By 1936, automotive tastes had shifted away from the great open cars of the previous decades. While most manufacturers were discontinuing their true open models, characterized by a lack of roll-up glass in the doors, Ford continued to offer a diverse product line, which included six different open body designs. Open cars had sold well for Henry Ford’s firm, and he was hesitant to discontinue them. His gamble paid off as, despite what market trends may have indicated, and in a year when soft-top production at Chevrolet was less than 4,000, Ford managed to sell nearly 20,000 open cars.

Ford’s design for 1936 was essentially the same as the 1935 but a restyled front end gave the impression of a more significant facelift. Styling cues which had begun with the debut the of V-8 engine in 1932 had been continually massaged with Art Deco influences. A long, flat hood capped a sharp, V-shaped radiator with a body-colored housing and thin vertical chrome bars extending around the hood sides. A double row of polished louvers along the sides of the hood carried the design to the doors while a chrome greyhound hood mascot brought a touch of Lincoln elegance. The absence of roll-up door glass and minimal top provisions helped give the Deluxe Phaeton a curb weight of just 2,641 pounds.

One of these unique, open cars is offered here. Said to have been the recipient of a full restoration, it is presented in period colors of Vineyard green over brown leather upholstery with a tan fabric soft-top. The car was owned by an enthusiast couple who, after purchasing it in the late-1990s, embarked on a six-year restoration with Steve Babinsky’s Automotive Restorations Inc. of Lebanon, New Jersey, with a final cost reportedly north of $300,000.

Babinsky’s exquisite work has earned the car countless awards, including 26 Antique Automobile Club of America Junior and Senior prizes, culminating with the 2002 Senior Grand National First Prize. It has also won the prestigious Dearborn Award seven times, received the Dearborn Emeritus Medallion from The Early Ford V-8 Club of America and earned class awards at numerous concours, including Meadow Brook, Concours d’Elegance of the Eastern U.S., and Radnor Hunt.

Open-top flathead V-8 Fords are among the most revered American automobiles and this example offers a fine opportunity to experience among the very best in existence for yourself.