- Seller: David B (Contact)
- Location: CosCob, Connecticut
- Mileage: 53,000 Shown
- Chassis #: NCS98098
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Ford 302 V8
- Transmission: Ford AOD
Hot Rods have a long history in the classic world, and building one typically lets the builder run their imagination wild. This 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe is one such vehicle, presenting superbly and offering a perfect combination of power and comfort. The buyer can slip behind the wheel of a turnkey classic that is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes. After five years of fun, the current owner feels it’s time for this beauty to find a new home, listing the Coupe with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $38,000.
I have seen some pretty outlandish Hot Rods over the years, but this ’34 Ford is a classy vehicle. Finished in Fly Yellow, it is impressively presented and suits enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver. The seller believes that the creator commenced the build utilizing a Gibbons fiberglass body. If you’re going to follow that path, using a body from the same person who produced the iconic ZZ Top Eliminator Coupe is a wise decision. Bolted to a custom square-tube frame, the Ford has survived well after twenty years of active service. The seller notes that the frame is rust-free and that, while the fiberglass developed a few age cracks, they have been repaired. The same is true of the paint, with any chips now a distant memory. Therefore, this beauty would turn as many heads today as it would have when it first rolled out of the workshop. One interesting feature is the hood side panels. They are present, but the owner has removed them to improve access to the engine bay. The buyer could reinstall them for a smoother look, but I would find it irresistible to show the world the beautiful V8. The chrome trim is subtle, maintaining an excellent shine and complementing the sparkling paint. The glass is clear, and the wheels fill the fenders perfectly.
Early Hot Rods represented an affordable way for builders to access high performance without spending a fortune. Luxurious interiors weren’t typically a consideration, but that philosophy changed as the genre evolved. This Coupe features Tan leather trim with custom stitching, Light Tan carpet, and plenty of creature comforts. These include air conditioning, power windows, and a timber tilt wheel. The seller indicates that a pair of Pyle speakers is hiding behind the seats. It appears that the builder never finished installing or wiring a stereo, so the buyer can choose something appropriate to occupy the empty hole in the dash. It is believed that the seats are from a late model Thunderbird, offering excellent support on long journeys. The interior has a true bespoke feel. The dash houses a brace of VDO gauges within a billet-aluminum fascia, with similar billet accents throughout the interior. The trunk is trimmed in matching leather and carpet that looks stunning. The overall appearance is excellent, with no wear or other cosmetic imperfections.
When the owner contemplated purchasing a Hot Rod, the focus was on finding a vehicle with as many Ford components as possible beneath the surface. This Coupe comfortably ticks that box. It derives its power from a 302ci V8, which sends its power to an 8.8″ limited-slip rear end from a Fox-Body via a four-speed AOD automatic transmission. The builder followed a tried-and-true path by fitting a Mustang II front end, which the owner later updated with coil-overs. The Ford features power front disc brakes, but the owner added an electric vacuum pump as the booster wasn’t providing sufficient vacuum at idle. The V8 inhales deeply via a chrome Edelbrock intake and carburetor combination, with spent gases escaping through shorty headers, a dual exhaust, Thrush-style tube mufflers, and square tips. Once again, there are plenty of plated and billet components, ensuring that this engine bay is eye-catching. The engine springs to life at a twist of the key, even on hot and humid days. It has excellent oil pressure and runs as cool as a cucumber. This Hot Rod is a turnkey proposition, ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel.
Some classics enjoy a surge in the market, only to see their popularity wane as enthusiasts focus on the next big thing. However, traditional Hot Rods have remained a constant since the first cars appeared around a century ago. Their attraction is easy to understand because no two are exactly alike. They allow owners to make a statement and to express their individuality. This 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe features traditional touches, but its interior trim is one of the many aspects that make it unique. The mechanical specifications aren’t outlandish, meaning that ongoing maintenance and parts availability won’t be a problem. The seller is very approachable and is happy to supply additional images and videos to interested parties. He is also willing to organize in-person inspections, making this Coupe worth a closer look.
This is a glass reproduction ,but not a Gibbon Body. This is a “Glassic” mass produced kit car and barely an except able representation of a model 40 Ford. If you don’t think so buy it and take it somewhere that people know the difference. If you don’t care that’s fine you get what you pay for.
The grille is always the giveaway – too short.
You are so right. I have no problem with glass replicas, but I never liked these because of the grille.
Is there actually a demographic for these things anymore?
@MoragaPulsar Yes for an old guy like me! (68) I’d buy it for $30K.
I was going to say, there is certainly a demographic for these. It may not be primarily 30 somethings, but there are still a lot of folks who love these old street rods, whether they’re plastic or not.
Is that $30K a serious offer ShuttleGuy?
Thanks!
Well, I’m an old guy of 76, and it doesn’t me in the least at any price. My DD Hellcat 6-speed suits me fine!
My thoughts exactly. I fear our hobby (way of life) is fading faster than we all realize. Except for the younger “tuners” that have a ton of respect for, the next gen don’t even care to get their drivers licenses.
When a restomod is more desirable than a 63 split window or a C1 fuelie, or you can’t give away a brass era or other pre-war cars; that’s the bell tolling.
This is not a 34 Ford! A 34 Ford is made of steel not fiberglass and was built in 1934.
Beautiful car here as was Ford’s original design.
Most of the above comments notwithstanding, this is a beautiful car.
I like it and just don’t understand why people have to beat someone’s car up. I have to ask, what are you driving? Plus side is it won’t rust out.
ALWAYS the same culprits Kek !! Jealous, no money, have never owned a hot rod, muscle car or classic and likely never will. The only thing they DO have is “running of the mouth” !! It’s a very nice Hot Rod, well built and likely a pleasure to drive.
I have to agree. This is well done, you can drive it today, and is priced for less than a Toyota rav that looks like everything else. Old guys maybe don’t rule like they used to, but depreciation is over on this one and 20 years from now it’s worth 30k.
Hey Kek I think it’s called jealousy , or they just can’t afford one and most of those people are the ones who will key a car. To each his own, if you don’t like it, then keep it to yourself.
I honestly like all older cars and especially hot rods from rat rods on up stopping short of trailer queens, don’t understand why you wouldn’t drive a car. I have a 1980 camaro that was built for bracket racing and is legal up to 10.0 that I put back on the street and I have a blast driving it. I will be celebrating my 70th birthday at the Kingman street drags having a blast.
And I don’t care if it has a steering wheel cover. :)
You are right. I rarely if ever comment on cars listed for sale on this site. I don’t want to inadvertently say something negative about a car where the owner is paying to advertise their car for sale. It’s not right to criticize someone’s car in this situation, especially when the criticism is subjective in nature.
Steve R
There’s nothing wrong with building fiberglass replica cars, but it is important when referring to them to make a point of the fact that the vehicle is a replica so that folks who are less knowledgeable understand what the vehicle really is. I have a Cobra replica and that is how I always describe it plus my tag says ITSFAUX, it’s fake or not real as in faux pearls or faux fur.
The state of NC and then CT both title/register this as a 34 Ford, not a replica.
However, no one is hiding the fact it’s fiberglass and nothing on it was manufactured anytime near 1934.
Nice looking ride I get that it isn’t steel so that upsets some others don’t care. My preference would be steel with an aftermarket chassis such as a Pete and Jake’s. I do also know all glass bodies aren’t created equal unfortunately for me and many others I am not that knowledgeable on the different manufacturers. Regardless still think this is a good looking car and someone hopefully will be able to enjoy it.
Ahhh, finally a ‘glass hot rod. Ya gotta love these and the culture that supports them. It’s a mini-industry unto itself.
The old box of chocolates, and unlike production cars, there is little to compare them to in terms of price.
All of them are fully individualized. Many built on the fly in some guy’s garage, with highly modified (or usually brand new) frames, relocated engine mounts and suspensions, all made to fit whatever they decide to run, and often modernized running gear (Mustang II front ends welded-on).
An engineering degree is not required, but a welding unit from Harbor Freight is, so take that into consideration when evaluating a build.
Motors and running gear come from who knows where, with who knows how many miles before it got bolted in. There may be some funky seating and driving configurations to make it all work out, since seats often come from late model cars, then refinished.
Are the seat belt mounts and seat mounts up to code? Maybe.
Everything is shiny and proper when new. The stress points begin to reveal themselves as the ‘glass cracks, panel misalign, water leaks begin to appear (only when it rains), creaks and moans call out for attention, all of which get exposed after some road time. At 25 years old, this one seems to have been built solid and shows few signs of all of that.
A ‘glass rod is rarely cheap to build, even in your own garage. Keep your Amex card handy if you build one, but it is fun, since shopping for the shiny new parts you need is a full time job.
The goal is to get a magazine spread, so the fancier the parts you use, with *everything* customized and aimed at a coherent presentation, the better.
Hodgepodge builds using whatever is available might be a lot cheaper to do, and just as much fun, but they won’t get you much attention in the rarefied hot rod publishing world. That’s a cut-throat game. This one just might have been a magazine centerfold car at one time, as it was built 25 years ago. The bar is higher now.
Some are built by pros, and cost way over $100k to build. For this one, you’re not going to build a similar new one with this kind of bumper-to-bumper presentation for anywhere close to this asking price.
The selling price is whatever you can get someone else to pay for all those parts that are now welded or bolted together.
Depreciation is on the Bentley level for the guys who have them built to suit their own taste. This is not a game for guys who are saving for retirement.
It’s probably a good idea to give any fiberglass rod a very thorough test drive in all kinds of situations.
A car like this this one does get you immediate attention at the shows.
I’d say well said Bluesman.
I’m representing this street rod for the owner. I’ve driven it on a 90 degree day and it ran cool and had cold AC. As mentioned, there are a couple noises to be expected from the fiberglass body, but it’s a blast to drive. Around the neighborhood where I shot the photos, just tooling around for the driving video, I got LOTS of thumbs up and few folks yelled out Beautiful Car!
It’s ALL fun, whether you’re in a beautiful car like this or the 55 Chevy .. or even the “mundane” VW Beetle also in this episode of Barns Finds .. weak paint, misaligned doors, just abut running, just get em out there and enjoy them. They don’t have to be perfect, they don’t have to be original, just enjoy. The negative attitudes are what keep new people away from the old car community .. people think they need a perfect car to be included or not laughed at and can’t afford a #2 car so they never get involved. Get that #4 car and just get out and drive. Most people will appreciate it. It’s the miserable few who will be negative.
Any questions, and for several hundred additional photos and videos, please feel free to reach out.
Thanks for all the great comments.
Talk soon,
I’m more of a trad look, Model A salt-car, 4 banger kind of guy when it comes to hot rods. I like rats, too.
God bless they guys who are willing to open their wallets and get these modern rigs built, knowing that they might take a $200K hit on the way out. They keep a lot of gearheads employed here in ‘merica, and put interesting cars on the street.
The whole “supercar” trend bores the living hll out of me. A lot of the owners have no clue what they are driving. Many have probably never even heard of Denny Hulme or know what an M6A is. They just know that their supercar cost them a fortune and they are declaring that to the world.
So, when you can get a vehicle like this that was quite obviously built by a pro or very skilled amateur, for $38k, that beats owning a “same old 1970 911S” to death, for half the money.
Granted, you have to know what to buy.
Hello, Still for sale ?
Hi David Gibson,
Yes, the Ford Street Rod is still available.
Please use the contact seller button above to get in touch with me directly.
Thanks
I agree with Kek.
My father spent 13 years building his 33. It was an real 33, I marveled at how well the wood framing in the cab was still in good shape. He decided he didn’t like the frame. That started it. New frame, new running gear, lots of chrome coil springs, independent rear suspension, custom interior, 2 engines (didn’t like the first one, ordered a crate) very expensive black paint, hand pinstriping. I know what he bought it for…I know he has every receipt that he spent on building it. He will never total it up because it will make him cry. Its a beautiful car. Will never get a profit out of it but it was one hell of a build.
I like it! Its even got a ford motor in a replica ford car. Your not going to be able to build it for the asking price. Make him an offer, who knows, worse he can say is no. I like it!
Thank goodness it doesn’t have a crate GM in it. That alone would more than double the complaints about it.
One thing I have to say is at least it doesn’t have an 80’s flashy paint job that needs to be painted over. Think ZZ top.