Vehicle Description
1936 Ford Model 68 5 Window Coupe
At about $550 when new, ($16,000 in today's money), the Model 68
was an affordable and practical car and as a result, quite popular.
It came in a number of body styles including 3 window coupe,
roadster, tudor sedan, fordor sedan, phaeton, and this 5 window.
And that's just the Deluxe versions, there were also Standard
models! You might think we have too many choices in cars today, but
in '36, Americans had a substantial selection of Fords and other
cars.
For consignment, a stunningly restored '36 5 window that has many
new parts and thanks to a 5-speed transmission, can cruise up to 80
mph according to the consignor. That's two more gears than would
have been available back in the day and certainly desirable when
driving the car to shows over some distances, and this is one
you're definitely going to want to show! Many of the 68's have been
hot rodded so it's nice to see one restored to a more original
configuration.
Exterior
Right away, we're wowed by the choice of Desert Tan paint on this
car, it has a way of making everything that's not tan really pop.
The bed rail bumper extensions are one of the first things you
notice on the car. The profile of the car, like so many of the era,
is forward leaning as if in motion. The vertical ribbed grille
blends seamlessly into the V8 hood ornament which flows from a
polished metal center line on the hood. The broad rounded front
fenders cradle the enclosed headlights that are painted body color.
Side vents are miraculous by today's standards and likely expel a
good amount of engine heat. The beautiful rounded windshield,
framed in polished metal, is mirrored in shape by the smaller back
window. The bulbous back of the car hides a rumble seat which
seemed more like a necessity than the novel feature they are today.
The 16-inch wheels are layered in chrome and red paint, a
spectacular offset to the tan paint. The white wall tires frame the
wheels and add even more drama. We notice a single flaw, a T-shaped
thin crack in the paint over one of the wheels.
Interior
The restored interior starts with tan felt like material on the
door cards with upholstery matching armrests and bottom panel. The
windows are lined in a glossy wood painted steel. The bench seat is
beautifully covered in brown, stitched to perfection, and the color
carries to the rear shelf. The rumble seat is covered in smooth
vinyl of the same color and looks new. The brown banjo steering
wheel is in outstanding condition and your eyes are immediately
drawn to the faux wood painted dash. The nickel rimmed, cream
colored gauges are fitting, and the center mounted radio is a
circular oddity this writer has never seen before. The wood painted
steel continues to the passenger side dash as it curves sumptuously
forward. Looking towards the floor, only the shifter and parking
brake occupy the center, leaving the wonderful camel carpet
exposed. Brown sun visors contrast the stitched, camel headliner
which is in just about mint condition.
Drivetrain
The correct 221ci flathead is hereand is good for 85 horsepower and
has been overhauled and bored. It's fed by a single 2-barrel
carburetor and tied to a Tremec T5 5-speed manual transmission.
Peering at the engine bay, we find a clean environment. A chrome
air intake tube and red-painted fan contrast with the drab green
heads. Mechanical drum brakes supply the car with slowing and
stopping capabilities. Our consignor states that the brakes and
wheel cylinders have been replaced.
Undercarriage
At Classic Auto Mall we assert that there's no such thing as the
perfect car. The top side of this car comes very close, but the
underside would be rated more as driver quality. Surface rust is
prevalent but not damaging and oil can be seen on different parts
on the underside. Most however is relatively clean and dry, and is
an area that would benefit from some cosmetic restoration. Newer
twin exhaust from headers run straight back, unobstructed by
mufflers, and exits via straight chrome tips under the back bumper.
Transverse leaf springs are used in the front and rear to soften
what remained of dirt roads and cobblestone in 1936. According to
our consignor, the shocks are new.
Drive-Ability
The mass produced cars of the 30's tended to be on the louder side
and with no mufflers and this rings true as the flathead growls to
life. That is, after going through the checklist of starting
procedures on a 1936 Ford. Let's just say, we've come a long way in
88 years. The 16-inch tires provide flat footed stability going
straight and the big wheels have a good turning radius as well. We
didn't make it to fifth gear in our limited run but it's reassuring
knowing you have that extra punch as needed.
If a 5 window Model 68 has been on your wish list, here's one
certainly worthy of consideration. It's a wonderful car that has
great color, a welcoming interior, and many new parts for your
worry free enjoyment. It's not chopped, it's not shaved, and it's
not dropped. It's just as Henry Ford intended, only maybe a little
bit better than new!
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
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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