AMERICA'S ROADSTER; What comes after '32 roadster? Speed33, of course.(News)

Byline: BOB GRITZINGER

Mark Trostle revels in his hot-rodder roots, dating back at least as long as the 27 years he has owned a 1932 Ford roadster.

But like every hot rodder who has ever taken the truth serum, Trostle admits his own roadster lacks certain modern amenities that today's cruiser owners find hard to accept.

Amenities like side windows. Sound systems. Air conditioning. Power brakes and power steering. Seat space for the average American backside. You know, little things.

Trostle intends to correct those problems with the introduction of the Speed33, an updated steel-bodied version of the classic 1933 Ford roadster. Trostle, design chief for American Specialty Cars in Southgate, Michigan, has formed a separate company to design, build and market the Speed33. Called American Speed Co. (yes, another ASC), the new entity will contract with American Specialty Cars for production of Speed33 bodies.

American Specialty Cars has served a similar purpose the past three years, producing 300 steel-bodied Dearborn Deuce '32 Ford roadster replicas for Connecticut-based Hot Rods & Horsepower (Hot Rods & Horsepower is now using a new supplier for its Dearborn Deuce bodies). ASC will use much of the same expertise to produce the Speed33 for Trostle's new company.

Trostle says distancing himself and his company from ...