Vehicle Description
1935 Ford Model 48 3 Window Deluxe Coupe
The Model 48 was an update on Ford's V8 powered Model 40A, the
company's main product. In 1935, Ford's combination of price,
practicality, and looks vaulted the company ahead of rival
Chevrolet for the sales crown that year, with 820,000 total cars
sold. The high end 3 window coupe was produced in relatively
limited numbers, about 31,513 while the 5 window coupes sold
110,000.
For consignment, a 1935 Ford Model 48 3 window deluxe coupe with a
title verified 11,265 actual miles. This is an investment grade
example that shows beautifully and harkens back to a day when
luxury became a staple in manufacturing production lines.
Exterior
Bathed in Cordoba Gray, a classic Ford color of the era with brown
undertones, it's an especially lovely color for the car and
certainly a welcome departure from black. It's a wonderful contrast
with the red 16-inch wire wheels and is accentuated by a thin red
pinstripe on the shoulder line. Vertical blades of the tall grille
are painted body color and contrasted by the chrome horizontal
grates. Yellow fog lamps in chrome barrels fall below symmetrical
horns and large headlights mounted on curvaceous front fenders. The
greyhound hood ornament represents speed and leaps outstretched
over the Ford V8 emblem. Side vents on the engine covers, running
boards covered in black rubber, and the forward leaning tire case
in the back combined with a rounded cab create an iconic profile.
This really is a pure 1930's car in fantastic condition on the
outside. A few minor scratches, cracking, some bubbles, and paint
drips detract only slightly from its quality, but overall this car
shows very well.
Interior
Soft tan door panels and their delicate appearing hardware are in
excellent shape. The mohair bench seat is embellished with a series
of stitches that travel from the top and along the seat bottom,
with piping on the outer shell like an art deco sofa. For the back
seat, you'll have to step outside and open the rumble seat in
smooth brown vinyl and a carpeted footwell. The dark grey banjo
steering wheel has subtle red accents and matches the paint on the
dashboard. There we find simple vintage gauges with a couple of
modern ones attached below the dash. In the center is a large AM
radio tuner dial flanked by a series of ivory knobs. A thin shifter
curves its way up from the floor topped with an ivory handle. On
the floor, we find a rubber mat cut to fit the car, and some Ford
branded carpeted mats for extra protection. The soft headliner and
visors are in beautiful condition and a modern speaker occupies the
overhead console.
Drivetrain
Looking pristine behind the engine covers, a 239ci flathead V8 in
dark green and with 24 stud heads is right at home and fed by a
2-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed manual transmission sets the car in
motion and power is routed to the rear axle and 3.78 gears. Drum
brakes live in front and back.
Undercarriage
Happy to report a clean and dry car underneath. The X-frame and
rails are black and devoid of surface rust and we note no
accumulations of fluid anywhere. The dual exhaust is heat wrapped
before encountering two stock style mufflers then exiting with the
help of chrome ornamental exhaust deflectors. Transverse leaf
spring with wishbone suspension is employed by the front and a
transverse leaf spring is in the back.
Drive-Ability
The old flathead fires right up after the usual prep, and into
first gear we go. Our relatively flat test loop is probably better
than the roads this car encountered in its younger days and as a
result, the ride is smooth with just a hint of bounce. We have 100
horsepower at our disposal and that's more than enough to propel
this car at a good clip as we engage the mechanical drum brakes to
slow the 7-inch tires down. All the bells, whistles, and lights
work. The only thing that didn't is the radio which has power, but
does not make sound.
You can wave from the cozy cab of this car as it makes its way down
the parade route into the show. This is a fine example of a
mid-30's Ford and a 3-window coupe to boot! If you have a gap in
your collection and have been looking for this model, take a
serious look at this well maintained car.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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