Vehicle Description
Despite Chevrolet taking over the number-one sales position while
Ford retooled at the end of Model T production, the new Model A
returned Ford to the top spot - if only temporarily. Since the days
of the Tin Lizzie, the climate of the automobile market changed
dramatically, and Ford had to remain fluid to keep up with rapidly
changing trends. Compared to the Model T, the Model A's tenure was
relatively short, but the car had been an undoubted success. For
1932, Ford again aimed to recapture the top of the sales charts
with America's first low-cost V8 passenger car. While it ultimately
failed to knock Chevy off the top spot, became a legend in its own
right, bringing eight-cylinder power to the people and spawning
American hot-rod culture. The V8 was the cornerstone of the lineup
throughout the 1930s and beyond. The styling evolved quickly, with
changes made on an annual basis to keep the car fresh and
competitive. For the 1935 model year, the Ford V8 got a heavily
revised chassis for greater refinement, along with new styling. The
following year, Holden "Bob" Koto for Briggs Manufacturing Company
tweaked the design to keep it fresh for buyers. The beautiful car
had fully skirted fenders, with a new, simplified radiator and hood
treatment that gave the car a graceful, elegant appearance with the
impression of speed even while parked. Further enhancing the modern
look were new stamped artillery wheels, which replaced wire wheels
once and for all. Ford continued to offer a wide range of open body
styles while its competitors trended toward coupes and sedans.
While Chevrolet and Plymouth barely built 8,000 convertibles
combined, Ford's tally approached 20,000. The efforts were not
enough to retake the top sales spot from Chevrolet, but the little
Ford V8 has gone on to become the preferred choice for collectors,
restorers, and hobbyists and is a milestone car in the history of
the Ford Motor Company. This 1936 Ford V8 is a marvelous example of
the rare and desirable Deluxe Cabriolet. Finished in Cordoba Tan
with a Poppy Red pinstripe and tan interior, this car is one of the
special so-called "Easter Edition" models which Henry would roll
out on an annual basis, featuring unique colors and equipment.
Finished in colors from the Lincoln catalog, and equipped with a
Greyhound mascot, polished wheel spokes, and additional interior
d�cor, it is comparable to the later "Super Deluxe" models, to use
Ford's parlance. This example has enjoyed many years of care and
attention in the hands of enthusiastic collectors. The earliest
history is not known, however this car was discovered in the late
1970s near Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. Owned by an elderly woman,
it was found in remarkably original condition. Two brothers from
the area were able to purchase the Ford from her, and thankfully
they chose to return it to factory-fresh standards. The brothers
embarked on an extensive restoration, resulting in an AACA National
First Prize in 1981. Since then, the Ford Cabriolet has enjoyed a
charmed existence, enjoyed regularly and maintained in excellent
condition with a light and appealing patina. The Cordoba tan
paintwork is in very good condition with a consistent and glossy
finish showing only a few minor imperfections consistent with age
on close inspection. The body is excellent, with all original steel
panels and factory correct detailing. It retains its original trim
and Deluxe-specific accessories, including dual tail lights, a
rear-mounted spare with painted metal cover, chrome trim around the
windscreen and grille, and dual fog lamps. It rides on the correct
polished wheels, fitted with Firestone wide whitewall tires and
original hub caps. The plating and brightwork all presents in
excellent order, with straight bumpers and trim. Beautiful tan
leather is used on the seats and door panels of the two-passenger
cockpit, with matching leather on the rumble seat. The upholstery
is in excellent condition, remaining incredibly supple considering
the time since the restoration. It is pleasingly broken-in and
well-suited to casual driving and club tours. A highly-optioned
car, it includes a banjo steering wheel, woodgrained dash, and door
caps, and even a factory radio. The convertible top (with roll-up
side windows for superior weather protection) is trimmed in tan
canvas, with a matching boot. Power comes via the standard 85
horsepower V8 with a single downdraft carburetor. Ford's Flathead
is one of the most significant engines of all time and has long
been revered for its power, economy, and surprising refinement,
particularly at such a low price point. This car lives up to that
legend with crisp and smooth running and is an absolute joy to
drive. At idle it is remarkably quiet, with just a hint of the
signature V8 Ford burble. Performance is snappy thanks to the
generous power output, lightweight body, and easy-shifting 3-speed
manual transmission. This car has the bonus of a Columbia 2-speed
rear axle to improve cruising ability even further. Underhood
detailing is executed to a high standard, with correct paint
finishes on the engine and accessories, and proper fittings and
hardware, all appearing clean and with minimal signs of use. With
its factory V8 power and handsome styling, it is no wonder the 1936
Ford has long been a favorite car among hot rodders and
customizers. Given that Ford built just 4,616 Deluxe Cabriolets in
1936, and so few of those have survived unscathed, it is extremely
rare to find correctly restored, original cars such as this one. We
love the charming and friendly nature of these early V8 Fords, and
this car's impressive presentation and broken-in charm will no
doubt bring many years of motoring enjoyment to its next keeper.