1935 Ford Model 48 Phaeton

Description

In a world overpopulated with the same hi-boy roadsters and overbuilt streetrods, this beautiful, all-steel 1935 Ford Model 48 Phaeton definitely stands out. Not only does it dare to be different, but it's expertly finished and ready to cruise with an upgraded 350/TH350 drivetrain and luxurious interior. With a stock Pre-War look on the outside, loads of power underneath, and plenty of room for the entire family inside – not to mention a top that goes down – this gorgeous Phaeton is an excellent choice for anyone that craves attention.

As the '30s reached their midpoint, Ford came to realize that its offerings were beginning to look a little dated, so they set about creating more modern and stylish models in an effort to reassert dominance in an increasingly competitive automotive market. Featuring an opulent overall style and a thoroughly refreshed appearance, this Phaeton was a proud member of that resulting class whose resounding success translated into more than 800,000 units sold in just its first year. This gorgeous all-steel example is decked out in a great looking shade of deep Burgundy, and with its low-slung body, shaved door handles, and full-size spare encased in a matching case mounted in back, this '35 is simply an awesome automobile. Examine its lengthy form up close and you won't find any dings or dents, and although the paint job is certainly older, it's been extremely well-cared for throughout the years since the car's restoration. It obviously received a high-end paint, as it is still very uniform and lustrous today, with a nice shine that look fantastic in person. It may have a couple imperfections, minor nicks, and light scratches, but we're talking about some very minor blemishes that do nothing to take away from this Phaeton's immense curb appeal. Its collection of chrome brightwork is in great shape too - the waterfall front grille and trim on the hood is looking particularly sharp – and even though some light patina can be seen up close, it still looks incredibly bright up against the dark finish. Chrome bumpers fore and aft connect the swooping fenders, and the running boards are protected with black rubber step-strips that are period-perfect and practical. Details like the rose-etched side glass, the ornate side mirrors, and prominent fender-mounted headlights are all special pieces that put the car over the top, and it's obvious that everything was expertly put together. A sheltered existence has definitely paid dividends as far as the tan convertible top is concerned, and we'd surprised to hear if it's ever seen bad weather.

Climb inside and you'll be surrounded by a sharp tan interior that is so nice even experts will have trouble deciding if it's actually upholstered in vinyl or leather. The expansive front bench seat shows very little, if any, wear in the high-traffic areas, matching the excellent condition of the flanking door panels and matching rear bench. Plush carpets line the floors and help insulate the cabin, and each door panel got a map pocket and bright billet hardware that dresses them up beautifully. Matching burgundy paint covers all the exposed steel inside, including the reworked dash that now houses an array of centralized VDO gauges that closely resemble antique pieces, yet provide the driver with modern read-outs. A Budnik billet steering wheel wrapped in a tan leather wheel anchors the cabin, and it was mounted atop a polished tilt steering wheel that provides the driver with added room at the helm. The tall, curvy shifter that manages the upgraded TH350 automatic transmission is a short reach away, and it matches the look of the original-style gas pedal below, while bright red seatbelts up fron add a little protection.

To make cruising easy and fun, a 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 was tucked under the Ford's hood, with plenty of horsepower on tap and at the ready. The engine bay got a great look, with a custom-fitted firewall seeming to wrap around the engine and plenty of polished and chromed bits like the bright valve covers and open-element air cleaner. Everything blings under the hood, led by an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock performance intake manifold, a billet dual-master cylinder, and fresh-looking components throughout, and although it's no longer all new and shiny, all these pieces were certainly picked for their reliability. Proper upgrades include a power rack-and-pinion steering and Mustang II-style independent front suspension, sturdy coiled-springs with upgraded shocks up front and in the rear, front disc brakes, and an overall low body weight that make this Vicky quite the steady handler on the road. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission augmented with an auxiliary trans cooler is always on duty and feeds a Ford 9-inch rear end filled with highway-ready gears, making for a nearly bulletproof drivetrain. A throaty dual exhaust system with glasspack-style muffler provides the perfect soundtrack, rumbling through stainless steel pipes that exit just beneath the rear bumper. Finishing off the stock-inspired look is a set of painted steel wheels adorned with proper Ford chrome hubcaps and beauty rings, wrapped in staggered 165/15 front and 215/70/15 rear whitewall radials with plenty of grip.

Fords aren't overly unusual hotrods, but you don't see many '35 Pheatons left out on the road, and certainly not many built to this dialed-in level. No-compromises fun make this big droptop a hit everywhere it goes. Call now!