1936 Ford 48 Series Phaeton
"While phaetons are typically an open 4 door with no side windows and a separate windshield, a convertible sedan is a later iteration with an integral windshield and roll up windows. Phaetons usually shared the separate windshield and posts, cowl, and front doors of their roadster counterparts." Thx Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1936 Ford 48 Series Phaeton showing 6,435 miles but the true miles are unknown. The 1936 sales brochure boasts about the Phaeton, "An attractive body type, combining modern style and modern V-8 performance. Long, trim, swagger lines." Indeed, the unimpeded shoulder line and hood that's been brought forward "over the distinctive new radiator grille" really does create a beautiful profile.
Exterior
Black paint covers the car in fine fashion, reflecting the sun and our interior lights with all the gloss of a modern car, shining bright in a beautiful presentation. The black is contrasted by a red pinstripe and the tan canvas top and its wood lined frame. As the style for times, the narrow V-shaped grille is tall, going from the gently curved chrome bumper up to the hood, with the sides conforming to the curvature of the front fenders in a subtle but distinctive design note. A polished metal center rib shoots over the hood and connects visually with the windscreen frame. Side mirrors occupy both sides and robust metal door handles along with other metal work that include light rings, vent trimlines, and the upscale spear that lines the running board, are all in very nice condition. The color keyed steel 16-inch wheels wear V8 embossed hubcaps, beauty rings, and wide white wall tires while the spare is encased in a color matched container with a mock Ford hubcap and a thin white wall band. In front, yellow fog lights stand out and give an heir of prestige over the gently curved bumper. The canvas top has a line of stains and there are a few minor paint imperfections, but overall, the car is clean and show worthy.
Interior
Saddle vinyl covers the inner doors with three smooth panels delineated by a horizontal line of piping, and it looks great on all four doors. The front and back bench seats utilize the same material and are well padded with decorative stitch lines running vertically and over the lowers and the seats are intact and in very good condition, with the rear passengers having endless legroom to stretch out. A banjo style steering wheel is ringed in brown plastic and the wonderful wood dashboard appears to be one continuous piece of coated, dark wood and the asymmetrical glove box fits like a puzzle piece. Three gauges for the driver provide eight points of information and taupe knobs are in the center for other functions. A white marble handle on the floor mounted shifter, a polished hand brake, and a tan rubberized floor cover completes the coordinated palette of colors for the interior. The top of the dash and the door headers bring in the black from the exterior for a wonderful blend with the grains in the wood.
Drivetrain
With an engine cover lifted, we see a very clean compartment housing a 221ci flathead V8 rated at 90 horsepower and fed fuel by a 2-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed manual transmission throws the horses to the back axle where they are met with 4.11 gears and slowed with mechanical drum brakes front and rear.
Undercarriage
Clean and dry underneath where we find a simple layout of an X-frame and single exhaust which runs the length of the car before entering a stock style muffler and out the back. Transverse leaf spring suspension is utilized in the front and back. The underside is uniformly black with a complete lack of surface rust.
Drive-Ability
Of the ten 1936 models summarized in the sales brochure, the Phaeton was only one of two or three that appear to have been built to appeal to a fun factor. One can imagine a pleasurable open air ride, experienced ultimately with the top in the stowed position, was a luxury in 1936. This is a comfortable ride with adequate power underfoot, smooth gear changes, and braking that is matched to the power. All functions worked as expected and there's not much to go wrong. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This pre-war beauty is somewhat rare. Less than 6,000 were produced in 1936 and it's hard to know how many of the bygone era remnants are still with us. It's a spectacular example, coveted by old Ford enthusiasts, and now is available at Classic Auto Mall.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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