If you are into pre-war cars and have been looking for a new project to separate yourself from the pack, check out this 1936 Ford Cabriolet located in Willard, MO. Listed for $27,500 here on Facebook Marketplace, this project needs some work but is not too far off from becoming an elegant fair-weather cruiser. Thank you so much to Zappenduster for sending in this great tip!
The 1936 Ford models are usually spoken of when discussing the most beautiful American car. And looking at the lines of these cars, you can see why. The sinewy flowing body panels contrasted with the straight lines of the grill and hood vents make for a striking appearance. But when looking at Ford’s different Model 48 offerings, the convertible edges the rest as the best-looking of the crew (with apologies to the 1936 truck, which may be the most handsome American truck of all time).
This vert for sale appears to be a solid example. However, we are only given exterior shots of the car. The seller states that the passenger door needs some rust and wood repair, but no close-up pictures of the affected areas are given to gauge the extent of the damage. We are also told that it has an automatic transmission, but we can clearly see three pedals and the standard shifter. But what lies under the hood? Is the stock flathead still there, or has it been replaced with an overhead motor?
As pre-war cars continue to fall in stature as the older generations pass, what will happen to them? We continue to watch cars from the ’80s and ’90s climb while vehicles like these sit unsold (at least at this price). It wasn’t that long ago when ’32 Roadsters and ’36 coupes or cabriolets in much worse condition could easily realize these figures. To me, that is one of the saddest aspects of this hobby: that as tastes come and go, truly great cars can be forgotten. It’s up to us Barn-Finders to educate the next generations and keep these cars alive!
I think this is only the second time I’ve seen one of these. The first time was in the Harrah Museum in Reno, NV. The open gas filler would indicate that to revive this one is going to be a long, expensive road but worth the effort. Henry sure knew how to put them out.
Nice write-up Dusty, but this needs one correction – it’s a 1936 Roadster, not Cabriolet. The Roadster is even more rare than the Cabriolet – key differences are the thinner windshield frame (not body color), different dash (similar to 1936 Phaeton), and side curtains instead of roll-up glass windows. All of these have a rumble seat – notice the trunk handle is at the top and there’s a step on the passenger side taillight.
These shipped with an 85hp flathead V8 and 3-speed. Early 1936 had babbitt main bearings, mid-year switched to insert-style bearings.
Wow this would be a cool rod. Put a 350/350 combo in it and off you go.
Waiting for the “put a belly button engine in it” crowd to respond. Oops! Never mind….
I am for keep the fiat head in it crowd.
Sure it’s a small horsepower engine but one could put three deuces, headers and just have fun with the fiat head..
To me it’s a 110-120 hp build up and drive it on a sunny day with the top down .
If one needs more ponies then get a modern pony car.
But alas one guys opinion.
I like it!!!