Ford introduced its first V-8 on 31 March 1932. While V-8s were nothing new, never before had one been offered in a low-price, mass-produced car. It was aimed squarely at rival Chevrolet and a bit of one-upmanship to the brand which offered a mere six-cylinder engine. A small group of Ford engineers was responsible for the design, which featured a simple monobloc V-8 that produced an advertised 65 hp at 3,400 rpm from 221 cubic inches. Featuring aluminum pistons and a single-barrel Stromberg carburetor, the block was cast as a single unit—key to keeping the cost competitive, just $50 more than a four-cylinder Ford.

Henry Ford’s son Edsel was responsible for the new car’s good looks, often being compared to its senior, the Lincoln, causing sales of the new car to soar. The cast-iron V-8 (ultimately known as the “Flathead”) was a tremendous value for the money and continued to power Fords for the next 21 years, as well as forming the basis of hot rods for years to come.

Ford delivered 26,879 DeLuxe coupes such as this example, which was purchased by the consigner for his late brother in 1982. With all the parts in place, it was about 50 percent completed, yet never finished while in the brother’s possession. Within the last few months, the consigner has completed the restoration. Finished in an attractive combination of black exterior with yellow wheels and beltline striping, the sporty little coupe also boasts a reproduction LeBaron Bonney interior in period-correct colors.

A Southern car, it retains all its original steel; the consigner describes it as an “honest car” that will serve its new owner well. With just three miles since completion, he adds that some additional sorting might be necessary. It has never been shown and will provide its new owner the opportunity to do so.