It is almost impossible to find a clean, straight, original 32-34 Ford Coupe. The first thing you notice on this car is, of course, the wheels but other than those I think this car is extremely original. This ’33 5 window coupe is described in the advertisement as a barn find but does not specify how long it was put away. Along with the great condition, this car has racing celebrity ownership history. Check it out here on craigslist in Fairview, NJ with an asking price of $38,000. Thanks to Barn Finds Reader Ikey Heyman for the tip!
One picture in the ad shows the car with wire wheels installed matching the spare we see here. It’s not mentioned whether or not the wire wheels are included. The body looks to be very straight and is described to have only surface rust in areas. The paint should clean up well but there are a few surface rust areas as seen on the rear. I assume this car has been painted at some point in its life. The car was once owned by Dick LaHaie, an NHRA Top Fuel Champion and crew chief. Dick LaHaie passed away in 2018, I assume the car came from his estate because the title is in his name.
The Flathead V8 is still intact under the engine cover. For 1933 the Flathead was rated at 75 HP mainly due to an increase in compression from the previous 65 HP version in ’32. Running condition is not mentioned in the ad, most likely it doesn’t run since it just came out of storage. If the V8 turns over it shouldn’t take long it get it up and running. Power is delivered by a 3-speed standard transmission.
The pictures are not very good in the ad and this is the only interior shot, it would be nice to have more especially considering the asking price. From what we see the 5 window looks unmodified inside. The 1933 model has several one year only distinctions like the grill this car retains. Considering so many of these bodies have been chopped and modified over the years, it would be nice to see this one restored. Hopefully, by now most people can appreciate original steel and will leave it alone. Personally I would restore it with some period upgrades especially to the engine making that flathead sound like it should.
I can’t believe this car has been up for 4 hours with no comments. And it’s in my backyard.
Straight as an arrow, so… do you preserve it as a Rouge award candidate or full on restore it???
Get it running, check all the systems, and leave it as is. It’s gorgeous!
Actually, you don’t have many systems to check. Get the engine running, clean
out the fuel system, and get the cable
brakes in order again. The latter I would
change though. Juice brakes are what you need if you intend to drive the car
safely on the streets at all. Other than
those things, this car looks great! The only other car in this condition was bought by LeRoy Goulart back in late
1969, but was featured in the September
issue of Rod & Custom Magazine in 1970. And if memory serves me, the
article was written by Tex Smith. All
I know is that someone out there will
get a nicely preserved 5-window coupe.
No cables in this year. Steel brake rods.
Get out the buffer and squirt Marvel oil in the cylinders, a battery and fresh fluids, I’d drive the Hell out of this. Now the money thing. .
I know I’ll be beat down for this, but every time I see one of these, I think of the California Kid. It’s a beautiful car and I hope it’s not cut up in any way.
With Kenneth with two additions: put the spoke wheels back on, maybe with a slightly wider rear pair, and put a 4″ dropped axle up front. JR, it was 98 degrees down here yesterday and our AC died at 11 am. Was a little busy most of the day but as a former ’32 five window owner I’d have commented the minute I saw this car. It’s a real beauty!
Hopefully will be preserved or restored and not cut up or modified. There are plenty of reproduction bodies available to butcher.
I have owned my 34 5-Window, since 1963, so I’m familiar with this model Ford. Ihave seen allot of changes in how this particular car has been perceived in the past 57 years. Even in 1963, this car was the hot ticket for a young Hot Rodder’s like me. The price for these early Fords ,has always been high ,in relation to other models. I paid $650 for my car and I was considered,a high roller, everybody said it was a $450-500 dollar car at best.
In 1963 my car was similar to this one, probably a little better, hydraulic brakes, decent black paint, 48 Merc, 39 trans and OK tires and wheels, a running driving car. It has remained that status, except I have painted it 4 times, 5 engine changes, 4 different interiors and literally dozen’s of tire & wheel combinations and several feature articles in magazine and books.
My point is these car have a large following and they have transformed over the years to remain current with the trends of the automotive culture. Therefore, I am always a bit critical of the comments, that come from people who are stating things they have heard, but have no actual experience of what they are talking about. The number one being it has to remain original. Why? They are so rare! Really. You have to have a flathead in it! Really. Have any of these experts owned an early Ford, driven a stock flathead powered car. Also, have you researched the market, for the value of these era cars. Also ownership dictates what you do with the car.
In interesting fact is the last few years the value of my car has stabilized and honestly is starting to depreciate. Look at this car ,it was more valuable 5 or 10 years ago. I think it’s a great car and priced fairly, if you really want it, if you are a flipper, you best do your homework.
Great honest reply! I had several, and just wish I had the extra money! 74 and not getting any younger!
Price is right
Needs a ZZ Top key chain
I thought the rumble seat coupe had a roll down back window. Where’s the crank? Love to have this car.
It’s hard to believe this!! There is no doubt in my mind that this is the car that has been hot rodded more than any other car ever and it’s still original!! I’d hate to think of this car getting into the wrong hands and being chopped, channeled or modified in any way!! This car is in good enough condition to be preserved!! It would be a crime in this day and age to do anything else with it!! If it was 1960 again I would cut it up myself but being its 60 years later and has survived this long it should be kept the way it is!!
What a beautiful old Ford V-8! The ’33-’34 Model 40 was the most beautiful car of the thirties due to Edsel Ford’s influence. Thankfully the traditional hot rod movement has enhanced the preservation of these original cars with tasteful and easily reversed modifications like hydraulic brakes, a dropped axle, reversed eye springs and a mildly hopped up flathead. I have a ’34 3W Coupe that is completely stock with the exception of a ’36 LB block and it’s the best running flathead I’ve ever owned. One of these days I’m going to lower mine a bit to get rid of the four wheel drive look like this one has. It would be nice to have some aluminum heads and a two deuce manifold too. These V-8 Fords just drive nice and every time I take mine out for a spin it takes me back in time and I think of the lives it has touched since it rolled out of the Ford dealers showroom in 1934. It literally is my time machine!
Here’s my old ’34 on the lift so I can make some room in the shop. Excuse the five spoke wheels, I’m going back to its original wire wheels or some 16″ Kelsey’s I have!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CLHjox9YZoYyrJMg9
Would someone explain what is with this concept of incorrect wheels?
The original Ford wheels were 17″ 32 spoke welded wire wheels. In a car as original as this one, aftermarket or later year wheels look out of place.
David roll down back window was on factory rumble seat cars, this car is not, factory rumble seat. Factory had in car latch to the passenger side of rear window. Add on Rumble seats ,usually reversed the latch with the handel outside on top of deck lid. There has always been a lot of controversy on rumble seats. My 5-window was a standard, not suppose to have a rumble seat, but it does with an inside latch and roll down window. The experts always told me not possible. Who knows, I think Henry did a lot of things that were not what was always expected, I don’t think anything was carved in stone.
Can’t understand why sellers that put so little into photos and description expect to get premium prices for their vehicles. Speaking for myself, minimal ad gets minimal offer.