• Seller: Nick A kkermans
• Location: Dade City, Florida
• Mileage: 60,055 Shown
• Chassis #: L09456
• Title Status: Clean

Modern cars are often referred to as “cookie-cutter” vehicles. Manufacturers typically follow the same generic recipe, producing cars that almost redefine the term bland. Some people want to march to the beat of a different drummer and slip behind the wheel of a classic that can’t help but turn heads and draw crowds. This 1937 Ford Convertible Coupe could be ideal. It is bold and brash and wears a paint shade that begs people to look closer and admire everything it offers. It is a total package, combining stunning looks, a powerful V8, and interior appointments that make any journey a special occasion. The owner feels the time is right for the Ford to find a new home, listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds.

When I was a young lad, my family moved from a tiny, remote country town to one larger and closer to the city. I had been largely raised on a diet of family sedans and station wagons. However, a gentleman who lived a few doors down from our new home had a bright red mid-1930s Ford Convertible hot rod. I had never seen anything like it before, and every time he wheeled it out of his garage, I would stand and admire it. I’m unsure if it was love at first sight, but I think it was close! I get the same feeling when I look at this Ford because it is a complete package that has been carefully considered before the builder picked up the first tool. The body is fiberglass, while the fenders and running boards are genuine steel. The panel fit and finish are exceptional, with the gaps confirming the car was assembled with care to tight tolerances. There are no rust issues, and this Ford is as solid as the day it was born. The Purple paint reflects its surroundings like a finely polished mirror, with no visible significant flaws or defects. The Black soft-top is as tight as a drum, and the tinted glass appears flawless. The old-school alloy wheels and chrome contrast the dark paint shade, but it is worth scrolling through the photo gallery to admire some of the finer details. These include custom striping that extends along the car’s sides just below the window line. These were completed in various colors that only reveal their true vibrancy on close inspection. It is a subtle and classy touch on a vehicle that is essentially bold and brash.

Early hot rods were built by owners with limited funds. Therefore, describing their interiors as spartan would typically be accurate. This Ford suffers no such problems, with the interior loaded with creature comforts. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, an effective heater, side window defoggers, six-way power front seats, a leather-wrapped “banjo-style” wheel, a digital dash display, and a Pioneer radio/CD player. Those with a sense of adventure could forego the luxuries and take their next journey in the rumble seat. The Gray leather upholstered surfaces contrast nicely with the dark paint shade, and the overall condition is impressive. There is minor wear on the outer driver’s seat edge, but the remaining upholstered surfaces are excellent. Light-colored carpet is prone to marks, but this car has avoided that fate. The dash is spotless, and hitting the road with the top down and the interior visible shouldn’t cause the new owner embarrassment.

It is easy to attempt to reinvent the wheel on a custom build, and this often leads to trouble. We’ve all seen owners trying to follow a radical path with drivetrain components, only for the venture to end in tears. This Ford’s current owner has chosen a proven component combination that should provide the buyer with trouble-free motoring and easy maintenance. The engine bay houses a 350ci Chevrolet V8, backed by a venerable four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission. The car features a Mustang II front end with rack-and-pinion steering and front disc brakes. I don’t know how many builders have chosen these components, but with the parts available “off the shelf” at most speed shops, it would be safe to place the figure in the thousands. That is reassuring because it means maintenance parts will remain available for many decades. It is worth noting that this car’s first owner would have had 85hp and 153 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal from the original 221ci flathead V8. The Chevrolet small-block should develop at least three times as much power and more than twice as much torque. Combined with the auto transmission, this Convertible will perform as effortlessly in city traffic as on the open road. Potential buyers can consider this classic a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly.

It is easy to accept mediocrity because it isn’t challenging. The average car doesn’t draw attention or turn heads; people won’t typically flock to admire such vehicles. They are bland and inoffensive, but where’s the fun in that? Classic car enthusiasts don’t accept mediocrity. They crave cars that reflect their personality, regardless of the genre. This 1937 Ford Convertible Coupe achieves that goal with style and flair. Its next journey could be to a new home with another owner who will cherish and enjoy all it offers. If you feel yourself irresistibly drawn to it, I understand that. Summer is on our doorstep, offering boundless opportunities to drop the top and hit the road. I can’t think of a better reason to pursue it further. Can you?