1937 Ford Model 78 Fordor Sedan

Description

The 1937 Ford Model 78 represents perhaps the ideal combination of pre-war style and fat-fendered comfort, with the added space of the "Trunkback" 4-door sedan serving as a top option for those looking for that elusive combination of roominess and style. That pointed, V-shaped prow on this all-steel Deluxe sedan is one of the most recognizable beaks ever designed, and the rest of the two-tone car ain't half bad, either. Add in a rebuilt Flathead V8, comfortable interior, and a shockingly affordable price and you get a rod that'll make you happy for years to come.

Two-tone colors like the beige and brown were common on pre-war cars, particularly because Henry Ford was always concerned that cars painted with bright colors would quickly fade. But you can't argue that it doesn't look awesome on the original 1937 Ford sheetmetal. Nothing on this particular car has been chopped or altered and all the Deluxe trim remains, so it has an honest period look that comes naturally. It's been preserved/maintained/restored at different times throughout its life, but it is ready to drive and enjoy without worries now, and despite a few cosmetic flaws here and there it presents well enough to show with pride at the local cruise night. The only real demerit is a trunk that doesn't sit quite flush at the driver's side, but that's a common problem with these cars. The paint still shines up well and could possible benefit from a professional cut and buff session to really wake up the shine, especially on the beige parts that may still be covered in the original finish. All the fenders and running boards are steel too, and it's nice to see running boards wrapped in rubber that can actually be used. Faired-in headlights were a major modernization for the year, as were the dual taillights in the Deluxe models. Chrome bumpers and all the added Deluxe stainless trim suffer from a little oxidation but still glitter against the paint, giving the car a bit of jewelry to go with the finish.

The mohair tan cloth interior is quite conservative, using period-style patterns to give it an old-fashioned look that is perfect for an original car such as this. The door panels match the bench seats, the carpets are plush, and the interior is essentially all stock, including the door handles, original instrument panel, and the Deluxe-spec banjo steering wheel. The original Art Deco dash is painted to match the beige paint on the exterior, and the big, stock round gauges are still ahead of the driver, there's a clock set inside the glove compartment door, and a group of aftermarket Bosch units are installed in a custom diamond-plate panel under the dash. Just like in 1937, options are sparse, with no brilliant stereo or climate control unit to be found, but if you're buying an original prewar car and looking for those luxuries, you might have missed a point or two in your research. The reason we love these cars are the way they attack are senses with their elegant simplicity – the sound of a speeding Flathead V8, the feel of the big steering wheel and tall shifter in your hands, the view through the V'd windshield – these are all thrilling sensations that provide more excitement for the driver than any amenity ever could. Out back, there's plenty of room in the trunk (this is a "Trunkback" sedan, after all), even with the full-size spare and jack set in tow.

If you haven't owned a flathead Ford, you really owe it to yourself to find out what all the commotion is about. This slick flatty has been rebuilt and upgraded with an .030 overbore, adjustable lifters, a modern 12-volt alternator, and a few dress-up parts, so it looks great and drives like a flathead should. The original 3-speed manual transmission still handles power delivery to the original rear end, and the suspension carries transverse leaf springs as original. Tube shocks were added and really make a big difference in ride and handling. A bubbly dual exhaust system perfectly exclaims that flathead sound and you can plainly see that this car came from someplace warm and dry, because the chassis is in good shape overall. Classic painted steel wheels are adorned with correct beauty rings and hubcaps that add a period look and they're all wrapped in stunning whitewall bias-ply tires.

A neat Ford at a great price, and with rebuilt flathead power, it'll stand out at shows. You're really going to enjoy this one. Call today!