1932 FORD CABRIOLET - RARE EARLY PRODUCTION BARN FIND

   In 1932 Ford advertised their crown jewel. the cabriolet. more than any other body style.   This car is body # 127-19. the 19th cabriolet. and possibly the oldest remaining.   The first 4249 cars were never sold as new due to quality problems.   Some were used as demonstrators; others just disappeared from the market. This car is serial # 18*9058 and has rare oddly shaped cross members in the frame. indicating the likelihood that it was one of the early frames that Ford contracted to Budd. before realizing in house production was able to meet the poor sales of the 1932 model year.   The car also has the early 80 mph unbranded V8 speedometer. the early fire wall. dash panel. and cowl vent. among many other early rarities. as documented in “The 1932 Ford Book”.

    I was able to procure this car the day before hurricane Sandy hit the area.   The family of the New Jersey businessman that had owned the car since at least 1953 decided it was time to sell the car.   The family home three doors down from the Thomas Edison estate and within sight of the World Trade Center. was to be offered for sale. and the car would have to go.

   Sometime in the 60s the engine expired and a desirable L-B engine was purchased. rebuilt and installed.   The 32 was at this time a great survivor being preserved for activities with the kid's school. parades. and Sunday drives. By the mid-70s it was decided to restore the car as a retirement project.   Soon after disassembly began heath issues intervened and the cabriolet sat disassembled for years.

   What I found was a truly amazing car with a history.   Partly disassembled with parts stuffed in wine barrels. crawl spaces and a cellar. the car had been stripped of its paint for many years.   Some of the stored parts show some surface rust as a result of basement storage.   The car itself has very little surface rust. and only a couple of problem areas. including the replaceable (repairable) tool tray under the front seat. and a small rust hole in the passenger side quarter panel behind the door.

   I have been procuring missing parts and validating the engine.   The cylinder heads are only sitting in place for easy inspection.   The cylinders are lubricated and the engine turns over by hand.   I have not tried to run the car but some fuel system restoration. a battery and head gaskets could have the car running.   Although this is a very complete car. and I have the seats and the folding top with it's well worn canvas. nbsp;it is at a minimum missing 3 sections of the hood. the lower grill valance. a door handle. and a cowl lamp.   All appear to be readily available.

On Jan-07-14 at 16:15:40 PST. seller added the following information:

This car is available for inspection 6-10 weekdays eastern time and by appointment this coming weekend. Request for aditional information will be posted unless otherwise requested for the benefit of all.   This car is almost 82 years old and it's the nicest project car of it's type that Iv'e seen in years. but that's my opinion. Please ask questions and/or come and look. avoid buyer remorse.

On Jan-09-14 at 03:48:09 PST. seller added the following information:

additional pictures are avalable by request. please send E-mail

Also published at eBay.com

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