Barn Find Flathead: 1935 Ford Series 48 Tudor
I got a chuckle from the seller’s opening line for this 1935 Ford Series 48 Tudor which states, “A true barn find. This car was bought from the defendants of the original buyers from a southern Colorado ranch“. I think he meant descendants, not defendants but maybe this old Ford has a checkered past…Whatever the case, this 89-year-old Tudor is rather forlorn but is complete and likely a pretty good candidate for its next station in automotive life. It’s located in Penrose, Colorado and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,750. Thanks are due to T.J. for this nice tip!
I was a bit surprised when I did a search for other ’35 Fords featured on BF and was surprised at the number of posts. Then again, Ford was number one in ’35 with an output of 820K units with the Series 48 Tudor accounting for about a tenth of that number. The seller mentions “very little rust” and that appears to be the case with the running boards being the primary location. The body shows some dents and creases, and unfortunately, the grille looks as if it were either the kisser or the kissee. The finish is well faded and the leather roof panel has deteriorated to the point of non-existence so I imagine that some of that “barn time” was spent outdoors in the high, sunny altitude of central Colorado.
The 90 HP, 221 CI flathead V8 engine does turn over but it doesn’t start (check out the listing’s embedded video). It looks to be complete and it’s a surprising find mostly due to its originality. A three-speed manual transmission was the only available gearbox in ’35.
As referenced above, the lack of a roof panel has done the interior no favors. The damaged front bucket seats are still in place but the back one is either greatly diminished or is now gone. The dash’s switchgear and gauges appear to still be present, as is the under-dash heater, but the floor’s condition is unknown and not revealed. The entire environment will have to be reconstructed but that’s not a surprise and is an assumed necessity, regardless of the next owner’s intentions.
And, speaking of intentions, what’s next for this old Ford? Well, it could undergo a stock restore (which is probably unlikely), a hot rod modification, or pushed a bit further into restomod territory, or…? Well, the world’s your oyster with a car like this but I’d like to see this Ford do something a bit untypical and maintain its Ford powerplant, how about you?
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Comments
I would get the mechanicals all sorted out, make the interior serviceable, and leave the body just as it is. Then I’d drive it to AutoZone for a can of Berryman’s and an air freshener, and swing by Skyline Chili for a Coney dog.
37 or later engine. Nice one to bring to life and drive it.
I haven’t had any Skyline Chili since My late wife and I moved from Naples,
florida in 2001. She was originally from Cincinnati, Ohio where apparently plentiful. I have her recipe so I think I’ll make me some. Now the old Ford can use some TLC before driving.
God Bless America
That looks like Bonnie and Clyde’s car.
Not exactly, they had a ’34 Fordor (with the bullet hole option).
JO
Those are ‘Speed Holes’
I thought that was weight reduction for better fuel economy.
Bonnie and Clyde’s car was a ’34 Fordoor Deluxe Sedan. That’s the one the Clyde wrote the letter to Henry Ford about, it being the best get-a-way car.
https://automotivehistory.org/may-23-1934-bonnie-clyde-are-shot-to-death-in-a-ford-v8/
Price is rather, uh, shall we say – “optimistic” for today. Maybe 20 years ago, but now . . . ?
“Bucket seats” lol. Hopefully someone saves this sedan and turns it into a useful street rod.
Bucket seats LOL? That’s what Ford called them, read the attachment.
JO
JO I lold over what were considered buckets back then as to now. Recaro those are not. See what I mean?
Yup, got it.
Thx,
JO
… or a correct restoration.
Twenty years ago a correct restoration would kinda make sense but these days would be a complete waste of money.
Back in my ’53-’57 high school daze in San Diego, ’35/’36 Fords were ‘iffy’ choices for me, ‘cuz we had many options. The ’35 was the last Ford with wire wheels, the ’36 the final fabric roof. We never called them 48s, the tudor models came in ‘flatback’ (like this one) with the luggage space behind the rear seat, and ‘humpback’ with truck access from upper outside. The flatbacks, like this one, took on a rather strange appearance with the removal of the spare tire/mount apparatus, and our obligatory dropped front end (‘dago’ axle, or heated spring) stance… kinda awkwardly shortened somehow. This is a standard model, one wiper, one tail light, radio block plate, etc. Also the cylinder heads are ’37 model, suggesting an engine chance/upgrade at one time long ago. Nonetheless still a winner to these old eyes.
Thanks for the perspective. Amazing how intact the lacquer paint is.
Add already says pending but i have to agree with Red K get the mechanics and interior sorted and just drive it.
Agreed. After getting the mechanicals and interior sorted out, just drive it. Why spend a fortune on paint and then have to worry about people touching it? Leave it have the patina appropriate for its age and drive it. If you can’t touch it and can’t drive it, do you have an asset? Or do you have a liability?
this is when the usa ‘classics’ came in for me (different off shore) late 30s – very early 50s. As such a full restore is my interest. I machine motors from the ‘60s’n 70s (for dailies), Y not this? Like to see rest0 right dwn to cloth covered wires, 6 volt system, etc. I might dare to put ele ignition, attempt a cam (with guidance) sleeper carb to increase performance (pep & MPGs); may B even frnt discs – but that would need research. The cohort for the pre-war car has aged out so this might B bought more reasonably. If so I’d give ita try. A few chrome nuts on the flattie (cant pep these up I understand) nice color.
way too much !!!!!
This was the first car I ever licensed at 16. Mine had duel taillights, duel chrome horns, a radio and a locking hubcap on the spare. It was a darker green than this — painted with a thick coat of paint with a brush. It needed a lot of little things in 1961. It was gone when I was offered a 1951 Monarch in trade. Always loved the fat fendered Fords of the 30s. This should not be rodded ! Too few left. Would love to have this one but my wife wouldn’t.
I didn’t see what RKS means. I don’t know the meaning of the word lold. Maybe he’s from the Chrlsful school of gobbledygook speak.
It just means I got a chuckle out of the term bucket seats in regards to this car. Lol means laugh out loud. Wasn’t trying to pick on the writing at all.
I came home from the hospital in one just like this in 1949. All my dad could afford at the time. I don’t know what color it was because I’ve only seen B/W photos of it, but I believe it was either maroon or black.