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Solid and Complete: 1935 Ford Standard Coupe

I’m sure that the world is full of cars that have been driven into barns and sheds, and the owner has every intention of restoring them. Time and circumstances mean that these projects never get finished, or in the case of this 1935 Ford Coupe, they never actually get started. I think that the owner of this car has reached the point where he has to acknowledge the reality of the situation, so has decided that the time has come to part with the old Ford. It is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has currently reached $8,600, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

The Coupe seems to be in fairly solid condition. It was parked around 35-years-ago and looks like it has survived quite well. The body has a few marks and dings, but none of these are major, while rust issues seem to be confined to surface corrosion. Of course, we don’t get a look at the floors and frame, but if outward appearances are any indication, then the news there could also be quite positive. The grille was damaged many years ago, but the owner is including a replacement that he bought off eBay as part of the planned restoration.

The interior is looking pretty sad, and the owner indicates that this is the result of Mickey Mouse and friends having been in extended residence. The door trims look like they might be able to be salvaged, but the rest of the upholstery is beyond repair, along with the seat padding. This might not be a bad thing, as anyone who has ever tried to restore an interior that has fallen victim to mouse damage will tell you that while fixing the upholstery is straightforward, eliminating the delightful odor that they leave behind is a whole different story. One other consideration for the new owner is the fact that the locking steering column is currently locked, and the key has been lost. With the wheels turned slightly to the left, it will make loading the car onto a trailer slightly difficult. It might pay to engage the services of a locksmith to rectify this before the car is moved.

For 1935, Ford decided to no longer offer the 4-cylinder engine which was used in the Model A, so owners found themselves with the 221ci flathead V8 as their standard engine. Producing 85hp, this power was sent to the rear wheels via a 3-speed manual transmission, while Ford also continued to utilize mechanical 4-wheel drum brakes. The car hasn’t been run since it was driven into its current location more than 35-years-ago, and it isn’t clear whether the engine turns freely. There is still oil in the engine, and someone has been smart enough to add antifreeze to the cooling system at some point, so corrosion of the water jacket should either be non-existent or at least minimal.

There are plenty of people who prefer the styling of the 3-window coupe over the 5-window version, but the latter is still an attractive car that has a strong following. The owner does suggest that the next owner might follow the rat rod path with the car, but this is one that offers a world of possibilities. Is it one that you would take on? if you did, what would your plans be?

Comments

  1. Avatar Robert White

    Resto-mod it.

    Lots of HP

    Bob

    Like 4
  2. Avatar TimM

    Another beautiful hot rod I’d love to have that has a stupid high reserve before it will be sold!! I would put a supercharger on that flathead with some real cool parts out of speedway!!! Just need those five magic numbers or that ship wreck off the coast of the stream in my back yard!!!

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Don Page

    I’d fix the interior, get it running & road worthy, clear coat it & drive it !!!!!

    Like 8
  4. Avatar T

    Restore it!
    There are PLENTY of unfinished projects cars out there for hot rodding, with unmolested original cars being non-existent. This piece of history should be fixed and preserved.

    Like 8
  5. Avatar Bob McK

    This belongs in my garage, but is not worth more than $7000.

    Like 3
    • Avatar David F Member

      As always, it’s worth what people are willing to pay for it and folks are clearly willing to pay more than $7,000.

      Like 1
  6. Avatar geomechs Member

    This is a good project. It’s a 5-window which I prefer. It’s also a ‘35 which I actually prefer over the highly coveted ‘33/‘34. I wish I could drag this one home and give it some TLC.

    Like 6
    • Avatar Al

      So you don’t like the ’32 ! That’s the one I like best.

      Like 2
      • Avatar geomechs Member

        Yes, I like the ’32. But it’s a different style. I certainly wouldn’t turn one down either…

        Like 4
  7. Avatar TimM

    You and me both!! I wonder why all the plug wires are pulled off!! I’m keeping an eye on this one cause it hasn’t moved from $8600 even though it’s more than I would want to spend I think the cars a keeper!!

    Like 2
    • Avatar Johnmloghry

      I like the 5 window version. The main improvement would be the brakes, gotta have at least hydraulic brakes, preferably 4wheel discs. Drums are ok but discs work better when wet. Other than that probably wouldn’t change much if the engine can be made to run. Suspension upgrades would be nice but not required. Perhaps vintage A/C. Seat not a problem, I could build a nice bench seat for this car. I could go on and on, but not necessary.
      God bless America

      Like 1
  8. Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

    I know it’s the wrong year and model but when I see one like this I always think of The California Kid and Bonnie and Clyde.
    I would love to see this one brought back to original condition and put back on the highway where it belongs. Get that flathead running again or maybe a Mercury block with Ardun heads, a blower and a few internal goodies. Just get it where it belongs, back on the highway.

    Like 3
  9. Avatar Joe Haska

    I would put a Corvair engine it, probably never been done and it would be way cool!

    Like 1
  10. Avatar bigdoc

    No!! Not a Corvair engine. But a 351 Windsor might work wonders

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Karl

    Pretty darned cool vehicle it’s got lots of potential in so many different ways!

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Johnmloghry

    I like 5 window versions. Brakes upgrade would be first for me. At the very minimum hydraulic brakes, preferably discs because they work better when wet. Engine is ok if it can be made to run. Seat not a problem, I can build a nice custom bench seat for this car. New tires, but keep the wheels. Suspension upgrades as time goes by, but not right away.
    God bless America

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Fred Alexander

    Restore to originality.

    Nuff Said.

    Like 1
    • Avatar ctmphrs

      The more I hear from restorers,the more I hate them.

      Like 0
      • Avatar geomechs Member

        Don’t be so quick to drag out the tar and feathers, ct. There are lots of us ‘purists’ who can appreciate a well done up street rod. I’ve got lots of very good friends who are hot-rodders and even though we jab at each other we still enjoy a lot of good times together. Just remember the beer is just as cold and refreshing in either camp…

        Like 1
  14. Avatar Keith Hanson

    If it’s the original engine, it’ll be interesting to rebuild. The main bearings were babbitt poured in the 221s until 1936. Now THERE’S a lost art.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Mike

      While I have no personal experience with them, There are plenty of shops that do babbitt bearings advertising in H.M.N. every month. Of course, anyone that wants that kind of thing done should ask the company for references from customers before laying out the the money for the job.

      Like 0
  15. Avatar Tony T

    <> you mean ” … work at all … “

    Like 0

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