While it is possible to create a modern hot rod, there’s something attractive about buying one built during the genre’s heyday. That is the case with this 1934 Ford 5-Window Coupe. A previous owner built the vehicle as a show car during the 1960s, but it has spent many years sitting in a shed. It is a solid candidate for restoration, and returning it to its former glory should be both easy and satisfying. The Coupe is listed here on eBay in Dade City, Florida. Bidding sits at $28,655 but remains short of the reserve. I send a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this classic for us.
The one thing we must never forget about hot rods is that no two are alike. Most owners will carefully read the rulebook on automotive design, throw the book out the window, and follow their instinct. That is the case with this Ford, although the creator deserves credit for retaining the car’s original steel. The exception is the gas tank cover, which is fiberglass. The paint has seen better days, but only a thorough clean to remove the years of accumulated dust will reveal whether it is beyond the point of no return. However, there’s enough visible patchiness to suggest that a repaint will be one of the tasks required. The panels are straight, but the best news is that this Ford remains rust-free. That means the welder and grinder can stay in the cupboard for this project. The back window lowers as it should, the windshield cranks out, and the glass looks in good order. The chrome may respond positively to the application of some polish, and the same appears true of the wire wheels.
One of the areas of classic hot rod construction with no rules was drivetrain configuration. While most builders preferred to keep the body, frame, and engine common to the same manufacturer, necessity often saw a different reality. That is the case with this Ford because its engine bay houses something purely Bow-Tie. The 283ci V8 started life snuggling between the front wheels of a 1957 Corvette but now calls this Coupe home. Power from the V8 feeds to an Olds rear end via a four-speed T-10 manual transmission. The power output of the 283 is unclear, although the Weiand aluminum intake, dual-quads, and Headman headers could make 300hp a reality. The car has been sitting for several years, but the seller poured fuel down the carburetors, and the motor coughed into life. It is not a running or driving classic, but the fact the engine sounded healthy indicates the buyer will commence that aspect of the revival from a sound base.
The interior photos supplied by the seller are limited, but piecing them together paints a largely positive picture. The floors have no coverings, which may motivate the buyer to purchase carpet or a rubber mat. The seats and other upholstered surfaces wear Black rolled and pleated vinyl that looks very nice. This extends to the rumble seat, which could be a delightful place for passengers on warm days. A journey in a rumble seat is not something I’ve experienced, but it is definitely on my Bucket List! The painted surfaces are great for their age, and there is a wide assortment of Stewart Warner gauges in the dash to monitor this classic’s health. There is also an AM radio and a chrome column-mounted Sun Tach that perfectly suits the interior.
I’ve always viewed classic hot rods as a triumph of owner ingenuity. The roots of the culture were born out of individuals without the means of buying a new high-performance car. Instead, they took their limited funds and made the best of what was available to create something with the power and looks that would make a bold statement. They ignored convention, often mixing and matching bodies and drivetrain components as their budget allowed. They aren’t cars that appeal to automotive purists but are perfect for those craving individuality. That begs the question of the new owner’s approach with this 5-Window Coupe. Its lack of rust and significant body issues suggest that returning it to its former glory should be relatively easy and rewarding. Others may opt for the preservation route, allowing it to wear its survivor badge proudly. I suspect the next owner will choose restoration, but I will be fascinated to read your feedback.
No reason to change anything on this car. It is what it’s been for a lot of years and represents a lot of automotive history. Cleaned up and fixed up it will be good looking and fun to drive.
I’d change that steering wheel.
Where is the vin number for one of these?? I have the exact one but can’t find it for nothing..
It is in 3 places all on the lift side frame rail on top the first is next to the steering box the next is under the door the.3 is on the front partner the hump going over the rear axel
The wheels definitely need changed!
Agree. Maybe just steel with center caps, little wider in the rear.
The wheels definitely need changed!!
You should buy and do that !
The steering wheel has to go! But, otherwise a very detailed cleaning is all it needs. I would enjoy it as is.
I’d take the spare tire off the back and clean the fuel system and clean up the rest of the car change fluids and drive it. so cool !!!
Nice daily driver
Could those be Buick Skylark, Kelsey Hayes wheels?
Yes – those are period correct and rare Buick Skylark wires……..I’d leave them on and make folks mad………
Change wheels, leave spare tire, clean it up and drive it
Sliding rear window or are my 1958 vintage eyes deceiving me?
My 1950 vintage eyes says yes it is a slider.
Nice car, all it needs is good wash and polish get the engine to run properly and enjoy it. Could use some after market A/C.
It is up to $33,000 + so rules me out but I would leave the wheels etc just change the steering wheel, I have a couple of ’39 steering wheels I could use on of, it looks like this might have been a top show car in the day with all of the chrome underpinnings. You would most likely have to use inner tubes with the wire wheels as much as I am not a fan of them yes I would leave them there.
It is up to $33,000 + so rules me out but I would leave the wheels etc just change the steering wheel, I have a couple of ’39 steering wheels I could use on of, it looks like this might have been a top show car in the day with all of the chrome underpinnings. You would most likely have to use inner tubes with the wire wheels as much as I am not a fan of them yes I would leave them there. Of course give it a deep clean and quality polish.
I would get rid of the wheels, repaint, drop a modern L engine, new frame and complete inside. Really, just kidding as it is a perfect Sweet ride.
For some reason, I just saw this listing and I am probably the one person who has a serious interest into, what the future holds for this car. WHY? Because ,I have almost its identical Twin. I think without prejudice mine is a little better, but only because mine, has never spent anytime in storage , for 59 years of my ownership, it has been a running driving car. I have had it since summer of 1963. It is understood by now that it is my car. It is also apparent now that it will out live me. It is the opposite of your dog, that you have to deal with the heart ache of when they leave you. I hope this B/F car finds a new care taker ,that will appreciate its contribution to the Hot Rod world, that it lived in and contributed too, and will honor that until its next transition.
I could say allot more, but that would only give more people the opportunity to think, I am even a bigger nut case than I am. I wish this little 34 5 window , Gods Speed.
Good morning Joe from Down Under, thanks to you guys you lifted rodding to what it is today, away from just clunkers which I did own myself being my first model A roadster which was what I could afford at the time. But these cars with the extra chrome etc bought the sport up a level. Good on you Joe these cars are great.
John, Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. You say down under, my guess is Australia or New Zealand. My wife and I holidayed in New Zealand for a month, absolutely loved it. I would like to take my cars and live there. Didn’t get to Australia,but would like to. We did note the on going competition
between the two countries, we just thought it was funny.
Joe I am originally from Rotorua N.Z but came to Australia for a 6 month holiday 41 years ago. I’ll see if I can find you on F.Book and send a friend req.
I have a Tupperware 33 roadster myself, The Aussie and U.S bodies were different and the U.S style looks much nicer in my opinion, maybe because I was used to the American bodies in N.Z as Australia had their own car industry and seemed to see a need to change things.
John, I have been to Rotorua, liked it once we got used to the smell. There is absolutely not one thing I disliked about N.Z. I would move there if I could. However we would have to take my son his wife and my daughter. Oh and of course my 34 and 53 F-100. Well at least the 34, that’s a lie ,I would probably sacrifice the 34 ,for the greater good. For the month we were there, we never met a rude person, we were treated like celebrities. I don’t think I am on face book. My daughter-in-law made an account for me a long time ago,but she kept it up for business , but I never used it. My company was Greybeard Promotions and we produced The Rocky Mountain Rod and Custom Auto Show for , 20 years. My e-mail is jhaska@comcast.net. Would love to visit with you sometime, we would have lots of things to talk about…..Joe
Email sent Joe, Cheers, John
Hello, just to introduce myself. I am the proud owner of this 34 Ford for about two years now I live in Chicago still trying to trace the history of the car. If anybody has any knowledge, please let me know. Thank you.