While writing for Barn Finds is a pleasure and a privilege, the downside is that I often face cars I would love to park in my garage. If I were to buy every one of them, my garage would need to be the size of the average shopping mall car park. This 1937 Ford DeLuxe Coupe is a prime example. Its overall condition means it is an eye-catching vehicle that needs nothing. It would undoubtedly attract attention wherever it does, and it seems its next journey could be to a new home. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Roseville, California, for $36,500. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for referring this fabulous Ford.
The history of this Ford could be fascinating. The seller claims it is a two-owner classic, which you don’t see every day. It would be interesting to know how long it was in the care of each person because its overall condition and presentation suggest both cherished it. Its Dark Blue paint shines beautifully, clearly reflecting its surroundings. Some slight swirls are visible in the supplied photos, but careful work with a high-quality polish should address those. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of external rust. The seller states this Californian classic has been garaged its entire life, making its rust-free status understandable. The chrome and trim sparkle as impressively as the paint, and there are no signs of glass issues or cloudiness.
Older classics can sometimes feature tired and marked interior trim, but this Ford avoided those issues. Its upholstered surfaces look perfect, with no visible wear or physical damage. The seat is particularly noteworthy because there are no problems on the outer edges. The dash shines magnificently, and many would consider it the interior highlight. With no wheel wear, gauges with clear lenses and markings, and the correct rubber mat on the floors, this interior has no apparent needs or shortcomings.
Henry Ford was passionate about four-cylinder engines. Had he had his way, every car produced during his lifetime would have featured the same motor that powered the venerable Model T. For all his stubbornness, he eventually realized that change had to occur if the company were to compete with the opposition. Once he cleared that hurdle, he became impressed with the smoothness offered by a V8, and the flathead version developed by Ford has attained legend status. It is one of those flatheads we find under the hood of this Coupe. It is the 221ci version that sends 85hp and 153 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. Those were considered impressive figures in 1937, and with both being delivered relatively low in the rev range, this Coupe would be a flexible vehicle in heavy traffic. The seller states the car features upgraded brakes, but no further mechanical improvements are mentioned. However, it runs and drives exceptionally well, making it the ideal candidate for some relaxed weekend touring.
Finding an eighty-six-year-old classic with only two owners throughout its life is rare, but that is the backstory of this 1937 Ford DeLuxe Coupe. Its presentation is almost impossible to fault, offering its new owner the chance to live the classic dream immediately. Although the price isn’t pocket change, it isn’t unprecedented for a car of this caliber. The listing suggests that, apart from the initial purchase price, potential buyers should face no further restoration or other expenses. That has to make it tempting for the right person, but is it you?
I love it! If this 37 were mine I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, except maybe dual exhaust with glass packs. Then just drive her on the weekends with a big ol smile on my face. I hope you cheebie people leave this car alone for the FORD lovers. I know you’re drooling all over your keyboard wishing this car had a sbc in it. I saw an ad in BF for a 38 cheb. Buy that one and cut it up.
Yes, This car isa perfect candidate for “preservation”, to be driven and enjoyed but not molested. One of my good friend’d dads had a ’53, l’ast year of the flathead’. With 3 speed plus overdrive it was great. I had a ’54 for tenyears the first OHV “Y” block and no matter whst the rear seal always dripped. Efen with an older mechanic well experienced with installing the crappy rope seal on the rear main, it dripped. The casr was rock solid reliable though
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No mention of the great restoration performed on this car. Guarantee that the dashboard and engine compartment never shined like that when Henry rolled it out of the factory. Beautiful car.
If ever there was a car that I would love to own as a daily driver, this one falls into that category. Limited items to maintain, easy to get to most items and a little power to boost. And cheaper than most new cars today.
The 37 Ford has always been somewhat of an oxymoron, in the late 50’s and early sixties when I was a teenage Hot Rodder , no one wanted a 37 Ford. Not sure why, maybe because many of them had V-8 60’s. If you don’t know that was a BABY V-8, that would barely get out of its own way. They are collector items and many of them, have become coffee tables. This 37 looks to be the best of the best and has a real Flathead and hydraulic brakes upgrade. The price is high, but for someone who wants the best example they can find, this would probably be that car.
Gotta go with Joe Haska on this one. That is a beautiful dashboard only equaled in my eyes to a few similar ones in ’37 convertibles and phaetons. ’37s were considered to be the red-haired stepchildren in the early/mid-fifties when I was on the prowl. We only wanted the V8-60 types for the tubular front axles (beautifully done and feather-light compared to Henry’s usual I-beam axles) and their 4:44 rear end gears (needed for the otherwise low HP and lousy performance). Danny Brent (a San Diego rod builder) launched a nation-wide ’37 upsurge/revival in the early ’70s with the resto-rod movement of that time.
Asking price is in keeping with market prices. 1937 Ford is few and far between. Looks like a good survivor candidate.
A lot were crashed while roundy round racing, no one wanted them. I had a 38 Standard Coupe V8 60 that was super clean, very sorry I sold it. Oh well, you can’t keep/save them all as my wife once said.
My goodness what a beautiful automobile! I love this era of Ford vehicles. The styling and proportions are perfect in the coupes. I’m sure it is well worth the asking price and some lucky person will soon be sitting behind the wheel with a big grin on their face. GLWTS.
Headlights of the 1937 are my favorite.
Wow! What a head turner! Someone did a great job on this restoration. Truly, a turnkey classic. He’s asking a realistic price for this 37 Ford Deluxe Coupe. I don’t see how anyone can whine about the price He’s asking. Great find and description.
David S,
Funny you would mention Danny Brent, I don’t know him except for the reputation and the cars he built. He was a trend setter and many of his cars were in the magazines, in that 70 ‘s time frame. In June 1978 his car was on the cover of “Street Rodder Magazine” and my 34 was featured inside.
Danny was a few years behind me in high school, along with Harry Jackman (Jackman Wheels) and Carl Adams, a sprint car builder/driver and ’70s NASCAR driver (Marck Motors Ford #09), and Mike Clancy, a custom builder like Brent – lots of great fabricators in that group. A little later, NASCAR legend Jimmy Johnson also grew up in the same area.
Looks like a Tudor sedan front seat, the back is split in half for folding forward or could be a Club Coupe seat.
The seat is split to access the spare tire. No spare in the trunk.
BTW, this isn’t a Deluxe. It’s a standard with a deluxe grill. I could list the many differences, but it’s a moot point.
TouringFordor,
Could you give us beginners just a hint or two about “ol blue” here isn’t a deluxe?
Paul, I could list the many differences that prove this a real Deluxe, but it’s a moot point.
The well has been poisoned.
Paul, just as a beginning, in these ’30s versions, standard models only have one windshield wiper, inside, one visor, outside, one tail light, etc…..
So that’s what they look like not all rodded up. I would daily this during the summer months.
I hope whoever gets this gem keeps it just like it is. What a beauty!
In this guy’s thorough restoration of this 37, it probably didn’t take adding but a few options and pieces of trim to turn a standard into a Deluxe. He did a superb job IMO.
Awesome Ford. Well priced. Somebody is going to be a happy camper.
Wondering if this is a Standard rather than a DeLuxe. It has one windshield wiper, but two tail lights. It has the Standard interior, but a Deluxe steering wheel (although it’s the wrong color) and grille. There is no DeLuxe running board trim. If the odometer has three places rather than four, my bet is on a fluffed-up Standard. Hope it gets a good home.
Bought it. Will preserve it as is. No hot rodding. Nope. I will be a conscientious caretaker.
Excellent…
You are doing the right thing :-)