1932 Ford Model 18 Deluxe V-8 Cabriolet

221ci Flathead V-8 Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
65bhp at 3,400
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes

*Iconic model in debut year
*Offered from a private collection
*Rare body style
*4 year old restoration

THE 1932 FORD V-8

The 1932 Ford's V-8 engine occupied nearly all of Henry Ford's attention. Henry's disdain for design and styling was legendary and nothing pleased him more than creating some new, different and unexpected mechanical contrivance.

With the V-8 requiring all his attention Henry had no time to take much if any interest in the cars' redesign that was going with the new engine. As it turned out, that was fortunate for posterity and for collectors who appreciate clean, elegant styling and design. It left Edsel Ford and his small group of body designers an almost free hand to create a fresh, classic look for the '32 Ford. And they did.

Edsel and his team had refined their approach in years of developing ideas, concepts and details for Lincolns with the best independent coachbuilders. They had put it all together with the Model A design. Now with the 1932 Ford V-8 and Model B, Edsel Ford, Bob Gregorie and Henry Crecelius created a body design that has become one of the most appreciated, emulated and desired of all automobiles of the Classic Era.

The styling of the '32 Ford V-8 emulated successful features and themes that had been employed on the Lincoln: crowned fenders that curved gracefully down to cover the front of the frame, an arched headlight spreader bar, gently curved fenders that flowed back to the running boards. The beltline was accented by a raised panel that outlined the passenger compartment and the junction of the cowl and windshield. The straight bumpers featured a corrugated cross-section that combined functional rigidity with a family resemblance to the Lincoln.

But most memorable was the gently v-ed, softly rounded radiator shell with thin vertical grille elements. Lincoln chromed its grille shell, but the Ford's was simply painted body color. If history is any guide at all it was the subtle, clean, integrated effect of the Ford's painted grille shell that was the master stroke of design.

Today a pure Deuce is particularly rare, especially a roadster, and is appreciated by every auto enthusiast. A single year design, it defines a singularly important watershed, the introduction of the Ford flathead V-8, with unique visual character.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1932 show winning immaculate Cabriolet is the recipient of a frame off restoration maintaining its original body panels and drivetrain says its current owner and is in lovely running order at the time of cataloging. Dressed in her "Sunday's best" Caramel Tan with high gloss Jet Black fenders, colors are its only subtlety. The interior is in order with a high gloss finish on all the wood work and tan fabric seats firm and tight as is was when it left Mr. Ford's factory. October tan hides dress the door panels glove pockets and touches of freshly polished chrome complete the deluxe components of the interior of the '32. The rumble seat completes the usability of the Ford, offering excitement and comfort for passengers as long as mother nature cooperates. Completed in red leather offering a pop of color when exposed and when closed provides a sleek profile that is so beloved about this era of motorcar. No collection is complete without a representation of the 1930s Blue Oval, and few could be more appreciated than this modestly dressed but powerful and rare 1932 Model 18 V-8 Cabriolet.