Vehicle Description
1933 Ford 40 Series Cabriolet
When the Model 40 and the new B were introduced February 9, 1933,
revisions of the car were substantial, especially considering how
important the 1932 change had been. The grille was revised, gaining
a pointed forward slope at the bottom which resembled either a
spade, a Medieval shield, or possibly the 1932 Packard Light Eight
in general outline anyway. Both the grille and hood louvers curved
down and forward. The overall design and grille were inspired by
the English Ford Model Y.
For consignment, a 1933 Ford 40 Series cabriolet, street rodded and
now harboring a big V8 and a leather interior. 304,948 Ford 40
Series were built in 1933 with only 7,852 of them being cabriolet
roadsters.
Note: This vehicle is sold with a Pennsylvania reconstructed
branding on the title
Exterior
They say shoes make the man, well wheels make the car. If this were
1933, the Ford 40 would have a taller stance with slim tires and
still be considered sporty. Our car wears 14 and 15-inch Halibrand
wheels with considerably fatter tires, a lower stance, and a raked
attitude that implies forward momentum, even when standing still.
The front fenders, House of Kolor Red like the rest of the car,
meet on the pointed front fascia like a snow plow topped by that
forward sloping grille that gapes like a largemouth bass between a
pair of proverbial spotlights that are commercial headlights. The
louvers of the engine covers curve like gills and get progressively
larger the further back they go, following the lines of the front
fender which connects with the running board only to rise again on
the wide, rear fender. Out back, the rounded deck lid gleams like a
giant tomato as two small taillights ride low on the fenders and
fluted exhaust tips emerge from underneath. The paint, metalwork,
and tan canvas top are in great condition. We note imperfections
that include some paint runs, and assorted scratches, cracks, and
chips, but not many.
Interior
The door open suicide style and reveal beige leather door panels
with pleats and a carpeted lower. Materials, color and pattern
repeat on the bench seat that shows some compression but is
otherwise fine condition. The leather wrapped Lecarra wheel shows
some patina and is mounted on a red column leading to a red painted
dash which houses a variety of black faced, silver rimmed gauges
from Classic Industries. There are also tiny indicator lights,
billet knobs, toggle switches, and an AM/FM/CD radio. The shifter
is floor mounted and hugs close to the seat bottom. Tan carpet with
beige trim coordinates nicely with the interior palette while
inside of the soft top shows some loose threads and patina but no
rips or tears. The trunk is carpeted and finished but shows some
usage.
Drivetrain
Behind the engine covers, a clean, driver quality engine that our
consignor states is a 454ciV8 bored over to 461 cubic inches with a
mild Comp cam and 10:1 compression. It is fueled by a Holley
4-barrel carburetor and moved to action by a 700R4 4-speed
automatic transmission sending power back to a Ford 9" rear with
consignor-stated "highway gears". Disc brakes are up front and
drums provided in back. Headers begin the exhaust system.
Undercarriage
The bright red rear axle hits us like a ton of bricks and no, we
didn't bump our head. We just didn't expect the color, but it looks
great, despite some residual oil on the pumpkin. Meanwhile, the 2.5
inch dual exhaust encounters a pair of FlowMaster mufflers before
the tailpipes are sent on their way to reach the chrome horns at
the end. No surface rust underneath, but definite signs of being
driven with some road dirt and a bit of grime. Suspension consists
of a 4- bar and transverse leaf springs in front with ladder bars
and coilovers out back.
Drive-Ability
This comfortable little cabin provides a cozy spot for two and off
we go onto the loop where there's obvious power underfoot, great
sound, and good tracking and handling. With a narrow windshield,
big C-pillar of the soft top, and a gun port sized rear window,
visibility is something street rodders just get used to. With the
top down, the sky is literally the limit. What doesn't work, you
may ask? Well, the radio goes on but doesn't make any sound. How's
your singing voice? Meanwhile, everything else works as intended.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This is a sweet little rod that is going to make the next owner
very happy. It essentially needs nothing and is ready for a good
time for show and go. When you see these on the street, everyone's
head turns, and we mean everyone! And you simply can't go wrong
with red. This tomato is ripe and ready for the pickin'. Step into
our garden!
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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