By the mid-1930s, fully open cars, the Roadsters and Phaetons, were losing out to convertible coupes and convertible sedans with roll-up side windows. Some manufactures, like General Motors, cut back on open styles altogether. Ford, however, kept a full line in production into the late 1930s. Even though the 1935 Ford Convertible Sedan had proved popular and the ’36 model even more so, leading to a mid-year version with enclosed luggage compartment, Phaetons continued to do well, nearly matching the Convertible Sedans in popularity.

This car is a case in point. An older restoration, it has been well treated, showing only the slightest of wear to the driver’s seat. Upholstered in brown leather, the car has matching brown carpet. The top is tan canvas with brown piping and shows some age. Body contours and brightwork are both very good, and the maroon paint with brown stripe shows only a few blemishes. Accessories include a clock mirror, an under-dash radio and the popular Spyder wheel trim complementing the Ford-script wide whitewall tires. The banjo steering wheel is nicely restored and shows no chips or cracks.

The engine compartment and undercarriage are clean and correctly detailed, without being overdone. The Ford is well-appointed with many popular period effects such as hood ornament, rear-mounted spare with cover, luggage rack, windwings and dual exterior mirrors. Ford V-8s of the 1930s have been perennial favorites. This car amply demonstrates why this is so.