Beautiful multi-year restoration in period colors. Rebuilt 221 cubic inch flathead V8 with aluminum heads. Correct mohair interior. Nicely accessorized. Runs and drives very well, smooth and nimble. A very appealing flathead Ford ready to tour!
By 1935, Henry Fords flathead V8 was a mainstay on American roads. It changed the way people looked at their cars, realizing that they were more than just transportation-they could be fun to drive, too! Torquey, energetic, reliable, and impeccably smooth, the affordable Ford V8 might just be the car that made America fall in love with driving. By the time this very attractive 1935 Ford Deluxe sedan was built, theyd pretty much perfected the formula, combining attractive styling with great road manners and bulletproof reliability (no pun intended, Bonnie and Clyde). As a result, these cars have been favorites for decades. This one was recently finished to a high standard by an elderly gentleman who did it as a labor of love, and it shows. Ford called this particular shade of tan a lot of different names, and in 1935 it was Palm Beach Gray, although theres really not much gray to it. Fit and finish are excellent, with four doors that close with a solid kerCHUNK thats reassuring and a soft gloss to the paint that seems entirely appropriate for the mid-30s. Plenty of chrome and stainless trim makes it look dressed up, and all of the shiny bits were restored along with the rest of the car, including the iconic greyhound hood ornament. New running board mats and a fresh top insert make this car ready for touring, and it has been outfitted with accessories like dual side mirrors, a front grille guard, and a rear back-up light. Its an extremely appealing package.
The taupe mohair interior is largely how it would have been in 1935. The seats are springy and comfortable, the upholstery materials are durable, and it has a very correct look throughout. The big steering wheel makes it easy to wheel the little Ford around with enthusiasm, and the gauges put all the vitals right in front of the driver. This car is also outfitted with an aftermarket oil pressure gauge under the dash, and were happy to see that the little flathead is plenty healthy in that regard. The 3-speed shifter has synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd gears and clutch action is light, so its easy to drive. The crank in the center of the dash opens the windshield for additional ventilation and youll note the accessory AM radio head just below-it isnt hooked up, but the control box is included with the car if youd like to pursue making it operational. The dash and garnish moldings are nicely finished in a subtle woodgrain effect, and all the door hardware was restored or replaced during the restoration. Back seat space is expansive, and theres a clever trunk stashed behind the rear seat back-not exactly convenient, but certainly useful.
The engine is a correct 21-stud flathead V8 that displaces 221 cubic inches and makes 85 horsepower. It features correct aluminum heads, which are somewhat rare these days (there was a recall early in the cars life to replace the aluminum heads with iron due to corrosion issues), and it has been fully rebuilt to stock specs. Theres a correct carburetor up top, complete with oil bath air cleaner, an aluminum intake manifold, and stock exhaust manifolds to ensure that it stays quiet. It always starts quickly and easily with the floor-mounted starter pedal and never seems to get fussy. Theres plenty of torque on tap at almost any speed to make it feel lively and energetic, and with 3.78 gears out back, it zips through traffic without much effort at all. Its happy on the highway at 55 MPH or so, and dont let the mechanical brakes scare you-theyre set up correctly and are quite effective (with the side benefit of never leaking or rusting). The suspension is simple, as Henry insisted, but it rides well and as I mentioned, steering is light and accurate so the Ford feels agile and light compared to most of its competition. Theres also a new exhaust system that gives it a great V8 sound thats just a joy on the open road. Correct welded-spoke wire wheels are painted bright red for contrast and carry right-sized 6.00-16 wide whitewall tires.
Extras include the original jack with crank handle, AM radio components, and a 1935 Ford V8 brochure.
If you havent driven a flathead Ford, youre really missing out. Fast, fun, and competent, these rugged cars feel great going down the road and their great looks bely their affordable prices. You couldnt restore one to this level for the asking price, even if you got the car for free. Its finished, sorted, and ready to go. If youve got the urge to discover why these cars are so popular, or perhaps youre interested in your first pre-war car, this is a fantastic place to start. Take a closer look then give us a call!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
