“Misfit” – Sandy and Charlie Chadd’s 1932 Muroc Roadster
Muscle car enthusiasts have long been enamored with low-production vehicles – those rarities like COPO Camaros and Hemi ’Cudas. In the street rodding world, 1932 Muroc roadsters could be considered the equivalent, with just 20 examples ever being produced.
Built in the early-2000s, Muroc roadsters were a collaboration between Kugel Komponents and Marcel’s Custom Metal. The bare metal body-and-frame packages featured hand-formed stylized ’32 Ford-style steel roadster bodies built by Marcel’s paired with Kugel chassis featuring the company’s trick independent front and rear suspensions. Ten highboys and ten full-fendered examples were sold. Several finished cars have won top accolades like America’s Most Beautiful Roadster and Goodguys Street Rod d’Elegance.
Sandy and Charlie Chadd were able to buy this Muroc highboy six or seven years ago. They found it in Texas and spent a few years working on it themselves, getting it running and driving and in primer. Then they went looking for a shop to paint it and tend to the details that would make it a standout.
The shop they found was none other than Rad Rides by Troy, experts in taking things to the next level. With Adam Banks taking the lead, the team there not only painted the roadster, but refined things front to rear and incorporated details that give the finished car a cohesive, elegant appearance.
Many of the details are difficult to spot, but enhance the overall package, like reshaped suspension components and custom fasteners, or the one-off side mirrors mounted to the windshield frame. Careful attention was given to the finishes used throughout the car, like black chrome on the wheels and many trim pieces.
The LS6 engine was detailed with satin maroon paint, custom valve covers, and the intake top from a Rad Rides-built land speed car – it’s fed by dual inline two-barrel throttle bodies. A 4L60E transmission backs the engine.
The Muroc body was left pretty much as Marcel built it, with a few added details like hood vents and custom taillights. When bodywork was complete, Warren from Rad Rides sprayed the classy dark gray hue called Grigio, which comes from the Ferrari color book. The headlights are from Greening Auto.
Adam Banks really got to exercise his fabrication skills inside, where he built a custom surround and Corvette-style waterfall element between the Stryker bucket seats. He also built custom trim and a dash extension to house the stereo before stitching the maroon leather upholstery. The gauges are from Classic Instruments and steering wheel was custom made at Rad Rides.
Named “Misfit,” the roadster lives up to its moniker by being a true standout – in the best way possible.
Photos by John Jackson & Damon Lee
