A Photo-Heavy Look at Hydro-Phobia

Phobia – perhaps the only suffix in the English language instantly capable of casting a definitive shadow of fear. Ranging from the deep disdain for spiders commonly known as  arachnophobia to trepidation for the number 13, triskaidekaphobia, phobias come in all shapes and sizes. But for Lou Lang, his took the form of a 1932 Chevrolet sedan.

Hydro-Phobia 

Lang, the president of Quakertown Glass Co., bought the sedan from his brother in the early ‘60s and converted it into Hydro-Phobia. Up front, the cumbersome parallel leaf springs and heavy beam axle were replaced with a transversely mounted C.A.E chrome tube. A bored 1961 Pontiac mill was dropped between the rails and adorned with an abundance of  trick componentry for the day – a C-T crank, Crower camshaft, Mickey Thompson pistons, Vertex magneto and Hilborn injectors. Ironically, the Pontiac motor was bolted to a B & M Hydro. At 9.05 pounds/ci., the wheelstanding sedan quickly jumped into the B/Gas ranks of the Northeast and graced the pages of Hot Rod in March 1964.

Although standard practice at that time, the Eric Rickman photography on the two-page spread was shot in black and white. Yes, this may have highlighted the prominent features of the sedan, but it failed to capture its overall essence. So here I present to you Lou Lang’s Hydro-Phobia in all of its Orient Red and black lacquer glory.

Notice the shift from Pontiac motor to ubiquitous Chevy smallblock.

Black Satin 

After a few seasons, the rabid sedan evolved into Black Satin. With orange Plexiglas windows, mile-deep black lacquer and highly polished wheels on all four corners, the D/Gasser inherited an almost evil personality.

A Holistic View 

Now that you’ve seen both versions, you’ll grasp why Lang’s 1932 Chevrolet sedan speaks to me on the rawest level. The polished flat spoke-Americans, cleated Firestones with small-window Halibrand mags, tuck and roll, injected Poncho, cast aluminum scoop and breathtaking fit and finish simply drive home my point. Hydro-Phobia has worked its way right into my favorite cars of all time, so maybe I’ll be starting a build thread of a tribute  in the near (sic) future. Anyone have an extra 1932 Chevrolet sedan lying around?

-Joey Ukrop

Note: I’ve collected these photos from around the H.A.M.B. If you see any that belong to you, you’ll be credited as such. Thanks.