Vehicle Description
In a world overpopulated with the same hi-boy roadsters and
overbuilt streetrods, this beautiful, all-steel 1935 Ford Model 48
Phaeton definitely stands out. Not only does it dare to be
different, but it's expertly finished and ready to cruise with an
upgraded 350/TH350 drivetrain and luxurious interior. With a stock
Pre-War look on the outside, loads of power underneath, and plenty
of room for the entire family inside - not to mention a top that
goes down - this gorgeous Phaeton is an excellent choice for anyone
that craves attention.
As the '30s reached their midpoint, Ford came to realize that its
offerings were beginning to look a little dated, so they set about
creating more modern and stylish models in an effort to reassert
dominance in an increasingly competitive automotive market.
Featuring an opulent overall style and a thoroughly refreshed
appearance, this Phaeton was a proud member of that resulting class
whose resounding success translated into more than 800,000 units
sold in just its first year. This gorgeous all-steel example is
decked out in a great looking shade of deep Burgundy, and with its
low-slung body, shaved door handles, and full-size spare encased in
a matching case mounted in back, this '35 is simply an awesome
automobile. Examine its lengthy form up close and you won't find
any dings or dents, and although the paint job is certainly older,
it's been extremely well-cared for throughout the years since the
car's restoration. It obviously received a high-end paint, as it is
still very uniform and lustrous today, with a nice shine that look
fantastic in person. It may have a couple imperfections, minor
nicks, and light scratches, but we're talking about some very minor
blemishes that do nothing to take away from this Phaeton's immense
curb appeal. Its collection of chrome brightwork is in great shape
too - the waterfall front grille and trim on the hood is looking
particularly sharp - and even though some light patina can be seen
up close, it still looks incredibly bright up against the dark
finish. Chrome bumpers fore and aft connect the swooping fenders,
and the running boards are protected with black rubber step-strips
that are period-perfect and practical. Details like the rose-etched
side glass, the ornate side mirrors, and prominent fender-mounted
headlights are all special pieces that put the car over the top,
and it's obvious that everything was expertly put together. A
sheltered existence has definitely paid dividends as far as the tan
convertible top is concerned, and we'd surprised to hear if it's
ever seen bad weather.
Climb inside and you'll be surrounded by a sharp tan interior that
is so nice even experts will have trouble deciding if it's actually
upholstered in vinyl or leather. The expansive front bench seat
shows very little, if any, wear in the high-traffic areas, matching
the excellent condition of the flanking door panels and matching
rear bench. Plush carpets line the floors and help insulate the
cabin, and each door panel got a map pocket and bright billet
hardware that dresses them up beautifully. Matching burgundy paint
covers all the exposed steel inside, including the reworked dash
that now houses an array of centralized VDO gauges that closely
resemble antique pieces, yet provide the driver with modern
read-outs. A Budnik billet steering wheel wrapped in a tan leather
wheel anchors the cabin, and it was mounted atop a polished tilt
steering wheel that provides the driver with added room at the
helm. The tall, curvy shifter that manages the upgraded TH350
automatic transmission is a short reach away, and it matches the
look of the original-style gas pedal below, while bright red
seatbelts up fron add a little protection.
To make cruising easy and fun, a 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 was
tucked under the Ford's hood, with plenty of horsepower on tap and
at the ready. The engine bay got a great look, with a custom-fitted
firewall seeming to wrap around the engine and plenty of polished
and chromed bits like the bright valve covers and open-element air
cleaner. Everything blings under the hood, led by an Edelbrock
4-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock performance intake manifold, a
billet dual-master cylinder, and fresh-looking components
throughout, and although it's no longer all new and shiny, all
these pieces were certainly picked for their reliability. Proper
upgrades include a power rack-and-pinion steering and Mustang
II-style independent front suspension, sturdy coiled-springs with
upgraded shocks up front and in the rear, front disc brakes, and an
overall low body weight that make this Vicky quite the steady
handler on the road. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission
augmented with an auxiliary trans cooler is always on duty and
feeds a Ford 9-inch rear end filled with highway-ready gears,
making for a nearly bulletproof drivetrain. A throaty dual exhaust
system with glasspack-style muffler provides the perfect
soundtrack, rumbling through stainless steel pipes that exit just
beneath the rear bumper. Finishing off the stock-inspired look is a
set of painted steel wheels adorned with proper Ford chrome hubcaps
and beauty rings, wrapped in staggered 165/15 front and 215/70/15
rear whitewall radials with plenty of grip.
Fords aren't overly unusual hotrods, but you don't see many '35
Pheatons left out on the road, and certainly not many built to this
dialed-in level. No-compromises fun make this big droptop a hit
everywhere it goes. Call now!
