Description: 1936 Ford Phaeton

Edsel Ford loved boats. Maybe it was a means of transportation where his father’s massive influence was not felt, or maybe it was simply his deep appreciation of their refined lines and inherent efficiency. Famed designer E.T. “Bob” Gregorie recalled many times that Edsel Ford’s familiarity with boats greatly influenced his direction of the Ford design team during the 1930s. 
 
Other manufacturers were slow to catch on though, no doubt discouraged by Chrysler’s unfortunate experience with its radical but short-lived Airflow. Ford, however, used sharp prows quite effectively to freshen its style and stimulate sales, with the 1936 Ford model line-up a perfect case in point. 
 
The hood began with a sharp body-colored radiator housing, which was radically V-shaped and highlighted in Deluxe models by thin vertical chrome bars echoed in a double row of hood side louvers separated by thin chrome spears. Edsel was never much for embellishment, so the accents were subtle, defining features that refined the form and function of the sheet metal rather than being discrete design elements themselves.
 
The fenders were fully skirted both front and back, completely hiding the car’s chassis from view. Finally, the Ford designers continued the gracefully formed front bumper design, which dipped below the bottom of the grille and terminated in artfully rolled ends. With a gracefully raked windshield, the 1936 Ford design gave an unquestionable impression of speed and urgency.
 
1936 saw Ford generate a $17.9 million dollar profit for the year, largely thanks to the ongoing success of the “Flathead” V-8, a stronger, improved chassis and modern, streamlined bodies.  Production of most high-volume bodywork was now brought in-house at the Rouge plant, along with massive capital investments, returned dividends in the form of strong profits. While this success was not accomplished easily or without strife, 1936 also saw the 20 millionth Ford built, while the success of the “Flathead” V-8 was endorsed with the production of three million examples since 1932.
 
This 1936 Ford 4-door Phaeton went through a full frame restoration a little over 10 years ago. This vehicle is one of only 5,601 Convertible Sedans ever built on this year. This vehicle has a 221 cu. in. V-8 engine. It still has the original wooden toolkit that came with it, including jack, tools and reference guide. This vehicle is a joy to drive, being a unique ride and a head turner everyplace you go.