Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

33 Cabriolet

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

I have one of almost every year and if I had to keep one as
a DRIVER it would be one of my 39 convertibles with a
Columbia rear with 3:78 gears. The 2nd choice would be
the 36 roadster, bambalina blue and also has a Columbia.
If the mechanical brakes have the right linings and are
adjusted by the book all 4 wheels will slide at 35 MPH
and are more reliable than hydrolics. That's my opinion. G.M.

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

40 Ford Woodie! Expensive though!

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

I'm stuck between a 36 convertible and a 40 pickup.

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

This is kind of like asking a Mormon which wife he likes the most. I expect the answer could fluctuate now and again (depending on the weather).

On a more personal note, I searched high and low to find a restorable 34 Cabriolet. I can't imagine not having it, frankly. My 34 3W is as close to a perfect car as humanely possible but there's something special about driving a collector car with the top down, even if the windows have to be rolled up. I have a 37 Cabriolet and a 1938 Coupe. I find both ride slightly better, and steer far easier than the original 34's. I have a 36 3 W under construction. I cherish this body style, won't worry about doors flying open when driving, or a passenger with hands heading to the door handle instead of the window crank. I expect the LB engine in the 36 will outlast and be on my mind less than the 34's babbit - a plus for me. A lot of rambling, I know, but all-in-all the 34 Cabriolet would be my preferred choice. I'd look for a 36 LB swap and a Columbia.

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

32 three window coupe!

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

The best car will be the one YOU want.....................

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

I personally think a 1932 is too similar to a 1931. Very transitional. Just a little bit bigger, just a little more slanted, but not as bold of a change until 1933.

The 1933-34 has more of an aerodynamic design and I notice ladies like these a lot. I like the swept cowl line rather than the straight up and down cowl line of the 1932. Everyone also loves suicide doors. Nice and easy to get out of. Trunk has a cool latch mechanism. Smoker windows are neat how the push back and then down. Very valuable when finished correctly.

I like the 1935 three window because the grill looks a little like the 1934 still with all the chrome down to the bumper

1936 starts to look similar up through the 1940s to me. The 1936 rear also looks really long to me.

just opinions

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

A lot depends on your own physical size. If you're a "large" person (much over 6 feet and 200 lbs), you may find the earlier cars (with the possible exception of the "Fordors") to be a bit cramped. The older you get, the bigger a problem it becomes. I know, some people will put up with just about anything for "style", but in the long term, you really want to be comfortable. I've been there; about 25 years ago, I realized a life-long desire, and built the '36 3-window I had dreamed about since the 11th grade. After about three years, I had enough, and sold the car. Luckily, I had not gotten rid of the '51 club coupe it was to replace, which I still have and drive daily in the summer when the weather is not terrible. One of the worst things about the '36 was the very thin steering wheel which made my already arthritic hands cramp up after a short drive. I know, I could have changed that, relocated the seat, etc. but then it wouldn't have been what I had chased for 40 years.

Just a thought.

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

GM your 36 roadster is absolutly stunning!!!
Cheers
Tony

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

I agree, Tony!I have seen pictures and I lust over that car! My very favorite Ford ever and the right color ,too!
!

Re: Best early V8 to buy
 

I like my 3 window, but I would also love a 34 Fordor.