MODEL 48. 85 bhp, 221 cu. in. L-head V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 112"

For 1935, Ford received attractive new styling, the work of Phil Wright, a Briggs designer whose previous credits included the Pierce Silver Arrow. Among the prettiest of the cars was the Deluxe Phaeton, which provided open air motoring for the whole family. Ford finally had the right recipe, for the year’s sales surpassed Chevrolet’s by nearly 150,000 cars.

Acquired by the Dingman Collection in 2001, from Theodore Dura of Colorado, this Deluxe Phaeton was the subject of a complete restoration by expert restorer Kevin Westmoreland’s Performance Restoration, which cost nearly $160,000. Although now more than a decade old, the black paint looks fresh and exhibits a deep gloss, and the car overall appears as though it has just left the showroom floor. All the brightwork is flawless, as is the glass, all of which is etched with the correct Ford script. The convertible top is grey-brown canvas and appears as new, nicely complementing the exterior finish.

The seats are upholstered in brown leather with wide pleats. They appear showroom fresh and there is a correct diamond pattern brown rubber mat on the front floor and brown carpet in the rear. Accessories include correct wind wings and a trunk rack mounted behind the spare tire. The spoke wheels are painted to match the Apple Green stripe on the body and are mounted with Firestone 6.00x16 wide whitewall tires.

The engine is equipped with aluminum cylinder heads and intake manifold, all clean and correctly detailed. Underneath, the body and frame are painted in gloss black, all clean and unblemished. Although regularly exercised and serviced, the car has accumulated negligible mileage since restoration in order to preserve its as new, showroom condition. With barely 6,000 built, the Deluxe Phaeton is one of the rarer 1935 body styles. This one is certainly one of best extant.