Stunning Restoration: 1932 Ford Model 18 Deluxe 3-Window Coupe
I always hesitate to describe any classic car as perfect because I possess a single pair of eyes that can occasionally miss the smaller details. Therefore, it will be interesting to gauge reader feedback on this 1932 Ford Model 18 Deluxe 3-Window Coupe to see how close you feel the restorer has come to achieving that goal. Whether or not it is perfect, the fact remains that the owner finds himself owning four of these classics (poor thing!), so this one needs a new home. Located in Buffalo, Minnesota, you will find the Coupe listed for sale here on eBay. The price for a classic of this caliber will never be cheap, with the seller setting a BIN of $125,000 and leaving the option to make an offer. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for using his well-tuned radar to spot this stunning classic for us.
A previous owner performed the restoration on this classic, but the seller is a genuine enthusiast with a passion for the ’32 Ford. The restoration consumed an incredible 25-years, and no aspect of this classic escaped the restorer’s attention. The original steel panels are laser straight, with gaps as tight and consistent as you are likely to find on a vehicle of this vintage. Applied over the steel is beautiful Onyx Black paint that shines magnificently. There are no visible flaws, and if the buyer finds themselves short of a mirror, this paint could serve as a perfect substitute. The beauty of this Ford is more than skin deep, with the underside shots revealing floors and a frame devoid of corrosion and clean enough to eat off. Externally, the trim and chrome shine as perfectly as the day the car rolled off the production line, while the “Ford” script glass looks flawless. The rear window rolls down so that the vehicle’s occupants can converse with those sitting in the leather-trimmed rumble seat. The only aspect of this exterior that doesn’t tick the box for me is the Apple Green wire wheels. My preference would be for Red, but since the restorer appears to have aimed for a faithful restoration, I am happy to accept the wheels in their current form.
The theme of immaculate presentation continues when we open the doors and survey this Ford’s interior. It features professionally tailored and installed mohair upholstery with a matching headliner and carpet. There is no visible wear or stains on any surfaces, suggesting that the car hasn’t seen much action since the restorer completed his work. The dash is a thing of beauty, with an immaculate and glowing faux-woodgrain finish and a gauge cluster that shines impressively. First impressions are positive, but an unfortunate downside may get the blood boiling for some people. While the Coupe was on display, it seems that security was sadly lacking. As a result, some “charming” individual relieved the interior of the head section of the desirable Grigsby-Grunow radio. This could prove a problem for the next owner because replacements don’t grow on trees. I performed a brief online search but failed to spot another unit. Perhaps a more intense search or a buyer willing to exercise more patience will have greater success than me. Thankfully, the amplifier and speaker are intact, which is one positive to take from the experience. I don’t know about you, but these situations tend to upset me. I could climb onto a soapbox about these situations, but that is probably better saved for another time and place.
The 1932 Model 18 marked the arrival of an engine that would be written boldly into American automotive history. It is the 221ci flathead V8 producing 65hp. This motor sends that power to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, providing performance levels never before seen in a Ford production car. Potential buyers were immediately impressed by this power and the engine’s smoothness compared to the venerable flathead four. It helps explain why the Model 18 was a sales success in 1932. The restorer returned this classic to its brilliant best, with the car running and driving perfectly. However, there is one slice of bad news. The person who made off with the radio also helped themselves to the engine’s air cleaner assembly. This is infuriating because otherwise, it presents beautifully and the car is ready to be enjoyed. I located a restorable assembly for around $120 but had no luck finding a pristine one that would do justice to this engine bay. Once again, a bit of patience on behalf of the buyer may produce the desired results.
If it weren’t for some light-fingered individual who made off with a couple of crucial components, this 1932 Ford Model 18 Deluxe 3-Window Coupe would come close to achieving perfection. Locating a replacement air cleaner shouldn’t pose a massive challenge to the next owner, although the radio could be a different matter. There is no way that I could classify this as a cheap classic, but with fifty people watching the listing, it has generated some interest. Whether the owner can achieve his BIN is debatable, and he may face the prospect of accepting an offer. What do you think?
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Comments
Wow! My ’32 was nice but I couldn’t eat off of it. One thing I had, like this car, was the roll down rear window. Driving through the western desert on a cross country trip and being able to open the windshield and that rear window kept my brother and I from being crispy critters.
While I would prefer a 5-window this would do just fine at my place. The original flatty. My dad’s oldest brother bought a Model 18 sedan brand new. Dad was only 7 at the time. He was fascinated by the electric cigarette lighter. From what he told me he almost burned it out…
Edsel would be proud with that resto
Gee, you could chop and channel this rig. I mean tear out all that old crap and plant a hemi in it.
Just kidding folks, I actually really like this.
You know, if you own it you have every right in the world to do what you want to it. But I remember a couple of occasions from the past when cars as nicely restored as this one were cut up and butchered beyond recognition. Both got less than favorable reception even from the hot rod crowd. I remember the one guy’s wife really got her nose out of joint because everyone who knew the car beforehand referred to it as a “butcher job.”
I will classify it as perfect. What I wouldn’t give for this beauty, but 125 large? Seller swinging for the bleachers? Are people buying into this crap about trying to beat inflation? Maybe there are enough one percenters around who actually care about this or maybe crazy people of lesser means are buying into the fantasy that cars are a good investment and fun too. My wife and I are waiting for a new truck to get to us (long wait) At our age, seems silly, but who knows, I might hit 103 (sure). Our kids laugh when I remind them they will prob inherit a “low mileage classic” someday. They remind us that when we croak and leave a truck that in all likelihood will have no more then 10,000 miles on it to them, there will be no petrol left around to drive it. Good point. They laugh and say we should purchase an electric truck right now so they will have something of value to inherit. That makes me wonder about the long term value of all collector cars, will they even be drive able in 10-20 years? If so, what will they be worth then? Museum pieces worth anything over all? You would think at least younger people would consider this when “investing” in cars.
I too have wondered about how one judges perfect. Fine gaps, straight lines, and flawless details make a total picture that clicks into perfect. Sometime it doesn’t click and you have to figure out why. Usually the fault is the metal and or paint. Any non stock interior bit throws it off for me also. I can say this one is better than new. Is that perfect?
The worst thing you could say about this 32 is, it is OVER-RESTORED. That of course depends on your point of view and what you want the car for. No doubt 125 K is a big number. Again, depending on what you want and how large is your bank account. There is no doubt it is as nice as the best 32 you have seen, before this one. Unfortunately it is not a smart buy, if you think of it as an investment. You would be buying at the very top price range, of a market that is decreasing. As far as the radio head and air cleaner, if you are willing to spend over a hundred grand on the car , I am sure you can come up with those parts.
@Joe Haska
I’m not sure I would say this Deuce is OVER-RESTORED. I would agree it is restored to better than the factory ever did them.
But I think there are a couple of reasons for that. This is the level of restoration people have come to expect these days for a top-flight, state-of-the-art restoration. And the restoration materials available these days are so much better than what would have been available even 20 years ago.
And then the other reason I think of goes back to Amos Minter of Minter’s Thunderbirds in Dallas. His Thunderbirds are pure jewelry. A guy asked him once why he restored his cars to such a high level, much higher than the factory ever did them. To which Amos responded, “My customers don’t want 1957 Ford quality.”
So true, Amos. So true.
That’s definitely a beautiful restoration! and one sharp little coupe as a result!, but 125K?
That’s a bit optimistic IMHO.
So much for the hobby.. glad that I am old enough to remember when cars were back yard projects that all your friends helped with.. not anymore.
Absolutely right,back then they were fun and you didn’t have to have a billion dollar bank account to enjoy them
@Skybum. Totally agree with what you mentioned. I had so much fun in High School (1968-70) and till the 80’s with affordable projects. ($35-$4000.00)Then I had to step it up with my first purchase of a driver Street Rod, in the early 90’s,a1934 Ford 3w , at the (to me a lot) price of $20.000. Obviously some one with deep pockets will roll the dice and purchase it, probably in their mind thinking they will make some money on it down the road. My thinking, the generation behind us could care less.
.
I contributed this listing to BF because it represents the ultimate version of the ultimate car which started the hot rod revolution. For starters, it’s a Flathead V8, it’s a 3-window coupe and it’s black.
This is a stunning restoration of a car which is impossible to find. I pray this one remains original.
Nice car, but they will not get 125k maybe 50k
@dogwater
Nah!!! 50k for a V8 3-window??? Hell, they were bringing that much in the mid 90s when I bought a ’32 Tudor, That’s exactly why I didn’t buy a 3-window!
Would make a nice street rod. Dump the frame and slot in a Custom IFS & 4-Link Rear Chassis, wheels, tires, paint and a nice interior. Only question is what motor…
Any motor will take you straight to Hell if you ruin this fine old car. You can buy a repo of this body for your childish hot rod, why hurt this proud old lady? Do you want to be haunted by the ghost of the man who cared and loved her for so long? Do not tempt fate, do the right thing, leave her alone. Buy her to drive in the Fourth of July parade and take little kids out for ice cream. Take your wife on a quiet outing along a colorful road some autumn afternoon. Get the idea?
If there’s any validity to karma, “Light Fingers” will pay for the two senseless thefts.
The Karma bus does indeed run behind schedule at times. Here’s hoping that when it catches up and gets to the individual(s) that stole those items, it “rewards” twofold!
I’m just wondering where the car was on display that someone could walk away with parts.
For sale?