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Not A Model A: 1935 Ford Cabriolet

Try as we all might to convince our family members to take part in our hobby, often they just don’t see the attraction.  Sadly, that disconnect often persists until the car buff has headed to heaven for his or her reward.  What is left behind is often seen as a nightmare by survivors who are left to settle the estate.  Most don’t have a clue as to what they have inherited, and many don’t care enough to do the research needed to find out.  Take for example this 1935 Ford cabriolet, which is for sale on eBay for the princely sum of $60,999.  Located in Brainerd, Minnesota, this handsome car is listed in the ad as a Model A.  Between the price and the identification mistake, this pretty yellow Ford probably won’t find a new home this week.

Of course, we don’t know for sure this ad was placed by someone handling an estate.  However, there is a lot of time and difference between a Model A Ford and a 1936 Ford.  Anyone who went through purchasing and restoring a car like this would definitely know what they had.  From the few pictures that seem to have been taken from compromising positions, this appears to be a nice car.  It is described as a convertible coupe, roadster, and cabriolet in the ad, but the proper description according to Ford was cabriolet.  This basically meant that the car had roll up side windows rather than the side curtains that a roadster had.

The top, however, seems to be quite loose and misshapen.  We are told that the car was the recipient of an older restoration, and that it has 48,000 original miles.  We are also told that a person could get in it and drive it home today.  If so, why wasn’t it driven outside for better pictures?  I have no doubt that the car is in very good shape, but it also looks to have been sitting for a while.  Perhaps the new owners don’t know how to start it.

The only interior photo we have is this rather curious shot of the seat of the rumble seat and the floor just ahead of it.  We can also make out in the picture above this one that the car is equipped with a factory radio.  There might be the controls for a Columbia overdrive unit under there as well.  I cannot quite make out what is there by blowing up the picture, but there is something.  This is a very desirable option for early Fords, and the presence of one would make the car much more valuable.

I wish we had more pictures of the car.  The ones we have, and the additional ones in the ad look to have been taken by someone navigating a very crowded garage.  As car buffs tend to accumulate a lot of cars, parts, and tools, I feel for whoever has to sell all of this stuff.  It can be an overwhelming task.  While the asking price is a bit above market value, it is a nice car.  With better pictures, more information, and a more realistic price, I am sure someone would be proud to take this cabriolet home.  Even if they can’t just get in and drive to their domicile.

What price do you think this 1936 Ford will go for?

Comments

  1. Avatar Fred W

    They know what they have. Ebay does this all the time when you are placing a listing- there is no category for a 1935 Ford Cabriolet, so to get it listed you have to click on something close, in this case, Model A.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Uncle Bob

    To add to Fred’s comment, the ebay menu system of ad building will often mess up the descriptions. The supposition of a deceased collector may be accurate as this seller has several vehicles listed, all pictured in the garage, the Model A coupe described in the title as a sedan is also significantly overpriced.

    It used to be the old adage “when the top goes down the price goes up” was true. In this slice of the hobby it’s no longer as accurate. The last three of these I’ve seen actually sell, in similar apparent condition, have been in the high 20’s to low 30’s. An uninformed seller probably listening to folks with an out of date or equally uninformed view of collector car pricing trends. Until they get enough push back through their obo offer, they’ll likely grumble about lowball offers…………..no matter how realistic the offers may be.

    Like 6
  3. Avatar Lawyer George

    Did Ford put 4 cyclinders in the 35 cabriolet? I thought they all came with a flat head V-8.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Uncle Bob

      221 inch, 85 hp V8 only

      Like 2
  4. Avatar David F Member

    It appears someone is indeed ambitious with their BIN prices. How much do you think the ’68 GT6 could possibly bring? $21,000.00? To be fair, the situation could well be that there are several family members expecting to inherit more money than is reasonable and these cars might well be listed by the unfortunate family member named the executor of the estate. If that’s the case, I sympathize with the seller.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Paul

    I owned one – bought it in Argentina, restored it and eventually brought it back with me to Germany. It was a RHD which would be ok for UK and Ireland but not the best in Germany. Flathead V8, only concessions to improve driveability was a gearbox (helix gears) and hydraulic brakes from a 1939. Made a mistake and sold it in Germany for €30,000 4 years ago. Beautiful car – live and learn. Bought a porsche and I am learning the hard way about parts prices – strangly enough parts pricing is even higher in Europe than the USA. Hope it goes to a good home.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Mvickery

    The old car hobby sometimes reminds me of the vintage guitar hobby. I recently had someone try to sell me a ’60 Fender bass that their recently deceased father had told them was worth a hundred grand. Of course, the thing had been painted flat black and had a neck shaped like a banana, but they were sure they had struck the lottery when their daddy died.

    Like 2
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      Hi Mvickery, I am going to sell my black 1973 Les Paul Custom that I bought new. Almost perfect condition. Any thoughts on it’s value? Thanks for any help, Mike.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Dusty Stalz

        I’ll look at it. I collect old guitars, and have a handful of Les Pauls, among others. Do you have original case and case candy? That can make a big difference. Check out my FB profile pic w one of my mid 70s LPs as cover.

        Like 0
      • Avatar leiniedude Member

        Hi Dusty, I do have the original case, strap. no hang tags. How do I get to your FB page? Thanks. Mike.

        Like 0

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