1937 Ford V8 De Luxe Convertible Cabriolet

Chassis No. 183833793
Body No. 787602270

By 1937, Ford's design language had matured under E.T. ''Bob'' Gregorie, whose Lincoln-Zephyr-influenced styling brought a graceful, pointed prow and fender-mounted headlamps to the entire range. Beneath the new sheet metal sat the proven 221 cu-in flathead V8, producing 85 horsepower and paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Among the 1937 lineup, the De Luxe Convertible Cabriolet stood apart as one of the year's scarcer body styles, prized for combining open-air style with the practicality of a rumble seat and a top that folded neatly away.

This example formed part of the famed Dingman Ford Collection, assembled by longtime Ford Motor Company director Michael Dingman and long regarded as one of the finest private groupings of Ford automobiles ever brought together. Dingman was equally renowned for the exceptional quality of his restorations, commissioning respected marque specialists to return many of his Fords to factory-correct, concours-level standards, and achieving 1,000-point scores at Early Ford V8 Club national meets.

This same attention to detail was used during the comprehensive restoration of this De Luxe Convertible Cabriolet. It has remained a show piece since finished in Bright Coach Maroon over a tan leather interior with correct whitewall tires and a wood-grained dashboard. True to Ford's original description of the model, the matching tan tailored top lowers and folds neatly into a compartment recessed flush with the body. The wide front bench seats three, and either side of the seatback tilts forward for access to the spare tire and the rear deck. The standard rumble seat adds useful occasional seating, while the optional hot air heater brings added usability to the cooler months. The restoration has been highly awarded with Antique Automobile Club of America, earning a First Junior, Senior National, and First Grand National Awards as well as the prestigious Dearborn Award from the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. Featuring a meticulous concours quality restoration in a handsome color combination and inclusion in the famed Dingman Collection, this Cabriolet offers a rare and stylish entry into pre-war Ford ownership.