Award Winning Frame Off Restored Phaeton Convertible 221 Flathead 8 Three Speed

SUMMARY

3-owner car / Ground-up restoration completed in the late 1980s
Awarded People's Choice at the 2010 Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours d'Elegance
221 cubic inch Ford flathead V8 / Rebuilt in 2009
3-speed manual transmission / Rebuilt in 2009
Modern overdrive unit
Leather interior / Modern audio
Washington Blue paint / Cloth roof
16-inch wheels
Sale includes a Reference Book and restoration photos

In the face of modern technology, which continues to blow our minds with OEM quality and amazing custom cars, there's still something to be said about authenticity. Sure, tons of companies create super nice fiberglass replicas of some of the coolest Detroit metal to ever roll across Route 66. But at the end of the day, they're still just a copy of the real thing. Featuring a rare Phaeton body, this award-winning Ford combines the core strengths of originality with authentic dynamics and incredible vintage form. Are you one of those discerning gearheads who wants the unmatched driving experience of a real antique car? This first class Ford is the opportunity you've been waiting for!

BODYWORK/TRIM

This suave roadster's smooth and solid profile began life as a run-of-the-mill Model 48 that was maintained, driven and paraded for most of its existence. In the early 1980s, the car officially met its second owner, who promptly disassembled it in preparation for a ground-up restoration. In 1985 that owner, at the request of his wife, sold the stalled project to its third and present owner. And, shipped as boxes of parts to Dallas, Texas-based Kip Motor Company, the car finally received the detailed rebuild it so deserved. During that careful restoration, old school Dearborn steel was stripped, sanded, dressed in conservative Washington Blue 2-stage and traced with small pinstripes. That regal pigment was complemented with modern turn signals, amber driving lamps, blue dot taillights and a snazzy luggage carrier. And everything was finished in tasteful, factory-spec trim, which includes chrome mirrors, a small spotlight, polished horn grilles, a cloth roof, chrome bumper guards and a chrome grille guard.

ENGINE

As the company's final Henry Ford-fueled innovation, the Ford V8 remains a durable, torque-rich powerplant that, thanks to solid engineering, has established an unmatched reputation in the classic and custom car community. And, in keeping with tradition, this stellar drop-top is powered by a familiar, 221 cubic inch flathead that, thanks to relatively tame 6.2 to 1 compression, makes roughly 85 horsepower. Fully rebuilt in 2009, and driven roughly 500 miles since, the antique mill probably looks much better today than when it growled off the assembly line. Aesthetically, the block, which perches a familiar oiled air cleaner and fresh Stromberg 97 carburetor above correct, 21-stud heads, has been painted a traditionally dark hue. There are many road-ready ancillaries, like pliable hoses, a correct generator, a familiar AC fuel pump and proven Champion spark plugs. A glossy firewall combines with broad fenders to provide distinctly American framing. And overall, this Ford's engine bay seems clean, simple and highly functional.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Take a look under this Phaeton and you'll find a damage-free chassis that's as solid as an old school train trestle. The ragtop's clean floors, heavy duty frame and factory-accurate suspension are veiled in a subdued coat of Satin Black skin. A correct 3-speed transmission, rebuilt along with the car's engine, transfers power to a fresh overdrive unit, which spins an authentic, banjo-style rear end. In front of that drivetrain, a beam axle and transverse leaf spring remain just as they looked back in 1936. And the same holds true behind that drivetrain, where a second leaf and second solid axle maintain ride height and add ample grip. Mechanical drum brakes do an excellent job of bringing 2,641 pounds of steel to a casual pause. True-dual exhaust gives the flathead its unmistakable voice thanks to glasspack-style mufflers and polished stainless tips. And everything rides on 16-inch, color-keyed wheels that spin fresh 6.00-16 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around stainless trim rings and polished, "V8" branded hubcaps.

INTERIOR

This convertible's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of pre-war America, complete with tasteful vinyl trim and awesome Art Deco gauges. The car's plush brown cockpit centers on big, heavily bolstered seats that feel soft enough to take a nap on. At the sides of those seats, stitched door panels feature polished handles. At the bottom of those panels, traditional foot pedals front an old school shifter, an old school hand brake and heavy duty floor mats. Above those pedals, a stylish and purposeful dash hides a large Ford speaker and modern Pioneer head unit behind a correct Ford radio, attractive Ford gauges and a simple array of buttons. And in front of the driver, a familiar banjo steering wheel spins a "V8" branded centerpiece around switches for the car's retrofitted turn signals and overdrive.

AWARDS

People's Choice Award at the 2010 Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours d'Elegance

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

A Reference Book
A couple of restoration photos

Cool and classic, this rare Ford is a vision in pre-war authenticity. You really can't ask for a more impressive blend of old school style and solid driving characteristics. And you certainly can't build this nice of a ride for the time or money it takes to drive out of our RK Motors Charlotte showroom. Ready to step up to something different? This awesome drop-top is ready to show and go!