Hidden away in this garage is a classic that has led a sheltered life. It is a 1934 Ford Model 40 Deluxe Coupe that has spent the past five decades in storage. It is remarkably well preserved, and its current owner has returned it to a roadworthy state. That leaves the buyer with the choice of either treating the vehicle to a cosmetic refresh or driving it as is. If you would love to become this classic’s new owner, you will find it located in Hopwood, Pennsylvania, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has sailed past the reserve and currently sits at $35,100.
It seems that the previous owner of this Coupe was a person who had a pretty decent private collection. This car was part of it and had been in storage since 1969. The paint color doesn’t match anything from Ford color charts of the period, suggesting that somebody has treated the vehicle to a cosmetic refresh and repaint. It still presents quite well, with the paint holding a respectable shine. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of any rust. The seller says that this Coupe spent most of its life in the drier climes of Texas, which has undoubtedly helped in this area. He says that all of the steel in the body is original, with no fiberglass or reproduction items. All external trim is present and appears to be in good condition. The glass also looks pretty nice, while I believe that the wire wheels have been restored. Overall, it seems that this classic has no immediate needs.
The seller only provides limited photos of this classic’s interior. The seat is upholstered in green vinyl, and there’s no evidence of tears or physical damage. The same is true of the door trims and headliner. It seems that somebody has restored the wheel and refinished it to match the upholstery on the seat. The state of the dash is unclear, but once again, this is an aspect of the vehicle that makes a positive impression.
It isn’t clear whether the engine under this Ford’s hood is original, but it does appear that the drivetrain combination is correct for this classic. What we find lurking under the hood is a 221ci flathead V8 that would have pumped out 85hp in its prime. That power finds its way to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. It appears that things are period-correct, right down to the six-volt electrical system. After five decades in storage, the seller says that the car has been returned to a roadworthy state. The engine bay presents well, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The car gets used regularly for car shows, and it runs and drives well. The seller suggests driving the car untouched, but he does hint at other possibilities. It would make a prime candidate for a possible custom build. With a flathead V8 already under the hood, it would be easy to perform some mild upgrades to extract a bit of extra performance from that motor. Alternatively, the car is solid enough to make an excellent basis for a hot rod build. For potential buyers, the world will be their oyster.
This 1934 Ford Deluxe Coupe offers potential buyers a world of possibilities. It is a turnkey proposition as it currently stands and would be great for relaxed weekend trips or to pop to the local Cars & Coffee. It is also the ideal candidate for a hot rod or custom build, with no significant bodywork required as part of that project. If you were to buy this classic, how would you tackle it?
Looks vaguely like Seafoam Green/Foam Green (Fender/Buick), but a bit too much blue in the mix. I have a Bass VI that colour…
the color is beautiful on this car, and the black wire wheels just complete the look.
Cut up a car like that for a “hot rod build”?? Are you serious?
Has a sealed beam conversion kit installed–once a common update.
You don’t have to cut a car up to build a hot rod out of it. I’d go with period speed parts and a different color scheme.
I agree. Aluminum heads and intake. Widen the back wheels for larger tires Nice period correct interior upgrade. Subtle changes that would make it an awesome period correct hot rod, but nothing hacked up. Next guy could go right back to original
Did they have aluminum heads way back when? I honestly don’t know. But, a cam, Denver heads, and Stromberg carbs or…build it into a “revenooer special” and dress up like Elliott Ness, don’t forget your “Chicago typewriter.”
Yes, they had aluminum heads since ’32. Many were replaced with cast iron in service, though.
Right? Want a hot rod build, then find one with a locked engine and needing bodywork anyway. I don’t mind some period go-fast parts for the flathead, but it’s a beauty as is.
Seems like a small amount of info and pictures on a large amount of money. The color looks like aquamarine, more blue than seafoam. Mechanical brakes kinda worked in the day, but I would upgrade to “juice brakes”. An in person inspection should always precede a purchase of this magnitude. Nice car, not for me though,GLWS.
Dave… We found a ’33 flatbed truck with an engine that had aluminum factory heads and intake manifold. Put the engine in a Model A and it was the smoothest running flathead V8 I’ve ever seen. Don’t know how long they had the aluminum heads but do know that the ’48 Merc I had in my ’32 had cast iron heads.
I have to comment on this car and also the readers comments. I am certainly not an expert. How ever, I have a 34 Ford 5 -Window coupe that I bought in July of 1963. I still have it and it has always been a running driving full- fendered Hot Rod. I have had 5 different engines in it ,painted it 4 times and changed the interior 3 times, and that is just a few things ,over almost 60 years of ownership. So I will say I am sorry for my comments, ahead of time ,but most of your comments are not correct. Aluminum heads and manifolds even from factory ,yes. Denver heads no, there were a set of overhead valve heads, that were manufactured in Denver, I think at most 3 sets, very rare. Named after designer Stevens (not sure of spelling) they were very similar to Arduns. I have heard this Hot Rod / Restored thing forever or at least 60 years. As long as I have owned my car ,if you compare Restored to Modified, the difference in value and using the scale of craftsmanship and steel cars in like condition you might be surprised. A quality built Hot Rod has always been more valuable than a restored car. And the spread gets wider all the time even though the price is going down. Simple supply and demand. This B/F 34 would have been priced higher than it is a few years ago, As I said I am sorry for my attitude but most of you are just repeating what you have heard and you think its a fact and it isn’t. Do your homework even in the car culture ,there is “Fake News”.
Joe Haska, did you ever paint it in that crazy graphic design that was popular in the 80’s?
Just curious.
Now this would ALMOST make me wanna go back to Pennsylvania. Juice the breaks and some period correct mods and listen to that little FLATHEAD talk out the end of some SMITTY Mufflers. Oh and to the person who said “Chicago Typewriter.” I have one.
Lovely car. But the color.
I know some love it. You say tomato I say to-mah-to.
“It would make a prime candidaate for a possible custom build”?
Whatever happened to the ideals spelled out on the Barn Finds logo: https://images.app.goo.gl/R24bdj3M6FHnGEm9A
I am 92 years old and my first car was a 1934 Ford Coupe. The car had been up on blocks during WW!!. I bought the car in 1949 from a fellow I worked with.
He had replaced the engine and restored it. Great little car. Went to Korea in ’51, and when I came I sold it to a guy who turned it into a racer, Over the years I have been fortunate to have had a great number of new and great cars, but the one I enjoyed most was that great little ’34 Ford.
Ed Breem
SOLD for $35,800.
Wow! Take the money and run. It’s a nice car, but that’s ridiculous. $35800.00. My utility bills for the rest of my life don’t equal that. I could probably even buy all my groceries and still be ahead. Oh well. If you got it enjoy it.
Needs a battery hold-down …