For the 1933 American Ford, Edsel Ford wanted a more graceful design than the 1932 style. It was Edsel himself who came up with the idea of using E.T. Gregorie’s British Model Y concept for the lengthened 1933 Ford. The draftsmen scaled it up, and the Model Y’s proportions became, if anything, more beautiful in the process.

For 1934, the grille was given a crisper leading edge, and a revised hood design was complimented by new hub caps. In keeping with its intended market segment, the 1934 Phaeton proved significantly more popular in the upscale DeLuxe trim offering, with 3,128 examples produced (compared to just 373 “base” Phaetons). The DeLuxe Phaeton received dual outside horns, cowl lamps, tail lamps, and additional chrome detailing. Furthermore, these models were often replete with factory accessories such as luggage racks, carriage trunks, and additional fog lights.

Acquired by the consignor in 2012 after just having been treated to a complete professional restoration, this handsome 1934 DeLuxe Phaeton has certainly lived a carefully tended life since entering their collection. The car presently indicates under 500 miles traveled since the completion of this restoration, which was finished in late 2010. The striking black exterior is enriched via the fitment of rear fender skirts, wire wheels, carriage trunk, spare, draft deflectors, and a pair of chrome-finished spotlights. The Phaeton’s signature canvas top has been rendered in a period-correct tan finish with integrated rear window.

Inside the cabin, a stunning burlwood dashboard houses a full suite of Art Deco instrumentation. Brown pleated leather upholstery is replicated on a matching tonneau and quick-fasten side curtains. Power is derived from a correct and tidy Ford “flathead” V-8 topped by a single Stromberg carburetor and paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Among this DeLuxe Phaeton’s most outstanding features is the desirable Columbia dual-ratio rear axle, which allows for more efficient and comfortable engine speeds.

The Phaeton’s versatility and practical, yet elegant, styling has ensured its collectability for generations. This particular DeLuxe example—nicely restored and equipped with many desirable accessories—is undoubtedly a tempting offering for any collector who seeks the open-air experience of a 1930s phaeton without the price tag of a coachbuilt specimen.