The beauty of Hot Rods is that they aren’t what could be termed “cookie-cutter classics.” That means that every car is unique, reflecting its creator’s tastes and desires. This 1935 Ford 3-Window Coupe perfectly reflects that, from its paint shade to its interior trim and mechanical specifications. The builder followed what appears to be a sensible path with the latter, helping ensure that the car is both reliable and low-maintenance. The Coupe has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Holland, Ohio. Twenty-four bids have pushed the price to $30,100, though it remains below the reserve.
If you’re going to create a Hot Rod, commencing that process from a sound base is a wise strategy. That was the seller’s approach, utilizing a Ford 3-Window Coupe body devoid of rust and patches. After ensuring the panels were straight, they applied the eye-catching Dark Green Metallic paint, giving the car a subtle, classy appearance. The dark paint shade allows the bright trim to really “pop,” and with the paint maintaining a deep shine and appearing free of major blemishes, the overall impression is positive. Interestingly, the builder decided to avoid the chrome or alloy wheels often used on these classics, opting for steelies with chrome trim rings and hubcaps to genuinely capture the old-school look. The tinted glass is crystal clear, and the running board rubber is excellent.
The seller followed a relatively conventional path with the Coupe’s interior, retaining a bench seat. The upholstered surfaces feature Gray leather, and apart from slight wear on the driver’s side, it presents exceptionally well. I would probably hand the car to a leather specialist fairly quickly to treat the visible wear before it deteriorates further. The dash houses a selection of retro-style gauges, the carpet looks pretty impressive, and the driver grips a sports tilt wheel. The interior features power windows, and I suspect the buyer may also receive air conditioning. Below the surface, the builder followed a wise, conventional path. They ditched the car’s original mechanical components, teaming a Chevrolet 350ci V8 with a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission. Power feeds to a Nova rear end, with the front equipped with a tubular Mustang setup. The small-block’s specifications are unclear, but it’s a safe bet that the driver will have more power and torque at their disposal today than when the Coupe was shiny and new. The sensible mechanical setup should be bulletproof, and maintenance should be a breeze. The seller confirms that the Coupe runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Some classics hit the market, barely creating a ripple and remaining largely ignored. That criticism can’t be leveled at this 1935 Ford 3-Window Coupe. It appears that many people are drawn to the idea of owning an old-school Hot Rod, as reflected in the Listing View and Watch List tallies of 296 and 71, respectively. The auction has approximately three days left, leaving scope for every relevant figure to climb before the hammer falls. If you’ve ever considered owning a Hot Rod, could this Ford be a contender?
Yes I have considered owning a hot rod My favorite would be a ’32 Vicky. I haven’t even seen one in a long time. I also love a ’40 Deluxe Coupe. Those are still out there. But a ’35 half FORD, half cheebie, nope, not for me. It sounds like the automatic transmission has a turbo in it. Is that like a torque converter? I’ll let someone else have this one.