Fantasy Junction

Description

1936 Ford 3-Window Coupe Hot Rod

Chassis No. - 182992534
Exterior Color - Red
Interior Color - Tan
Engine - 350 Chevrolet V8
Transmission – Turbo 400 Automatic
Mileage – 54,614 (TMU)

General Overview

As America emerged from the dark days of the Great Depression, the nation surged with newfound enthusiasm and fortitude, eager to buy new and innovative products and cars. By 1935 Ford offered all-new designs with advanced streamlined contours and bold art deco elements. The following year saw design revisions to the grille and other trim, but the basic coupe and sedan models were retained as the best sellers for most of America. These durable cars offered the perfect blend of form and function with room for growing families and plenty of power from the reliable V8 engine.

As decades progressed, the second war passed, and new cars arrived, hot rodding had taken America by storm. Enthusiasts, driven by a passion for customization and speed, modified these pre-war classics into powerful and personalized machines. By reengineering these cars, enhancing the engines, and overhauling the suspension, hot rod enthusiasts transformed their cars into unique performance statements. And while many years have lapsed since those early hot rods were developed, the same motivations continue with new builds performed by ongoing enthusiasts of hot rod culture.

History of this Hot Rod

According to information provided by the owner, this 1936 Ford was purchased by the current owner in 2008. Though the car had been in California for some time, it previously resided back east though had been garaged. At the time of the current owner’s purchase, the car was powered by a flathead, but the roof line had already been chopped. The owner contacted Hayward, CA speed shop owner and hot rod builder Ray Caster and commissioned him to perform a comprehensive build using a new frame, new suspension, and modern updates.

Maintaining the classic lines and features of the original 1936 design, the body was removed, firewall cleaned and smoothed, body and fenders primed and painted, and a new FatBoy frame with modern coil over upper and lower A-arm front suspension, disc brakes, and Ford 9” rear end were fitted to the new frame. The finished body was dropped and raked on the new frame and stanced over new wheels and tires. The drivetrain was updated with a Chevrolet 350 crate motor V8 with a mild cam and mated to a Turbo 400 automatic transmission. The engine is outfitted with a Holley Performance 4bbl carburetor which sits atop a medium riser Edelbrock intake manifold and features cast iron exhaust manifolds, chrome valve covers, and a round aftermarket air cleaner. A modern alternator and “Vintage Air” air conditioning unit are powered by a wide single serpentine belt. After the project was completed in 2015, the owner added approximately 500 local cruising miles and was shown at NorCal car shows.

General Condition

Today this 36 Ford Coupe presents in excellent condition. The streamlined body retains the timeless body lines of the 1930s design now finished in brilliant metallic cherry red. The finish is glossy and smooth throughout. The body sits at a lowered position over the frame with raked stance, cleaned body details, and minimal chrome. Minor evidence of use can be seen in typical places but otherwise, the visual condition is very satisfying. The chrome bumpers, clean grille, and brightwork for the hood panels are excellent in both finish and alignment. The dropped fenders hunker down over the lower profile wheels giving the car an impressive hot rod stance. The distinctive teardrop headlights, hood side vents, and custom hood louvers complete the hot rod look perfectly. All opening panels function smoothly with good panel alignment – a nice feature especially considering the heft of the steel doors and trunk lid. A clever black pin stripe is surrounded with thin red lines enhancing the subtle body line that defines this unique perimeter detail. A set of ET “Classic V “polished aluminum wheels are wrapped in American GT Grand Turbo P235/70R15 rear and P195/60R15 rear wearing front disc and rear drum brakes.

The interior of the 1936 Ford Coupe blends classic design elements with modern conveniences, creating a comfortable and stylish cockpit. The cabin features matching tan leather with beaded tan carpets and a painted red dashboard. The dashboard is finished with an aluminum panel, which houses a set of five black dial gauges including a Stewart Warner speedometer and four smaller Moon Eyes gauges. An aftermarket Vintage Air AC control unit is mounted below the dash. A chrome plated steering column features a smaller diameter tan leather wrapped steering wheel with a Moon Eyes column mounted tachometer. An under-dash Kenwood CD stereo unit is also installed. The soft tan leather seats are in excellent condition, feature matching lap belts, and the seating surfaces show minimal wear. Custom door panels feature power windows and manual door handles, while matching carpet and headliner complete the interior to a high level of fit and finish. Matching metallic red window garnish, satin aluminum gear shift handle, and a functional glove box are just a few of the nicely finished details. The trunk, accessed via an electric switch release, reveals a spacious carpeted area with custom interior trim features, rear bulkhead mounted Optima battery, and hidden storage. Like the interior door panels, the trunk features matching design motifs on each of the interior panels. The attention to detail, custom features, and quality fitment are all indications of this 36 Ford having been professionally built by experts in their craft.

The engine and engine compartment are clean and well prepared. The firewall has been smoothed and cleaned indicative of professional work performed on the car to a high level, concealing much of the wiring and former systems. The undercarriage is clean and well maintained showing little evidence of road use. The main ladder frame is enhanced with square tube construction unified to the main frame rails and front suspension/engine cradle. The body drop conceals the frame and chassis components adding to the professional body stance. The main frame, differential, and other components are all in excellent condition. The car is equipped with front disc and rear drum brakes as well as coil-over independent front suspension with a solid Ford 9” rear axle and single length driveshaft. A set of dual XLErator exhaust runs the length of the chassis with rear under-bumper exits on large diameter straight pipes.

The car starts, stops, and runs quite well however the air conditioning system is currently not functional.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608