Lot 38
1932 Ford Model 18 V-8 Roadster
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

221 cid flathead V-8 engine, Zenith single-barrel carburetor, three-speed manual transmission, four-wheel mechanical internal expanding brakes; wheelbase: 106”


Success is a term that is associated with almost everything Henry Ford did, starting by creating the first assembly line and going on to produce over 15 million Model Ts and engineering countless other vehicles and machines. But, by 1927, Ford noticed a trend of new technology entering the market forcing him to take action and build an all-new automobile; the outcome was the Model A. A dependable four-cylinder with an all-new look and feel, successful at the start. Just one year after its debut, rivals Chevrolet and Dodge rolled out an all new six-cylinder engine for their automobile lineup, once again forcing old Henry to take the company up another notch. The engineering and development team went to work in the historic Edison laboratory located in Dearborn, Michigan. After many failed designs and prototypes it was finally time to shock the world once again. This time the Ford Motor Company brought an all-new V-8 engine to the market to be used for its automobiles, a first of its kind. Ford not only debuted its new powerplant in 1932, under the direction of Edsel B. Ford, The Ford Motor Company also rolled out the predecessor to the Model A, the all-new Model B. The automobile came in multiple models, but the Model 18 was initially marked as the only one to have the new iconic flathead V-8 engine. With the engineering coming straight from Ford and the handcrafted bodies being supplied by Briggs Body Company, the new Ford automobiles were something truly special and admired by all that laid eyes on them.

This outstanding example offered for your consideration is everything that a “Deuce” Roadster should be. This 18 series Ford was treated to a complete frame-off restoration that returned it to its authentic appearance and was done to the judging standards of the early V-8 Ford. It still retains its original engine and three-speed manual transmission which have both been restored and brought back to their full life. The all-steel body is finished in Winter Leaf Brown with the smooth and stylish steel fenders finished in a gloss black. Fitted with dual side-mounted spare tires, all six wire wheels are finished in a beautiful yellow cream that matches the hand-painted pinstriping that follows the curves and edges along the body. The folding convertible top is done in a tan canvas and trimmed with brown vinyl piping which fits tight and snug when up or down. The outside also features the Ford flying quail hood ornament in the front and a folding luggage rack connected to the rear. Both the front passenger bench seat and the rear rumble seats have been reupholstered in a chocolate brown leather that complements the exterior paint. The chrome instruments which are in pristine condition are mounted to the dashboard that has been painted in a mahogany finish and give the cabin a livelier feel.

Henry Ford once said, “A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business”. That statement was on full display with the Model 18, making sure all the proper steps were taken to give it the elegant appearance it deserved. Once again, Henry Ford Revolutionized the automotive industry with its looks and first-to-the market flathead V-8 engine. Finding an original period example like this one has become exceedingly difficult, thus making them very desirable today.