- Recently completed restoration; not shown since
- Southern state example; retains its original steel
- Trimmed with LeBaron Bonney interior
Ford introduced its first V-8 on 31 March 1932. While V-8s were
nothing new, never before had one been offered in a low-price,
mass-produced car. It was aimed squarely at rival Chevrolet and a
bit of one-upmanship to the brand which offered a mere six-cylinder
engine. A small group of Ford engineers was responsible for the
design, which featured a simple monobloc V-8 that produced an
advertised 65 hp at 3,400 rpm from 221 cubic inches. Featuring
aluminum pistons and a single-barrel Stromberg carburetor, the
block was cast as a single unit�key to keeping the cost
competitive, just $50 more than a four-cylinder Ford.
Henry Ford's son Edsel was responsible for the new car's good
looks, often being compared to its senior, the Lincoln, causing
sales of the new car to soar. The cast-iron V-8 (ultimately known
as the "Flathead") was a tremendous value for the money and
continued to power Fords for the next 21 years, as well as forming
the basis of hot rods for years to come.
Ford delivered 26,879 DeLuxe coupes such as this example, which was
purchased by the consigner for his late brother in 1982. With all
the parts in place, it was about 50 percent completed, yet never
finished while in the brother's possession. Within the last few
months, the consigner has completed the restoration. Finished in an
attractive combination of black exterior with yellow wheels and
beltline striping, the sporty little coupe also boasts a
reproduction LeBaron Bonney interior in period-correct colors.
A Southern car, it retains all its original steel; the consigner
describes it as an "honest car" that will serve its new owner well.
With just three miles since completion, he adds that some
additional sorting might be necessary. It has never been shown and
will provide its new owner the opportunity to do so.To view this
car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit
the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf19.