Joe B. Sheppard's 1932 Ford Roadster

This car started one incredible racing career. Pictured here is Joe B. Sheppard with his hopped-up 1932 Ford Roadster. Known for its Ardun conversion and two-speed Zephyr rear, this vehicle not only fueled his passion for racing but also marked the beginning of his journey as the 'Tampa Hot Shoe.' This image captures a young Sheppard, poised and ready, embodying the spirit of adventure that would define his legendary contributions to motorsport. Photo from The Sheppard/Shea Collection.

1932 Ford Roadster owned by Joe B. Sheppard of Tampa, Florida. A significant figure in the early days of American auto racing, Joe stands as a testament to the era's ingenuity and the spirit of customization.

Joe was deeply influenced by his family's automotive business, Sheppard's Imports. His passion for cars led him to modify the roadster, turning it into a vehicle capable of competing in races across the country. Stripped for fenders, Joe's roadster ran an Ardun Overhead Valve Conversion. Developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Ardun heads transformed the flathead Ford V8 engine into a more powerful overhead-valve engine. This conversion significantly increased the engine's efficiency and power output. The engine was hooked to a two-speed Zephyr rear end. This modification provided the car with a higher gear ratio, enhancing its top speed and performance on the race tracks. After high school, Sheppard and a close friend embarked on a memorable road trip to California and back in this car, marking the beginning of his racing and mechanical career.

The 1932 Ford Roadster was not only a personal car for Sheppard but also a stepping stone into the world of professional racing. It featured prominently in the early stages of his racing career, laying the foundation for his later successes with major automotive brands like Lotus and Porsche.