Lot 48
1937 Ford Club Cabriolet
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

221 cid V-8 engine, 85 HP, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, rear-wheel drive; wheelbase: 112”


In 1937, Ford adopted an all-steel construction for its closed bodies, while still offering a variety of open car options. All the new 1937 models showed evidence of the new streamlined look, which grabbed the public’s attention and sold quite well. The headlamps were now tastefully incorporated into the front fenders for the first time, the grille was stretched and sloped backward, and fine horizontal bars decorated the front end and hood sides. The result was some of the best-looking cars of the decade. Out of the some-950,000 Fords created in 1937, just a scant 8,001 were Club Cabriolets, making them a rare breed indeed.

This ’37 Club Cabriolet was treated to a delightful body-off restoration performed by Roy Nacewicz of Michigan. The body was sprayed in Autumn Brown with a subtle Tacoma Cream stripe running along the body. Enhancing its look, all the brightwork shines nicely and it is equipped with chrome artillery wheels wrapped in new Firestone whitewall tires. The tan cloth convertible top blends in with the rest of the car and can be easily put up and down. Many Ford dealer accessories can be seen on the exterior like a Model J spotlight, dual outside mirrors, front bumper guards, chrome V-8 clam shell exhaust tip, and dual taillights.

When entering the cabin, occupants are met with Tan Antique finished leather on both the front and rear bench seating. When the sun is flowing in on the burled grain mahogany dash, it depicts a warm glow throughout the cabin making for a more cheerful ride. Nicely optioned in the interior as well, this example is equipped with a desirable banjo steering wheel, radio, and clock inserted to the outside of the locking glove box. The trunk holds a matching spare tire with a key and lock to secure it while driving. Open up the new first year styling “alligator” style hood and you'll notice a nice and neat period-correct 221-cubic-inch Ford V-8 engine that has also been properly exercised, ensuring it is turn-key ready. The new hood allowed for the side panels to be easily unhinged for easier access to the engine to be worked on when needed.

Already a proven award winner on the show field during its AACA appearances, this delightful ’37 Club Cabriolet finished in the seldom seen color Autumn Brown would make for a nice addition to any world class collection or to any judging event its next caretaker might desire to enter it in.