We sometimes see classics at Barn Finds, and we can’t help but wonder what their backstory is. That is the case with this 1936 Ford Phaeton. It recently emerged after five decades in storage, but we don’t know why it was initially parked. Was it shunned in favor of a newer model, or were there more personal reasons? It is a question that will probably never be answered, but it has a second chance at life courtesy of a new owner. The Phaeton is listed here on eBay in Assonet, Massachusetts. Bidding has sailed past the reserve to sit at $6,000.
This Phaeton carries the hallmarks of a car that has undergone a previous repaint, but I think the work was completed in the vehicle’s original shade of Bambalino Blue. It is crying for a repeat performance, although stripping away the existing paint would be the best strategy for achieving a high-end result. That task could be undertaken in a home workshop, adding little cost to the build. The panels are straight, and the lack of visible corrosion across this Ford suggests it might be rust-free. The panels have a few minor bumps and bruises but nothing significant. The seller says the top bows and rear window are present, but a new top is required. Any trim pieces that won’t respond well to polish should be restorable, and the windshield is crystal clear.
The Ford’s engine bay springs a surprise because it is exceptionally clean for a car that has spent fifty years sitting in a barn. The seller describes the environment as dry, and the lack of corrosion supports that. The car derived its power from Ford’s iconic 221ci flathead V8 that produced 85hp and 153 ft/lbs of torque. The ponies found their way to Planet Earth via a three-speed manual transmission, and that combination provided exceptional performance for the price. The seller says this gem doesn’t run or drive, which is unsurprising after five decades of hibernation. Revival with some tinkering and basic maintenance may be possible, but budgeting for an engine rebuild would be wise.
This Phaeton’s interior is probably its low point because the lack of a protective top means the trim and upholstery have disintegrated. I won’t be surprised if there has also been a rodent infestation because a few items look pretty chewed. A total retrim is the only solution, and the new owner must also source a few missing dash components. I performed a brief online search and had little trouble locating an upholstery and padding kit that would return this interior to its former glory for $2,500. A more intensive search might slash that price, meaning a few hours of scouring the internet could save the winning bidder a considerable sum on this restoration.
Every classic car will appeal to different people, and this 1936 Ford Phaeton has already attracted eighteen bids. People like what they see and are willing to commit to its restoration. The simple engineering of these classics makes them ideal for someone willing to be DIY in their build. If that sounds like you, would you pursue this Ford further?
A nice father and son/daughter restoration project.
I would get the interior kit and do my best with a paint correction. Get it operational and drive it as is. It’s such an old “restoration” it almost look original.
Yes to this entirely.
I agree, only do what is necessary to make it reliable and safe to operate on the roads, clean, polish and detail everything, put the top together plus a new interior kit, repair/replace the gauges and polish the headlight reflectors, get rid of the incorrect radio and go back to the original one in the dash.
This likely started life as a summer car at a private beach home, and only used when family members were in town, a couple of months each year. Probably was put to sleep in the home’s garage or stables every fall, and re-awakened every spring. Eventually the family bought a newer vehicle, and just let the old family friend continue to sleep.
I like and very tempted…..
I like this old Ford, looks pretty good on the outside, lots of work inside though. Would make a great “just driving around” car.
Pretty nice, though I thought the 36 Plymouths were better looking in convertible form. Hope this one gets restored and driven.
“I performed a brief online search and had little trouble locating an upholstery and padding kit that would return this interior to its former glory for $2,500.”
What brand of unbridled optimism are you possessed by? Double that price (professional installation) and you MAY have something passable. Still, nowhere close to factory appearance.
That motor may run again without a rebuild but I wouldn’t bet my Assonet!
Sorry-someone had to pick it up! I’ll be outside….
I like that, pork. It’s a good pallet cleanser after my crabbing.
*palate
Great article Adam! I love this car, am very tempted by the reasonable price, droptop, and mechanical simplicity.
Agreed. I didn’t mean to climb all over Adam. 😔
This car is gorgeous.
I have a restored 1935 in my collection. What a joy to drive.
Rare car. Took a good hit in the rear but everything looks straight with no rust. One of my favorite late ’30s cars.
Most likely lead permeated hand painted body which saved it from becoming iron oxide. Leave it alone, simply recommissioning it mechanically, and making the seating habitable. Very fun, hard to stop(mechanical brakes) and somewhat powerless when running again, but isn’t that part of the fun? Great find and write up. Kudos!
You had me at “bambalino blue”
It has a lot of rust issues. Just look at the pics of the lower rear body where the bumper brackets attach. All the fenders have a lot of damage that appears to be covered in filler. I don’t think I would call this a “Rust free” car to start with. This will be a very big project. And as always the buyer should beware.
Didn’t FDR drive one of these when was president? Seems to me that I recall reading somewhere that he had one like this one outfitted with controls so he could actually drive it.