One of the most influential American cars of the 1930s when it came to exterior design was the Lincoln-Zephyr, known for its unique faired-in headlights, V-shaped grille, raked windscreen, and streamlined silhouette. Some the Zephyr’s attributes—especially when it came to the front end—trickled down to other Ford models, like our Pick of the Day, which is 1937 Ford Model 78 V8 Convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Sacramento, California.
“Restored in 2009, second-place winner for 1937 Fords at the National Early Ford V8 Club meet in 2012,” the listing says. “Rare Turquoise Blue color.”
For model year 1937, Ford’s 85-horsepower cars were called the Model 78, and the 60-horsepower cars were called the Model 74. A magazine ad from the Saturday Evening Post shared some of the attributes Ford was most proud of for that year: endurance, economy, safety, speed, and style. It said, “If you want a well-balanced, soundly-engineered car—a car you can drive with pride and profit—get behind the wheel of a Ford V8. Its price is low, and you’re sure of a generous trade-in and easy terms from any Ford dealer.”
This car comes with the larger of the two available engines: a 221ci flathead V8, which is said to run smoothly. Service history per the listing includes a valve service, a tuneup, and a rebuild of the carburetor and the fuel pump. As with the rest of the car, which is shown via over 30 photos in the listing, the engine bay looks clean and well-kept.
Four-door convertibles were unique vehicles back in the day, but most died out before World War II. Lincoln revived the body style with the 1960s Lincoln Continental. Only slightly more common are SUV-type four-door convertibles, like the Volkswagen Thing, some vintage Toyota Land Cruisers, and the modern Jeep Wrangler. This Model 78 pulls off the look well with its chrome bumpers, split windshield, dual side mirrors, running boards, and wide-whitewall tires.
If you’ve ever thought of getting in on the four-door drop-top game, this 89-year-old Model 78 is a lot of car for the money. “Seasoned restoration of a rust-free car,” the seller adds. “Straight body, excellent panel fit. This is a beautiful, rare example for 1937!”
The asking price is $42,900.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
