Vehicle Description
1936 Ford Model 68 Convertible Sedan
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, 5 window, and
convertible. Both DeLuxe and Standard models were offered and just
in case you think we have too many choices in cars today, in '36,
Americans had a substantial selection of Fords and other cars.
For consignment, a 1936 Ford Model 68 convertible sedan showing
79,503 non actual miles, adorned in a rare color produced only in
April of 1936 as part of the "Easter Colors" series, a special
palette developed to stimulate Spring sales. This car was restored
from the ground up, later becoming an AACA Grand National Senior
Award winner.
Exterior
This dark red exterior is Coach Maroon, one of the five Easter
Colors offered in spring 1936, and one of three that would be
exclusive to that period as the other two, Armory Green and Light
Fast Maroon, would continue on regular production cars that year.
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, becoming more prominent in '36 as the smaller front
fenders cradle the body colored bullet headlights. Side vents also
blend with the body, likely expelling a good amount of engine heat
and accented by a trio of barred trim. The rounded corners of the
windshield, framed in polished metal, is mirrored in shape by the
small back window embedded in the impeccable tan canvas top. The
flat back of the car holds a perfectly painted spare and the
16-inch wheels are artillery steel wheels, fairly new to the market
and taking the place of wire wheels, here colored keyed and wearing
wide white walls and correct hubcaps. Pinstripes were available in
specific colors matched with exterior paint and Bright Poppy Red is
the standard here. The metalwork, paint, and top are fantastic on
the car and we could not find any exterior imperfections.
Interior
A staff favorite, saddle vinyl cascades over the inner doors with
vertical stitch patterns and thin hardware in a nickel finish. This
material covers the front and rear benches with near perfection,
just a few patina wrinkles on the front, but otherwise near
flawless, and rear passengers have a rope handle and raised
footrest. A banjo steering wheel fronts a simple and clean
dashboard, matte brown in color, housing three wonderful gauges but
the most attractive dial just may be the clock that's embedded in
the glove box door. A brown knobbed shifter rises from the floor
which has the requisite rubber mat, contouring perfectly
throughout, and meeting saddle vinyl walls of the footwell.
Drivetrain
More show quality is found in the engine compartment where the
221ci flathead V8 perches as if on the showroom floor in 1936.
Fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor, the engine is rated at 85
horsepower and driven with a 3-speed manual transmission routing
power to the rear axle and 4.11 gears. Mechanical drum brakes equip
this car in both front and rear.
Undercarriage
Spotless and uniformly black, this belly presents very nicely with
only the green transmission veering from the black monochromatic
coverage. The single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler
before exiting out back. Transverse leaf springs, front and rear,
were the standard and are present here.
Drive-Ability
Let's see if functionality matches aesthetics on this fully
restored car and after a quick start, we roll this beauty onto the
test loop where all systems and the limited features afforded
owners in 1936, operate as they should. Eighty five horsepower is
plenty for a leisurely drive around the loop, but all good things
must come to an end, as they say, and we fly the flathead back to
the stable. 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 car truly transports you to 1936 and seems mighty fancy for a
car that was just one of thousands like it on the road. It will
probably transport you to the podium to receive your trophy, and
maybe even a blue ribbon at more cultivated events. A one month
only color on a museum quality example of a '36 convertible, a
worthy combination for the discerning buyer. This desirable 1936
Model 68 is under our roof, but probably not long enough to collect
dust.
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
