Model 68. 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, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 112"

• Iconic Ford V-8 Roadster

• Excellent Lowrey restoration

• Ex-Michael Dingman Collection

• Rarest of the open ’36 Fords

The 1936 Fords are considered among the most attractive of the era, courtesy of a front-end restyle by Holden “Bob” Koto of Briggs Manufacturing Company. Koto, whose career spanned nearly 40 years, later helped Dick Caleal model the 1949 Ford and worked for Raymond Loewy on the 1953 Studebaker. Although the car was in most respects a continuation of the best-selling 1935 models, a number of appearance changes made it seem almost completely new.

As market preference continued to shift toward closed bodies during the 1930s, many manufacturers curtailed their offerings of open models, some canceling them entirely. While following the trend and offering an array of coupes and sedans, Ford also bucked the competition by keeping a wide range of open cars in the catalogue. All were available only with Deluxe trim and included a roadster, phaeton, two cabriolets and two convertible sedans. Total soft-top production at Chevrolet and Plymouth failed to reach 8,000 combined. Ford, meanwhile, managed nearly 20,000 open cars, the rarest of the bunch being the Deluxe Roadster, with 3,862 built.

Painted in black, this 1936 Ford Deluxe Roadster presents extremely well. Restored in 2004 by Lowrey Restorations for prior owner Michael Dingman, it exhibits a deep shine and excellent alignment of parts. The wheels are Apple Green with trim rings, and the top is tan canvas, accented with brown piping. The glass carries date-coded Ford scripts, and there are accessory wind-wings, all excellent. On the inside, the brown leather is in outstanding condition with only minor wear evident on the driver’s side. The dashboard exhibits very good wood-grain, and the car has an unblemished brown banjo steering wheel.

The engine compartment is nicely detailed, and the powerplant itself was rebuilt by Roush Engines. Firestone Deluxe Champion double-sided wide whitewalls are fitted at all four corners and remain in good condition. Ford Roadsters were rare in 1936, and many survivors became hot rods in the post-World War II period. A correctly-restored example, like this car, is a rare find today, particularly when it has resided in two highly respected private collections.