I sometimes wonder whether we ever reach an age where using the word “cool” to describe something is no longer appropriate. I hope not because that word perfectly suits this 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe. It has been created to capture the feel and charm of an old-school hot rod. While it has a few cosmetic needs, it is a rust-free classic that would suit an enthusiast wishing to be hands-on with a straightforward project. It needs a new home, with the seller listing the Ford here at Barn Finds Classifieds in Las Vegas, Nevada. They set their price at $55,000, although they may consider reasonable offers.
It is sobering to consider that the hot-rodding scene has existed for almost a century and was born out of a desire for enthusiasts with limited budgets to own high-performance vehicles. Many owners showed extraordinary imagination and insight, creating potent vehicles from any components they had on hand or could source for a small outlay. The scene evolved through the 1950s and 1960s, but only diehards kept it alive during the 1970s and 1980s. The most significant change during the 1980s was not to specifications but to appearance. Hot rods from previous decades usually featured vibrant paint shades, but that decade saw pastel colors finding favor across all facets of daily life. This Ford reflects that in its two-tone combination of Lilac. The history of this classic is slightly unclear, but the appearance suggests it was either created or refreshed during that decade. It recently emerged after twenty-five years hidden in a trailer, and while the existing paint combination might not appeal to everyone, changing it would not be a major undertaking. That isn’t essential because the rod presents well enough that the new owner might favor preservation. However, the most crucial news with this Coupe is its rust-free status. Its creator performed a 2½” top chop, but the body is all genuine Ford steel. It is as solid as the day it was born, with the same true of the frame. The new owner will reap the benefits of a vehicle that has spent its life in a dry location. The suicide doors close perfectly, and the panel gaps are tight and consistent. The grille and shell are perfect, the trim is excellent, and there are no glass issues.
The creator christened this hot rod “A Blast From the Past,” and looking at its mechanical specifications proves the name is appropriate. The engine bay houses a 255ci Mercury flathead V8 that sends its power to a GM 10-bolt rear end via a three-speed C4 automatic transmission. The front end features Mustang II independent suspension and disc brakes, with the rear suspended on leaf springs with drum brakes. The V8 benefits from an updated intake and carburetor, aluminum Offenhauser cylinder heads, with spent gases exiting via headers and a dual exhaust. The seller was told the flathead produces 150hp, which almost sounds conservative. However, performance should be impressive, with these classics generally featuring a relatively low curb weight. The engine bay presents well, with 1980s hallmarks like braided stainless hoses and lines. It has spent twenty-five years in hibernation, and while it runs and drives, there are tasks for the buyer to perform to ensure it is roadworthy and reliable. The transmission requires a rebuild, and the carburetor would benefit from similar attention. The fluids need flushing and changing, and the tires require replacement. None of those jobs will be challenging or expensive, and this hot rod should find its way onto our roads reasonably effortlessly.
The seller freely acknowledges that this rod’s interior requires a refresh, but it is serviceable if the new owner seeks instant motoring gratification. The exterior color combination is stereotypical of the 1980s, and the same is true of the extensive use of velour cloth inside this classic. It would be relatively easy to perform a refresh, and the buyer could use the existing seatcovers and door trims as templates to personalize this beauty further. The seller recommends replacing the gauges and wiring harness, and doing so while the interior is dismantled would be the best and most straightforward approach. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, but the power windows, tilt wheel, and radio should make life comfortable. However, the beauty of hot rods is that owners can let their imagination off the leash. That means the buyer could add whatever creature comforts appeal to them.
Old-school hot rods fell out of favor with the broader custom scene during the 1980s and 1990s, but they have experienced a resurgence. Nicely executed examples can fetch impressive prices, and the seller’s claim that this 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe could potentially command a six-figure value is borne out by recent sales results. Reaching that point would be relatively straightforward, but preserving this beauty as a tribute to a particular era would also be viable. As is the case with the scene generally, the finished product will be driven by personal taste and budget. This is your chance to turn a dream into reality, but will you grab the opportunity while it is available?
Nice.
Remove the 80’s ugly and you can have a sweet ‘34 3 window. Paint, velour and wheels have to go. Same with the under hood ugly. May have been acceptable in its day but not in my book. And since tranny needs work it’s a perfect time to upgrade to a 5spd stick. Dash will be ok once it’s painted but gm steering columns and whelk need to go.
Nice 34, lots of potential. A bit pricy but if it is an all steel … !
Yeah what you said.
Upgrade the paint and powertrain to ones liking, but the steel body makes this car worthwhile. Not sure about 55k of worthwhile but I’m old and not sure what these are worth. Something tells me the steel body is .
Okay how many people started hearing ZZ Top “Sharp Dressed Man” when they saw this car? Just me?
No, you’re not alone Bill, I definitely heard it… And I completely agree with Robt, I’d like to see this car sans purple anything (even though it’s my favorite color, there’s a time and place for everything, and this ain’t it), minus the ‘vulgalour’, and any GM parts that have been stuck willy-nilly on this beautiful old ride. Black, black, black, polish the chrome, push the ZZ Top disc in and let the white smoke roll!
And don’t forget to fix that back bumper!
Sad. Oh so sad. Totally blow it apart and start over.
Wow all steel 34. That’s a rare find. I would strip the paint. Go Midnight Black with ghost flames. Refresh the 255 with a blower twin carbs that would pass 200 HP easy..Dump the C4 with a manual 5 speed. The wheels would be Cragar Wheels. Re- Chrome the bumpers and grille and anything else that’s needs it. And you would have a Bitching ride . Good luck to the next owner.. 🐻🇺🇸
I’m sure the gent who created this loved it, but like a number of hot rod fads, this one hasn’t aged well. Maybe that one buyer will find it to their taste, but that would not be me! 55k plus at least another 40 to rectify the hideous cosmetics? Pass thanks.
Nice solid car to work from but I think for me I would take it down to the frame and start over. The asking price is at least double what it should be based on what I have seen recently. I have always thought the old flatheads were cool especially the Mercury version but not so sure I would want to use one in this car. Possibly in an early thirties model. The color, interior, and all the Chevy stuff would need to go. This car needs a built Ford 9” rear, a strong engine with an OD transmission be it manual or automatic, tan leather interior, coil over suspension and a change of paint color. Ditch the gaudy flames for some ghost flames, add in some vintage air, I Did It tilt steering, and a few other touches and it would be one cool ride.
The Mercury flatheads can be made to put out serious power. The one I had in my ’32 had what I’d call a mild upgrade and it really cooked. I’d leave the one in the car and change the carb and manifold out for something that would do some good.
Nicecar to start with, but too much to remove and then to build for your taste Too much money to throw away and too much money to make it right.
Looks like good bones to build on. Color change to black or red, new leather seat, set of TTO wheels and black walls. Get rid of a lot of the under hood bling and replace it with chrome and polished stainless. Time you do all that you could have bought two already fixed that way. $20G would be a reasonable price considering what needs done to it.
Nah, it’s a period piece and should be kept the way it is. OK the period is only 40 years but still….
I am sorry, I should not comment on this post. It just irritates me when you self pro claimed experts offer your knowledge about something you have heard about but you have no real experience with it, only what you have heard and assume it is true. It is like fake news, check your facts. I have many friends, that are knowledgeable and have written books about it. For instance Don Montgomery, Dain Gingerellie, Ken Gross, Albert Drake and of course Pat Ganaul , unfortunately some of them have passed away, I feel lucky to have had them as friends and talked about Hot Rod History. There are many more I could mention too. I hope they don’t read this, I just can’t name all of them.
My point is when you are going to comment on something know your source and your facts. Most all these people are approachable and they will tell it like it was and not sugar coat it. Many of you made the same references, but that doesn’t make it true, it’s just repeated. I am not going to comment on your mistakes, it’s really not necessary ,I would tell you if you asked and wanted to know.
My only complaint about this car is what engine, transmision . It is now a hot rod and my interest would be in keeping it a hot rod. I am not interested in restorations and I do like old timey hot rods. But I can not make any judgement on this type of without more info.
Black gut, Red primer, put a stick in it ,with orange steelies big and littles , drive the be Jesus out of it and have a big smile on your face!
In the 60’s I saw these racing at the old asphalt track in Vineland N.J.
16j driven by Elton Hildreth was one of the popular drivers.