Pre-War German Build: 1938 Ford Eifel

Ford Germany (aka Ford-Werke GmbH) recently celebrated its 100^th anniversary. One of its products was the Ford Eifel which was produced between 1935 and 1940. It was never imported into the U.S., and the car fell victim to the turmoil of what would become WW2. The Eifel was a smaller family car whose production exceeded 61,000 units over six years. How this 2-door sedan found its way to Orlando, Florida isn’t known, and it has the customary right-hand-drive. Available here on Facebook Marketplace, this seemingly complete project is offered for $5,500.

The Eifel was based on Ford’s Model C (European version) and got its name from a mountain range in Western Germany (not the tower in France). A full range of body styles were offered so buyers had ample choices. Only one engine was available, a 1172-cc 4-cylinder motor that was only good for about 34 horses. A 3-speed manual transmission was also applied.

We don’t know the history of this rare Ford (try to find another one in the U.S.). Speculation is that few survived the war because their metal was repurposed for the German war effort. No mention is made of its running status, and the odometer reflects just 35,000 miles (or is that kilometers?). How and where you’d find parts is likely a job in itself.

The body seems to have been gone over and applied with red primer. The interior is not stark but is in disarray as the front seats seem to be just sitting in place. The overall vehicle’s condition appears to be fair, and it would certainly be a novelty if restored. It’s sandwiched between other vehicles, one of which is an incomplete 1958 Chevrolet station wagon. Thanks for the nifty tip, T.J.