The most appropriate path for some classic projects seems immediately obvious, but others place multiple choices before potential buyers. Such is the case with this 1937 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet. It is a rock-solid car that could represent a rewarding faithful restoration. However, the lure of creating an old-school hot rod could prove irresistible to many. Whichever path the winning bidder chooses, they will commence to process from a sound foundation. The auction action suggests that many people have a clear vision in their heads for this old Ford.
The history of this Ford is unclear, although it appears it may have hibernated for a few years. The seller accumulated a selection of parts that are included in the sale, suggesting they planned some form of a revival that stalled before it started. They float the concepts of a faithful restoration or a hot rod build, and regardless of which path the winning bidder chooses, the buyer will commence the process from a sound base. The Black paint shows significant deterioration, although the body is straight, and doesn’t seem to suffer from any major penetrating rust. The underside shots reveal a heavy layer of surface corrosion, but there doesn’t appear to be anything requiring cutting or welding. The exterior trim is intact, the top frame appears restorable, and there are no apparent glass issues.
I admire the consistency of this Cabriolet because its interior looks as tired as its exterior. However, the major components like the seat frames are present, and it appears that the only missing items are the door trims and a few switches and knobs. Everything required to return the inside of this classic to a factory-fresh state is readily available. However, if the buyer elects to transform the car into a hot rod, the world will be their oyster when it comes to choosing how to trim and finish this interior.
Henry Ford was a mass of contradictions. He spent most of his life stating that road cars never needed more than four cylinders under the hood. However, he spent hundreds of hours in his company’s Engineering Department tinkering with a concept eight-cylinder engine featuring a radical “X” cylinder layout that he felt was worthy of eventual production. Of course, that project never came to fruition, because its shortcomings proved insurmountable. He resisted producing a six but eventually conceded that the company required a V8 to remain competitive against the opposition. The result was the 221ci flathead that achieved legend status in motoring circles. The basic architecture remained in production for decades, and these engines remain firm favorites with enthusiasts planning old-school hot rod builds. The seller indicates that this Cabriolet’s flathead turns, but it doesn’t run. Its general condition is unknown, but the seller includes another motor if this one proves beyond salvation. It is worth noting that the seller claims that this Ford has a genuine 48,143 miles showing on its odometer. They don’t mention evidence, but if the claim is verifiable, that may tip the scales in favor of restoration.
Restoration or hot rod? This 1937 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet would be ideal for either approach, and the fact it has received thirty-four bids suggests that there are people with a clear vision for this classic. The seller listed the Ford here on eBay in Annapolis, Maryland. The relatively intense action has pushed the price to $10,677, which is below the reserve. However, there is plenty of time remaining on this auction, which means the price could climb before the hammer falls. What would be your vision for this Cabriolet if it found its way into your workshop?
Rare and beautiful. Either way it goes it’s a good looking piece and needs to be back on he road.
100%, Bob, and build the spare motor.
A mentor, good friend and fantastic mechanic had a small shop with a phenomenal library on a backstreet in our (then) little Nevada town. Perusing his library was an dogeared book “Flathead Facts” by John W. Lawson, in which Don said he’d used to build several very hot flatheads, two of which were rated @200HP by the folks at Mallory Electric (Mallory had just set up “shop” in our town at the time).
EDIT: For S&G’s went looking for a copy of the book online.
Found it.
A used paperback copy @ Amazon for $4,995.00. Well, Don did say it was a valuable book but I took it differently!
A thousand pleas keep original. Don’t destroy a perfectly good car can’t understand the the chop and change mentality. If I had my way here in the UK only truly original vehicles would qualify for the Historic Vehicle road tax concession, lorries do see changes in their lives a typical case being refuse lorries (crew cabs) end up as ready mix concrete as the drum does not take up too much spaces. Kindest regards from my side of the pond.
I’ve got a 37 with a big block, Turbo 400 and Ford 9″. Fun car. It was built in the 90’s and was shaved, I’m in the process of “unshaving” the car. Why you’d take a Henry Ford car and make it look plastic is beyond me.
Or put a Chevy engine in it.
Lumpy s car lives!!
Lumpy’s convert was a 1940
Looks like a solid car. I agree with AI T they look great with the trim they are built with. My 1940 Ford coupe looks like it did when built but is modern underneath.
Please restore it. Don’t ruin it. This is our shared heritage. The ‘37 Fords were very nice looking at the time. This one could be again! Restored, it would great in another Indiana Jones movie.
Keep it original. Build the original motor But keep it looking As nothing has been done, Just punch up the horse power
This is located in my area. Hopefully the next owner will restore this to stock. But that is just my viewpoint. I’m sure others would want to rod it. Either way it’s a good solid vehicle to work on. I would start the project by getting it roadworthy and enjoy driving it. Eventually start tackling the cosmetic issues as time and money permits . I am so tempted to take a look and maybe make an offer. Unfortunately I can’t take on major projects anymore. As Billy Joel sang in Piano Man: when I wore a younger man’s clothes. Sigh. GLWTS.
Just park that at my place. There’s nothing like a bone stock ’37 that will get my blood pumping.
That’s a GENUINE V8-85 under that hood. 21 Stud, center outlet, Stromberg 97 carb. So many of them were scrapped in favor of an SBC. I won’t argue that the Chevy engine was adaptable and ultimately reliable, and I won’t condemn someone for installing one but I still have a lot of faith in the flathead and that’s what I would run…
It is up to $11,200 and hasn’t meet reserve, I wonder what the reserve is. There are a few perforations all be it smell ones and a few dents to take out and then start on the restoration. What a great car but still a major project to get back to nice again. Yes as someone else said here at 71 I am running low on time but would like to have this one.
I try to think that 71 isn’t too old. There are some of us lucky enough to take to the road the same year that the Corvette did.
I’ve got customers in their 80s restoring 75 year old Class 8 highway trucks and they’re not about to throw in the towel. A guy in our local car club began the restoration of his ‘29 Whippet when he was 88. He completed it at age 91, just in time to drive it to the International Antique Auto Meet in Missoula. The tail housing broke off the starter at the summit of the “Going To The Sun Road” (Logan Pass) and the rest of the trip participants had to bump-start him for the rest of the event. John got the “Hard Luck Award” as well as the “Oldest Driver.”
I need to clarify my statement about not taking on deep dive hobby car projects at this point in my life. At 73 I am still very active, thankfully. I am well able to complete minor repairs and upgrades on my daily drivers and my old Jeep and Plymouth. What I can’t do is major restoration by myself like I used to. In the case of this Ford I would have to pay a shop to do stuff that I used to do. I don’t want to do that. I am happy with my present fleet. I’m fine with leaving a project like this Ford to someone else who is more enthusiastic than I am. GLWTS.
To all you older guys, I am interested in your comments, because I am in an age bracket, that most consider as really old. I tell everyone as I aged I got Dyslexic! They ask how? I said I think I am 18 and I am actually 81. As you age things do change and I am sure it is different for everyone. Satchel Page, if you are old enough to know who he was said “How old would you be, if you didn’t know, How old you are?” I have gone through a lot and I think have had an interesting life. But right now this aging seems like one of the biggest challenges, I have had so far. It is difficult to accept that you have to slow down and can not do what you did before. “Live with it” or?
Get it running and solid, then just preserve the original finish as best as possible. The Early Ford V-8 Club has national meets with a special “Rouge Class” (named for the river in Dearborn MI) for original cars. This would fit right in. Not nearly as much money spent. People who want to restore these back to original seek unrestored ones like these for pointers.