wesley Mann, and Mike Miscia from Shield for their help along the way.
In photos, the car stuns. In person, it’s on another level.
This is more than a hot rod. It’s a yellow, high-gloss love letter to the roots of rodding — and a bold step into the modern world of what custom car culture can be.
