LOT 230 •
1933 Ford Model 40 V-8 Four Door Phaeton Chassis no. 18223385
Estimate: US$90,000 - US$110,000
Lot 230•
1933 Ford Model 40 V-8 Four Door Phaeton Chassis no. 18223385
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1933 Ford Model 40 V-8 Four Door Phaeton
Chassis no. 18223385
Chassis no. 18223385
In 1931 all affordable American cars used straight-six or inline four engines and the playing field was pretty nearly level. But Henry Ford trumped all of his competitors when he introduced the Ford V-8 the following year. A two-door roadster powered by the gutsy flathead V-8 cost $460, which was just $30 up from the previous year’s Model A roadster. Displacing a modest 221ci, the flathead power unit was rated at 65 horsepower. Although that may not seem like much today, it was pretty amazing for a world accustomed to 40hp Model As and 50hp Chevys. Sure you could buy a Cadillac with a 96hp V-8, but it cost about seven times more.
Those new V-8s had been rushed to production and initially ran hot and tended towards piston and bearing troubles. But the boffins at Dearborn soon cured the ailments and helped seal the success of a legendary engine. The V-8 was dropped into a typical Ford ladder frame chassis that used solid axles front and rear. The mechanical brakes were drums all around.
For 1933, the Ford featured a new “X-member double-drop” chassis that was slightly longer at 112 inches, an attractive new raked, heart-shaped grille and stylish bumpers. Internally, the problems of the V-8 were history and power was up to 75hp thanks to new heads, higher compression and improved cooling. Engine temperatures no longer soared, but the sales did, up to just short of 305,000 units - for the V-8 alone.
Of the 15 possible body styles offered on the Model 40 V8 chassis for ’33 that accounted for the phenomenal sales figures, the four door standard Phaeton was one of the rarest, production running to just 232 examples, against four, five and even six figure runs for other variants. As with any market, the forces of supply and demand apply and to the fevered collector of this breed, a ratio of one in every 1300 cars built means guaranteed rarity, even if every example had survived to this day, which of course they have not. Which ensures that if you secure a ’33 Phaeton, you’re sure to stand out at even the most exclusive Ford meet!
The Four Door Phaeton we offer was acquired by the current owner after it emerged from more than 45 years of storage. Photographs of the car prior to restoration attest to the remarkably complete and correct order in which it was found, extending from fenders, bumpers and top to the hood ornament still being in place. The perfect basis for restoration, this car has been repainted from its dour red and black livery to a cheery bright blue, a new interior in black leather and matched top have been fitted, the brightwork has been re-chromed and the mechanics were refurbished to return it to the road.
This all combines to make a fine presentation of a super rare V8 Ford.
Those new V-8s had been rushed to production and initially ran hot and tended towards piston and bearing troubles. But the boffins at Dearborn soon cured the ailments and helped seal the success of a legendary engine. The V-8 was dropped into a typical Ford ladder frame chassis that used solid axles front and rear. The mechanical brakes were drums all around.
For 1933, the Ford featured a new “X-member double-drop” chassis that was slightly longer at 112 inches, an attractive new raked, heart-shaped grille and stylish bumpers. Internally, the problems of the V-8 were history and power was up to 75hp thanks to new heads, higher compression and improved cooling. Engine temperatures no longer soared, but the sales did, up to just short of 305,000 units - for the V-8 alone.
Of the 15 possible body styles offered on the Model 40 V8 chassis for ’33 that accounted for the phenomenal sales figures, the four door standard Phaeton was one of the rarest, production running to just 232 examples, against four, five and even six figure runs for other variants. As with any market, the forces of supply and demand apply and to the fevered collector of this breed, a ratio of one in every 1300 cars built means guaranteed rarity, even if every example had survived to this day, which of course they have not. Which ensures that if you secure a ’33 Phaeton, you’re sure to stand out at even the most exclusive Ford meet!
The Four Door Phaeton we offer was acquired by the current owner after it emerged from more than 45 years of storage. Photographs of the car prior to restoration attest to the remarkably complete and correct order in which it was found, extending from fenders, bumpers and top to the hood ornament still being in place. The perfect basis for restoration, this car has been repainted from its dour red and black livery to a cheery bright blue, a new interior in black leather and matched top have been fitted, the brightwork has been re-chromed and the mechanics were refurbished to return it to the road.
This all combines to make a fine presentation of a super rare V8 Ford.
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| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |