Vehicle Description
Cool resto-mod that keeps the early V8 feel but provides modern
Chevy V8 power. Beautiful new Lebaron-Bonney interior. Runs great,
looks awesome, drive anywhere! Yes, there's a Chevy V8 under the
pointed hood of this Ford, but that's kind of beside the point.
Look at the graceful bodywork, a design that was as cutting-edge as
any other mainstream vehicle this side of the Chrysler Airflow.
It's worth noting that for the most part, this '37 is pretty stock
on the outside, with only a few subtle tweaks to give it a
freshened look that doesn't eliminate any of the original design's
most noteworthy features. The bodywork is very well done and while
it was finished perhaps 20 years ago, it's holding up remarkably
well thanks to great care over the intervening years. A few nicks
and scratches are proof that this Ford was built for the road, but
since it comes with a custom front-end bra for protection, it's in
remarkably good shape. All four doors open and close with a very
precise-sounding KER-CHUNK and you can see in the photos just how
well everything lines up-someone took their time getting this
affordable Ford in top shape. Inside, there's a brand new
Lebaron-Bonney interior that replicates the original tan broadcloth
almost exactly. Patterns and materials are what Ford was using in
1937 and aside from a few gauges in the dash, you'd never know that
this was a modified car. Beautiful door panels incorporate the
original chrome door hardware and the garnish moldings were painted
to match the bodywork, a contrast that works quite well. The seats
are plush yet firm, thanks to new stuffing under the fresh
upholstery, and there are custom tan carpets on the floor that help
control noise and heat. The three-spoke steering wheel is original,
as are the two large gauge pods ahead of the driver. The
speedometer and most of the original gauges are fully operational,
although a pair of modern dials for water temperature and oil
pressure were added, just in case. There's also an AM/FM/cassette
stereo neatly tucked under the dash, discreetly enough that you may
not notice it until you take a closer look. The trunk is
surprisingly large and includes a full-sized spare tire plus a tool
set tucked into one of the tool trays at the very rear. You'll note
there's zero rust in there, which is common on these cars,
suggesting that this green sedan comes from good base stock. The
engine is a mild 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 topped by a 2-barrel
carburetor and designed to be smooth, reliable, and effortless.
It's a neat fit in the Ford's engine bay and surprisingly, it
really doesn't change the car's character very much. There's a
pleasant V8 burble but it doesn't sound like a hot rod, and with
about three times the horsepower and torque of the original engine,
it moves the sleek sedan with genuine vigor. Again, it's not a hot
rod, just a bit more capable. A few chrome pieces dress up the
engine bay and the wiring was completely new when the car was
built, so it's ready for a long-distance cruise. There's also a big
radiator, a modern alternator, and cast iron exhaust manifolds to
control heat and noise. Keeping with the intent, the transmission
is a Saginaw 3-speed manual, and the shift feel is very much like
the original Ford unit. Obviously, the transmission upgrade
precludes the use of the Ford torque tube drivetrain, so there's a
conventional driveshaft and a 10-bolt GM rear end with
highway-friendly 3.55 gears inside, all hanging on a pair of leaf
springs. Up front the stock suspension remains, including the
transverse leaf spring, although the axle is a dropped unit that
gives the car a bit of a rake, the only external clue that this
isn't a stock Ford. Brakes are manual drums, the steering is light,
and, well, it just feels like a V8 Ford is supposed to feel. You'll
note the floors are in excellent shape with no signs that this was
ever a rusty car and everything has been painted to match the
bodywork for a nicely finished look. Simple 15-inch steel wheels
with hubcaps and trim rings are another OEM look and we love the
staggered blackwall radials that tuck in neatly and ride very well.
This is an easy car to love. It's reliable, smooth, and fun to
drive, plus the great look will always garner a lot of attention.
For those of you with a family, a 4-door hobby car is a slam dunk,
and we can promise you just won't find another one this pretty for
less money anywhere. Ready to go, that's this awesome little Ford's
motto. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes
personal or professional inspections on any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
