1936 Ford Cabriolet
Jim Lowrey-Built • Show-Quality Restomod • Ford V8 • 5-Speed Manual • Independent Suspension • 4-Wheel Disc Brakes • Air Conditioning • Full European Leather • Power Windows • Rumble Seat • Under 400 Miles Since Completion
This breathtaking 1936 Ford Cabriolet Model 68 is the product of an extraordinary, no-expense-spared build by renowned Jim Lowrey and Lowrey’s Auto Restoration, a nationally acclaimed restoration shop whose work has been exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and whose award-winning restorations have appeared at some of the country’s most prestigious concours and collector-car events. That pedigree is immediately evident here. Finished in a spectacular deep blue with hand-painted red pinstriping complementing its blood-red leather interior, virtually every visible surface reflects an exceptional level of craftsmanship. With fewer than 400 miles since completion, this Cabriolet combines the timeless elegance of a prewar Ford with modern performance, comfort and drivability.
The Ford V8 starts, runs and idles smoothly with abundant power, while the 5-speed manual transmission shifts effortlessly through the gears. Beneath the beautifully finished body is a sophisticated chassis featuring independent front and rear suspension, coilover shocks, rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes, along with Sanderson headers and a beautifully fabricated dual exhaust system. The workmanship underneath is every bit as impressive as what can be seen above, with carefully routed hard lines and wiring, beautifully finished suspension components and exceptional attention to even those details few people will ever see. The result is a 1936 Ford possessing the presence of a show car with the steering, braking, performance and road manners expected of a properly engineered modern automobile.
The deep blue paintwork is simply phenomenal, displaying extraordinary depth, clarity and gloss comparable to the finishes found on the finest hand-built European automobiles. Fine hand-painted red pinstriping provides a subtle connection to the blood-red interior while preserving the Cabriolet's wonderfully traditional appearance. The chrome and stainless trim, grille, bumpers, lamps, lenses, emblems and glass are all beautifully fitted and finished to an exceptional standard. Full fenders, running boards, wide whitewall tires, a beautifully fitted tan convertible top and restrained period-inspired detailing allow the car to retain the unmistakable elegance of a 1936 Ford rather than appearing overly modified. The closer one looks, the more impressive the quality becomes.
The blood-red interior is equally extraordinary, masterfully finished in exceptionally high-quality European leather extending far beyond the seating surfaces to the door and interior panels. The matching rumble seat is likewise completely trimmed in leather, while exceptionally high-grade carpeting and beautifully executed interior finishes reinforce the uncompromising nature of the build. The faux woodgrain surfaces have been masterfully painted and refinished, complemented by beautifully finished chrome hardware, classic instrumentation and an elegant period-inspired steering wheel. Modern conveniences are seamlessly integrated and include power windows cleverly operated through traditional-style handles, air conditioning and heat with ice-cold A/C, and a discreet single-DIN stereo system delivering excellent sound. From the leather and carpeting to the painted woodgrain, brightwork and switchgear, the materials, fit and finish are of a caliber seldom encountered even among high-end custom builds.
For some perspective on the caliber and value of a Lowrey-built automobile, RM Sotheby’s previously sold another Jim Lowrey-built 1936 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet for $118,250. That car shared a remarkably similar formula, including Ford V8 power, a 5-speed manual transmission, custom chassis, air conditioning, power accessories and red leather upholstery, with RM documenting its original build cost at more than $200,000. While no two custom automobiles or collector-car sales are directly comparable, the result provides a particularly relevant benchmark for the quality, engineering and considerable expense associated with a Lowrey-built 1936 Ford Cabriolet.
With fewer than 400 miles since completion, this magnificent 1936 Ford Cabriolet represents a rare opportunity to acquire a Jim Lowrey-built automobile exhibiting the craftsmanship for which his Pebble Beach-level and award-winning restoration work has become known. Its combination of breathtaking paint and leatherwork, traditional prewar Ford styling, Ford V8 power, a 5-speed manual transmission, sophisticated independent suspension, modern steering and braking, air conditioning and remarkable attention to detail makes this an automobile that can be appreciated as much from underneath as from behind the wheel. Reproducing a build of this quality today would require an extraordinary investment of both time and money.
Be sure to check out all 380+ photos and the video at www.leftcoastclassics.com.
Call or text Donn with questions, shipping, and financing options or for a link to the hi-resolution photos including restoration pictures at 707-332-8331.
