Some projects tell a story before you ever turn a wrench. This 1934 Ford Rumble Seat Roadster, listed on eBay in Poway, California, appears to be one of those cars. According to the seller, it’s a genuine all-steel Henry Ford roadster that was transformed into a California hot rod during the 1950s before spending decades tucked away in storage. Now it’s being offered as a complete restoration project with a clear California title, a running 8BA Flathead V8, and a collection of original parts that accompany the sale.
The seller says this roadster began life as an all-steel 1934 Ford before making its way from Portland, Oregon, to San Diego in 1957. They describe it as having remained in Southern California ever since, spending many years off the road and stored in a garage. Rather than being restored back to factory specifications decades ago, the car reportedly retains the period hot rod modifications that were popular during the era.
Under the hood is a Ford 8BA Flathead V8 dating from the 1949-1953 period. According to the seller, the engine was recently started using temporary wiring, an external fuel source, and a shop carburetor that is not included with the sale. They report that it developed approximately 45 pounds of oil pressure at idle and exhibited no abnormal noises during the verification. The seller is careful to point out that this was only a startup verification, not a road test, and that the cooling system was not filled or evaluated.
The roadster is also described as rolling, steering, and stopping under its own mechanical systems. The listing states that the original mechanical brakes and steering function for moving the car around a shop or onto a trailer, but emphasizes that this is not a drivable vehicle. According to the seller, a full restoration should include floor pan fabrication, repairs to the lower body and rumble seat trunk area, windshield glass replacement, a complete rewire, and a full mechanical rebuild before road use.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the listing is its preservation of period hot rod details. The seller says the dashboard was fitted decades ago with a 1947 Mercury speedometer, four Stewart-Warner gauges, and a 1946-48 Dodge steering wheel. The cowl vent has also been filled, which they describe as a typical hot rod modification from the period. The current aged white finish reportedly sits over the car’s original blue paint, which is visible in places.
The seller also notes that the serial number matches both the California title and the frame stamping. While the 1947 Mercury speedometer displays 20,866 miles, they make it clear that the gauge is not original to the car and should not be interpreted as actual vehicle mileage.
Included with the project is an impressive assortment of parts. According to the listing, the buyer will receive two original 1934 Ford grilles, front and rear fenders, running boards, front and rear bumpers, top bows, side curtain frames, original snap hardware, the spare tire carrier and cover, headlight and taillight stands, along with both the interior and rumble seat spring assemblies. The seller also explains that what was previously identified as top irons are actually side curtain frames and believes the car originally used a lift-off top rather than a folding design.
Perhaps the most refreshing part of the listing is the seller’s straightforward approach. They openly discuss the work the car needs, explain exactly how the engine was tested, welcome in-person inspections, and encourage prospective buyers to see the roadster before bidding. That level of transparency is always appreciated when dealing with a project of this age and significance.
Whether your vision is to preserve its 1950s California hot rod personality or carefully restore it into something else, this all-steel 1934 Ford Roadster offers a fascinating starting point with documented history, a clear title, and a collection of hard-to-find original components.
Yes, you could park that car at my place. I love early 30s Fords. Lots of work to do on this one but it would be worth the effort. These cars even catch the attention of younger kids today.
While I would prefer a cabriolet, I still wouldn’t turn down a roadster like this one. I might add that it takes more than a casual glance to tell the difference between the two body styles.
Nice complete presentation by the seller. ’33 and ’34s are probably the best things Ford built in that era. This could be well worth restoring.
Cool car in its day. There is a subset of serious collectors and restores for early hot rods, they work off a different dynamic than the average car guy. What most people see as a rusty hulk worth $1,000, they see a restorable piece of history. If one of those guys decides they want it, they will make a deal and take it home.
Steve R