This 1937 Ford 5-Window Coupe has been garage-kept for its entire life. That means that it is no real surprise to learn that it is completely rust-free. The fact that it was owned by a true enthusiast who lavished meticulous levels of attention upon the car means that it is hard to find anything to fault on the vehicle. Sadly, that owner has now passed away, and the Coupe has been placed onto the market to settle his estate. This is a car that would suit the individual who wants to be able to climb behind the wheel and enjoy the classic car ownership experience immediately. If that person is you, then you will find the Ford located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has been strong on this one and has pushed things along to $20,388 in what is a No Reserve auction. A true indication of how much interest this old classic has generated is demonstrated by the fact that there are currently 248 people who are watching the listing.
This Ford is one of those cars where it is hard to know where to start when describing it. The first thing to note is that all of the steel is original, with the vehicle never having had any rust problems. The owner decided to treat the Coupe to a cosmetic refresh about 25-years-ago, so it received a repaint in its original Bright Vineyard Green. The underside of the Ford didn’t escape attention, as it was refinished at the same time, and the whole car remains solid and nicely presented to this day. The exterior trim and chrome have a great shine to it, while it is almost obligatory that the glass is faultless in a car of this standard. One of its great features is the windshield that cranks out. This provides what I have referred to as “1/50 air conditioning.” You know, one window open at 50mph? From an exterior paint and panel perspective, this really is a car that needs nothing.
If you thought that the exterior of the Coupe looked nice, then take a peek inside. This interior really does appear to be flawless. The upholstery throughout the car is free of any tears or marks, and given the light shade of the upholstery, that really is impressive. The headliner is just as good as the rest of the trim, while the carpet continues this theme. The dash simply looks beautiful and also features the optional factory radio. This doesn’t function, so that is something that the next owner might choose to change. One aftermarket addition is the Sunpro tachometer mounted on the steering column. This doesn’t really look out of place, but if the next owner doesn’t like it, then removing this and its associated wiring shouldn’t present a huge drama.
The Ford’s drivetrain appears to be original, but it is original with a twist. What we find is a 221ci flathead V8 engine, backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. When it was shiny and new, this powerplant would have produced a fairly healthy (by 1937 standards) 85hp. As you can plainly see, this flathead is no longer completely standard. The original induction system has been replaced by a Thickstun intake and a pair of 2-barrel carburetors. It isn’t clear what other upgrades might have been performed to the engine’s internals, but it does also wear a dual exhaust. I’m not a gambling man, but I would nearly be willing to bet that this V8 now produces a few ponies more than the original 85. The presentation of the engine bay is extremely good, but (and this is personal preference) I could do without the sight of braided stainless steel on a car of this vintage. How does it go? Well, pretty good apparently. The seller says that it runs, shifts, and stops nicely, that it sounds fabulous, and that it is a real blast to drive. Somehow, I don’t find that at all surprising.
The seller of this 1937 Ford 5-Window Coupe mentions NADA valuations in the text of his listing, with figures of between $21,000 and $31,000, depending on condition. I tend to think that this car might be pushing towards the upper figure due to its condition. However, these don’t appear to be figures that are set in concrete, because he does indicate that he could be open to reasonable offers. Regardless of what the vehicle does finally sell for, I suspect that the new owner is going to find themselves with a vehicle that should provide plenty of enjoyable motoring. I just hope that they will appreciated it as much as its late owner obviously did.
“ I just hope that they will appreciated it as much as its late owner obviously did”..
We do too, Adam. A magnificent car lovingly cared for.
Nice unit. I sure wouldn’t kick it off my driveway. Not the original engine; this is a 24 stud unit; the original would be a 21 stud. A genuine ’37 would have 18 mm plugs as well. 1937 was the year Ford introduced the V8-60, which left something to be desired for Ford’s better ideas. It was economical but cost almost as much to build as the V8-85 but Henry wouldn’t consider building a six. Those who ran a 60 said that they worked out all right–downhill with a tailwind. First time I encountered one was at a car meet in Shelby. The guy who owned it ran if for many years. It was quite a novelty. I swear that you could get right in beside that engine…
Juice brakes? Hope so!
juice brakes? hope not. mechanicals will do great if set up and maintained correctly; and are much easier to set up and maintain….
I have no problem with mechanical brakes; they require constant adjustment but if you break a cable or a bell crank you’ve still got brakes on other wheels. Juice brakes, all you need is to break an axle or blow a line and your brakes are gone. IMHO, convert to juice brakes, it would be advisable to go to a dual system…
juice brakes are an upgrade only if you go to front discs with a dual master cylinder.
ordinary 4-wheel hydraulic drums are not worth the time and money….
Dual Strombergs?
Look like 94s to me…
Slowly but surely, I’m aging into the individual for whom this is the perfect vehicle.
A very nice example of an early V-8 Ford. It is obvious it was owned and built by a true early Ford expert. The modificatiare period perfect for this car. I would assume-with all the mods it has been Improved,Ihydraulicbrakes. I don’t normally say this, butthis car, don’tchange it. I think the suggested value is close, but I think in this market it will to out at 25K?
A very nice example of an early V-8 Ford. It is obvious, it was owned and built by a true early Ford expert. The modifications are period perfect for this car. I would assume it has been up dated with hydraulic brakes. I don’t usually say this but this car should be left just like it is.
I love this car. Hope the new owner treats it well and doesn’t screw it up.
Nice looking car…another “survivor”, with non original paint…
WOW! I love this car. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this car would stop me in my tracks. RIP former owner, I’ll bet he had a blast in this car.
I hope in Heaven, God has one just like it awaiting for him to enjoy forever. I hope my Dad has his 55 Plymouth there too, maybe they can cruise together among the clouds.
VERY NICE ! where’s the video ?
cable brakes= juice came in 39
Henry finally allowed juice brakes in ’39 but it was more of a gun to the head for him. It wasn’t a safety or convenience issue; it was licensing to the existing juice component manufacturers that he resented…
12 volt, hydro breaks, plastic covered wires, better motor, etc.
Off the add now (only 1 200 $ bid ).
A nice driver, and still – sorta investment grade…
A great looking 37 FORD! Made the year I was born. Sure would love to have it. If I was that luck, it would be kept, maintained and driven daily to enjoy it and not change a single bolt or screw on it. This car is to be preserved as it is today, no changes and or upgrades further n it. Leave it as the owner left it and drive and really enjoy it to the fullest.
My BID for it would be an even $22,000.00.
No longer available,according to ebay.Thanks for the tease….
That was no tease, I was dead serious. That was what the car was worth as it was no longer original. Only thing great about it was the all steel body yet and no rust. A car is only original once and he ruined that. The Paint job he had put on was not an available paint for 37 back then. I wonder wha tit brought over my $22,000. Bid.
I had a 37 60, no power, while a nice car didn’t it come with rubber mats instead of carpet as suggested?
A beautiful example of a mild hot rod! I love this car! The only change I would make is to lose those taillights on stalks and put a pair of 1950 Pontiac taillights in the deck lid!