Editor’s Note: At the RM Auctions’ Dingman Collection sale in 2012, there were several swell Ford street rods and restored cars from the 1930’s. Here’s a great 1936 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet Custom street rod that captured our attention. Thanks to RM Auctions for allowing us to publish the story and the photos.

Photo Credit: ©2012 Courtesy of RM Auctions

Lot 804
1936 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet Custom Rod
Sold for $118,250

Chassis no. 18-316177

MODEL 68. Est. 400 bhp, 302 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, five-speed Tremec manual transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with trailing link coil spring suspension, and power disc-front drum-rear hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 112″

This 1936 Ford Cabriolet was a project undertaken by Lowrey’s Auto Restoration, renowned for work on hot rods and custom rods, on behalf of the Dingman Collection. The objective from the beginning was to build a sophisticated hot rod, so a search was undertaken for a suitable candidate vehicle.

A vehicle was finally located at Booth Auto Restoration in Fitzroy Harbour, Ontario. The Cabriolet body shell was solid and well suited to the project. A custom-designed chassis was constructed, configured to take a control arm independent front suspension of the coil-over-shock absorber type. In the rear, a nine-inch Ford axle is suspended with trailing arms and coil springs. For an engine, Roush Performance Products built a Ford 302 small block to produce some 400 horsepower. A five-speed Tremec transmission drives the wheels via an open drive. Power rack-and-pinion steering is fitted, and the brakes are power-assisted hydraulics, with discs in front and drums at the rear.

Painted Washington Blue, the car has red leather upholstery with matching carpet. The top is tan canvas. Red disc wheels contrast nicely with the body, and a pleasing mild rake is provided by use of P185/70 radial whitewalls on the front and P235/75s on the back, both on 15-inch rims. Omission of a spare tire leaves the fantail clean and clear.

Fitted with a full array of convenience options, the car has 12-volt electrics to service the power windows, air conditioning, and a modern stereo with XM satellite radio. With workmanship by Jim Lowrey, a build cost of over $200,000, and tremendous power from the five-liter engine, this custom is sure to draw attention at any meet.