1936 Ford Model 68 5 Window Coupe 

At about $550 when new, ($16,000 in today's money), the Model 68 was an affordable and practical car and as a result, quite popular.  It came in a number of body styles including 3 window coupe, roadster, tudor sedan, fordor sedan, phaeton, and this 5 window.  And that's just the Deluxe versions, there were also Standard models!  You might think we have too many choices in cars today, but in '36, Americans had a substantial selection of Fords and other cars. 

For consignment, a stunningly restored '36 5 window that has many new parts and thanks to a 5-speed transmission, can cruise up to 80 mph according to the consignor.  That's two more gears than would have been available back in the day and certainly desirable when driving the car to shows over some distances, and this is one you're definitely going to want to show!  Many of the 68's have been hot rodded so it's nice to see one restored to a more original configuration.  

Exterior
Right away, we're wowed by the choice of Desert Tan paint on this car, it has a way of making everything that's not tan really pop.  The bed rail bumper extensions are one of the first things you notice on the car.  The profile of the car, like so many of the era, is forward leaning as if in motion.  The vertical ribbed grille blends seamlessly into the V8 hood ornament which flows from a polished metal center line on the hood.  The broad rounded front fenders cradle the enclosed headlights that are painted body color.  Side vents are miraculous by today's standards and likely expel a good amount of engine heat.  The beautiful rounded windshield, framed in polished metal, is mirrored in shape by the smaller back window.  The bulbous back of the car hides a rumble seat which seemed more like a necessity than the novel feature they are today.  The 16-inch wheels are layered in chrome and red paint, a spectacular offset to the tan paint.  The white wall tires frame the wheels and add even more drama.   We notice a single flaw, a T-shaped thin crack in the paint over one of the wheels. 

Interior
The restored interior starts with tan felt like material on the door cards with upholstery matching armrests and bottom panel.  The windows are lined in a glossy wood painted steel.  The bench seat is beautifully covered in brown, stitched to perfection, and the color carries to the rear shelf.  The rumble seat is covered in smooth vinyl of the same color and looks new.  The brown banjo steering wheel is in outstanding condition and your eyes are immediately drawn to the faux wood painted dash.  The nickel rimmed, cream colored gauges are fitting, and the center mounted radio is a circular oddity this writer has never seen before.  The wood painted steel continues to the passenger side dash as it curves sumptuously forward.  Looking towards the floor, only the shifter and parking brake occupy the center, leaving the wonderful camel carpet exposed.  Brown sun visors contrast the stitched, camel headliner which is in just about mint condition.  

Drivetrain
The correct 221ci flathead is here and is good for 85 horsepower and has been overhauled and bored.  It's fed by a single 2-barrel carburetor and tied to a Tremec T5 5-speed manual transmission.  Peering at the engine bay, we find a clean environment.  A chrome air intake tube and red-painted fan contrast with the drab green heads.   Mechanical drum brakes supply the car with slowing and stopping capabilities.  Our consignor states that the brakes and wheel cylinders have been replaced.  

Undercarriage
At Classic Auto Mall we assert that there's no such thing as the perfect car.  The top side of this car comes very close, but the underside would be rated more as driver quality.  Surface rust is prevalent but not damaging and oil can be seen on different parts on the underside.  Most however is relatively clean and dry, and is an area that would benefit from some cosmetic restoration.  Newer twin exhaust from headers run straight back, unobstructed by mufflers, and exits via straight chrome tips under the back bumper.  Transverse leaf springs are used in the front and rear to soften what remained of dirt roads and cobblestone in 1936.  According to our consignor, the shocks are new. 

Drive-Ability
The mass produced cars of the 30's tended to be on the louder side and with no mufflers and this rings true as the flathead growls to life.  That is, after going through the checklist of starting procedures on a 1936 Ford.  Let's just say, we've come a long way in 88 years.  The 16-inch tires provide flat footed stability going straight and the big wheels have a good turning radius as well.  We didn't make it to fifth gear in our limited run but it's reassuring knowing you have that extra punch as needed.  

If a 5 window Model 68 has been on your wish list, here's one certainly worthy of consideration.  It's a wonderful car that has great color, a welcoming interior, and many new parts for your worry free enjoyment.  It's not chopped, it's not shaved, and it's not dropped.  It's just as Henry Ford intended, only maybe a little bit better than new!  

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!