Nineteen thirty-seven was a year of significant change for Ford styling. The flowing, Art Deco influence of the Lincoln-Zephyr that debuted the year before carried through to Ford. The new modern Ford design featured teardrop headlights integrated into the fenders with a streamlined grille, in what Ford called “a brilliant new design that strikes the modern note in streamlined beauty.”

This beautiful 1937 Ford DeLuxe phaeton, model 78, is powered by a 221-cu. in., 85-hp “Flathead” V-8 that is matched to a three-speed manual transmission. Ford made revisions to the V-8 for 1937 that included a better cooling system that placed the water pumps at the bottom and moving water outlets to the middle of the cylinder heads. This configuration would endure for more than a decade. The rod-operated mechanical brakes gave way to a cable arrangement this year as well.

The phaeton remains among the most coveted body styles by Ford enthusiasts and collectors today. The era of the phaeton was rapidly drawing to a close in 1937 as coachwork construction methods, materials, and machinery made it easier and more cost-effective to build all-steel, enclosed bodies. Yet the appeal of the open four-seat, four-door automobile was apparent in Ford’s continuation of the body style in its catalogue where it was one of the most expensive models that year, selling 3,723 units.

Finished in the factory paint color of Bright Coach Maroon, the car is complemented with a correct brown interior and tan canvas top, all set off with highly desirable Ford accessory

“spider” wheel trim and a set of period-correct wide whitewall tires. A full set of side curtains, boot cover, and fender skirts are also included with the car.

This well-kept example is an older restoration that shows great, and the legendary flathead V-8 runs smoothly and performs well, making this Ford a pleasure to drive.