One of the most iconic designs to leave Ford, nearing the final year of the original 221ci V8, and arguably one of the most collectible amongst many Ford enthusiasts, the 1935 model year highlights many great improvements for Ford. The chassis retained the 112” wheelbase with mechanical brakes and transverse leaf suspension, the softer curvier body shape grew in length by seven inches and wider by 2 inches. The doors were now forward hinged departing from the suicide doors of the past. This .....
provided a distinctly new overall design in which buyers welcomed!
This beautifully kept 1935 Ford V8-48 Deluxe Convertible Sedan is finished in classic Black over Tan Naugahyde imitation leather interior and accented nicely with Tacoma Cream colored 32-spoke wire spoke wheels and body accent stripes! The folding convertible top is tan Stayfast canvass with matching boot cover. Power comes from its late-1936 221ci V8-48 Flathead engine featuring 21-stud cast iron heads & Stromberg 94 downdraft carburetor and 3-speed manual transmission. It produces a factory rated 90 horsepower and 144 ft. lbs. of torque! Options on this Deluxe model include rear mounted spare tire, outside rearview mirror, original AM radio head (no radio), dual chrome horns, heater (not presently functional), cowl ventilation, correct Kelsey Hayes wire wheels fitted with Firestone Deluxe Champion 6.00-16” wide whitewall tires, hubcaps, and trim rings, a clock on locking glove box door, carpeted interior, and locking gas cap. The only other notable upgrades include an oil pressure gauge under the dash, electric fuel pump, and oversized interior rearview mirror.
This car possesses an all-steel Ford body and fenders showcasing a restoration completed in 1998 by the former owner, Charlie Ray of Sunrise Beach, MO and owner for 24 years. It was located in a covered garage in 1997 in all-original condition then owned by Curtis “Bill” Dunning of Marble Hill, MO. Having been off the road for many years, it would require full mechanical reconditioning. Charlie would begin with new wiring harnesses and choose to seek a late 1936 221ci engine block for the benefit of insert bearing before rebuilding the entire engine. He would also contribute new exterior paint and new convertible top with boot cover in April of 1999, but left the factory cloth interior intact.
It would be driven only sparingly since his efforts to get it back on the road. In 2006, the suspension was freshened, new axle/shaft seals installed, axle bearings, new wheel bearings, and brake shoes were replaced and readjusted for confident stopping. It continues to start easily, runs very smooth, and drives with precise transmission shifts. The family would retain this Ford Model 48 Deluxe Convertible Sedan for 18 months after Charlie's passing in March 2020. It would finally trade hands but remained in the southwest part of Missouri with two other collectors from 2021 forward. The latter of which finally elected to reupholster the interior seating surfaces.
It presents a superb opportunity for a savvy investor to own a remarkably rare car with very drivable attributes! It would be Ford' rarest production vehicle of 1935 with just 3,441 examples ever produced! It will also come with ownership records dating back to 1980, convertible boot cover, photographs of when it pulled from the garage in 1997. It is ready to enjoy as-is or be a strong candidate for proper future restoration. Either way, one would be proud to show it locally! Please call with additional questions or to schedule an appointment to view in person.