This 1935 Ford Sedan Deluxe is a true barn find that will run and drive (not worthy of the road yet, but it’s a start). It’s listed for sale here on eBay, where the buy-it-now price is $6,950 although bidding is also taking place. We don’t know exactly where it was found, but the Ford is now in Big Lake, Minnesota.
The Ford “Model 48” was introduced in 1935 as a follow-on to it’s successful predecessor. It marked the end of the smaller Ford engines as it was only available with the famous flathead V-8. This particular car was the “Sedan” model, as “Touring Sedans” had a small trunk in the rear. If you look closely, the bodyshell seems largely intact, if dented and torn in a few places. It looks like a nice opportunity for a home enthusiast to learn what the British called “metal bumping.” We’re told the car’s floor and frame are in good condition. The seller describes the tires as having the Ford script; somehow I doubt that they are the originals!
I read that cars of this era didn’t have full metal roofs because that would have required a more capable steel stamping press than was readily available. Unless you are a perfectionist, this fabric roof can probably be used as-is, perhaps with a little work around the edges. Of course, if you prefer the patina look, you can always just leave it alone (along with the weathered paint). Thanks to reader T. J. for sending in this real barn find!
That’s quite a gear lever! The interior also includes a new reproduction fuel tank waiting to be installed. The expenses here will depend on how original and perfect you want the car to be. Used trim can be found, especially non-perfect stuff, and the glass that needs to be replaced is flat. I don’t think this would be the car to restore to perfection, anyway; perhaps just make it nice enough for weekends?
The V-8 may have been converted to a 12-volt starter, as that appears to be a modern battery. On the other hand, everything else under there besides the coil appears to be original. Since the car comes with a clear title and has working brakes (12-inch drums all around), perhaps it makes sense to get it roadworthy first before making any rash decisions about restoration! What path do you think you would follow with this barn find driver?
Well worth a complete restoration, wire wheels and all. The ’32s through ’34s were art on wheels but Ford really ramped that up with the late ’30s cars. The one car that Harrah had in his Reno museum in the ’70s that really blew us away was the ’36 Phaeton, dark blue and beautiful. Come to think of it, that dark blue would be killer on this car.
Just wanted to make a comment on the 35 Ford, it has a later V8 engine in it as originals, had water hoses from radiator to center of heads, both sides. I used to race the early fords in the sixties. Albuquerque, NM, Speedway Park. I used a 1936 coupe and a 48 sedan. I had a 51yr engine in it, down the straight-away 7200 rpms, did a lot of work on engine. Top horsepower from factory, was 3500 rpm. It was pretty fast. Enough, good old mummeries. Have a 37 4dr slant back for sale, 661-944-1163, any time, as I’m retired now.
Lawrence Spillman
80 yrs young
Live So Cal, Palmdale, Lancaster, area.
Sorry you are wrong . 21 stud , water pump in head , is correct .
What a fun toy
sorry thats the the orig. 21 stud eng. john lyon
Having just commented on the 35 otherFord on B/F.,I have a small comment on this car. It is a slant back and not a DeLuxe the hump back / trunk, was the DeLuxe. Henry always messed around with the Standard and DeLuxe Models starting in 1932. In reality it was a marketing tool more than a significant difference in the cars. It was all marketing and getting more money.
The General offered all steel tops beginning in 1935 albiet still held onto wooden biody framing until ’37. Quite a sales point and Ford featured it in ’37 or faced major sales losses. Packard still had canvas as late as ’37, and their salesmen must have had some ‘splaining’ to do. I have a ’53 Ford Prefect (English model E493A) and yep! still a cloth top, mechanical brakes and thermosyphon cooling (pump optional). It was probably the cheapest ‘real’ car you could buy in Britain
Hey Jamie, A 6 volt starter works fine with a 12 volt battery. It’s been done a bazillion times, esp. back in the day. :-) Terry J
Thanks, Terry, didn’t know that!
Hey, Is that a Morgan? I have a pal who is in a Mog club in Portland (Ore). :-) TJ
hasn’t this car been on here now twice?