Early build Model 18, now with more info!

[Early 1932]

Edit.. I found some info on the web that got me on the wrong trail, it is not early, it is mid production. That is actually relaxing, I do not have to contend with having a low number car. I will be much more relaxed about using it now. I appreciate all the sound information I have received on this group. It is still a very nice car, and I am feeling fortunate to have it!


I recently picked up a nice old '32 DeLuxe 4 door model 18. It is apparently one of the first 200 V8 Fords to roll off the assembly line. One family owned since 1962, always a stored indoors car. No fender cracks ever, wood floors original, no rust ever. It has been in at least 3 Great Race rallies. Mitchell overdrive, 16" wheels instead of the 18" originals. Runs and drives great. I believe the engine is probably 1936, trans is '38. I will probably look for a 32 engine and trans, but am going to run what it has.


The copies of old paper work show it was purchased October 22,1962 for $135. John Banjab(?) was the seller, and it went to Joseph Ruggers. John sold it to his son in law, Ron Ferris, in 1994. Ron was a big deal in the SCCA, and a national champion. He used the car for timed rallies, including at least 3 Great American Races, with a best finish of 8th place. The car was purchased from Ron's son. I am assuming the Ron made the improvements for rallies. Those include 16" radial Coker Classic tires and 1935 wire wheels, tube shocks, Mitchell overdrive, I suspect the 21 stud flathead is a 1936 engine with full inserts. I have a list of all the work done to the engine and car. Walker radiator, dual exhaust, headers, electric fan, alternator and 12 volt conversion, etc. It is possible that he had a Mercury 4" crank in it, but I have not checked that out. He had a water misting set up between the front seats for cooling in hot weather. I have materials showing he did the Great Race 3 times, the last one in 2007. It is possible he did more, but no proof yet. He also did a number of rallies in the midwest using this 32.

It seems to be the 184th production Ford V8 in the history of Ford V8s. My limited research says the first 1 or 2 thousand cars were demonstrators for people to look at, admire, and put money down on buying a later car. Allegedly all were returned to Ford to be refurbished, and then sold as new. Unfortunately, the factory records for many years were destroyed in a fire, so knowing where this car went for delivery is probably lost forever. I am considering learning how to do these timed rallies on a rookie scale, the driver is important, but the navigator has the hardest job, I think.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Early 1932

I recently picked up a nice old '32 DeLuxe 4 door model 18. It is apparently one of the first 200 V8 Fords to roll off the assembly line. One family owned since 1962, always a stored indoors car. No fender cracks ever, wood floors original, no rust ever. It has been in at least 3 Great Race rallies. Mitchell overdrive, 16" wheels instead of the 18" originals. Runs and drives great. I believe the engine is probably 1936, trans is '38. I will probably look for a 32 engine and trans, but am going to run what it has.

[cas3]

very nice !

[GB SISSON]

That's a beautiful and historic ford you just picked up! Welcome to the Fordbarn. I'm sure you will be welcomed with open arms by all in this neighborhood.

[al's28/33]

W O W ...... more priceless than the Mona Lisa.

[nickthebandit]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

And better looking, too.

[rockfla]

Wow
Early 1932, it would be great IF you shared the story of one of the first 200 V8's and exactly which of number of 200 it is......and more pictures.

[Early 1932]

Will do that, adding to original post.

[deuce_roadster]

Are you determining it was of the first 200 by the VIN on frame or early parts on the car? Did you get the original transmission case with it? If so, it would have the VIN on it too and probably be a side oiler type.
Nice looking car, was it always from the area you are in (which is where)?
You are in the right place because the guy who literally wrote the 2 part books on 32s for the Early Ford V8 Club of America posts here, as well as many others.
Welcome.

[DavidG]

With a couple of possible exceptions, the description of what's been changed pretty much wipes out its identity as an early production '32 Fordor. Finding a true flange-block '32 V8 engine and all the unique bolt-on items that go with it to restore its identity would be a serious challenge.

[Early 1932]

I am going by the frame serial number. It came from the St. Louis area, going back to my first recorded owner, who sold it in 1962. It was only 30 years old then, and has allegedly always been stored inside. I believe that is possible when looking at the car. I am not expert, so I can not say how much is correct or not. I did see a chalk? number on the wood on the bottom seat cushion, 139 or 159. No idea if that has any significance. It has been repainted and reupholstered at some time in its previous life. The paint has held up quite well. No idea what happened to the original engine and trans.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by Early 1932

I am going by the frame serial number. It came from the St. Louis area, going back to my first recorded owner, who sold it in 1962. It was only 30 years old then, and has allegedly always been stored inside. I believe that is possible when looking at the car. I am not expert, so I can not say how much is correct or not. I did see a chalk? number on the wood on the bottom seat cushion, 139 or 159. No idea if that has any significance. It has been repainted and reupholstered at some time in its previous life. The paint has held up quite well. No idea what happened to the original engine and trans.

The number is stamped on the left frame rail, just about where the cowl bolts to the frame. There should be a number stamped (IF it was V8 Car) 18-### or *18-###*. That would be the "First" indicator of an "early" car as you have stated yours to be.

[Early 1932]

I agree, it is too bad the engine and trans are not available. However, it appears that the frame number indicates its original birthright, unless my assumption is not valid. It is like most really old cars and motorcycles, changes were made to keep them on the road. It is indeed a bit of a Johnny Cash car due to the engine and trans swap, and who knows what else. In the end, it is a real nice 32 that runs like a top and looks real nice to my eyes. I have no intentions of trying to pass it off as a purebred untouched car, as is seen in stating it has the incorrect engine and trans. I am sure a true expert could make quite a list of things that could be corrected with time and money. I believe this one will stay with one of my children when I am gone. I will say it is much more of a joy to drive than the 1932 woodie I sold a few years ago, a 100% original wood car.

[petehoovie]

See this nice '32 four banger on the EFV8 Classified site > https://www.earlyfordv8.org/classifi...biles&id=19366



1932 ford 4dr sedan, fully restored, dual side mounts, 4cyl runs terrific nice original interior, wing windows, very presentable. needs nothing nice straight car!

[Early 1932]

Yes, the serial number is correct, *18-100###*

[35fordtn]

If the serial number is 18-and then six digits it is not a Early car. Very nice car however. 18-124 is the Lowest serial number I have ever seen.

[DavidG]

Oh, that number indicates that its engine was the 10,0xxth one built, not one that would have the engine number of 18-2xx. It's original engine would be indistinguishable from any other mid-year or late '32 engine as would be most of its other components.



A really nice car, notwithstanding. Fordors have always been one of my favorites. Enjoy it!

[Newc]

At the Western Nations [Winachee, Wa]? there was an un restored early '32 tudor less engine under #500 I remember. Parked next to the judge field. Newc

[Early 1932]

Originally Posted by 35fordtn

If the serial number is 18-and then six digits it is not a Early car. Very nice car however. 18-124 is the Lowest serial number I have ever seen.

I was going by VanPelt? ser # list, which stated the numbers started as *18-100001*, and ended with *18-2xxxxx*. I am certainly open to learning more about this, I am not an expert on this stuff.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by Early 1932

I was going by VanPelt? ser # list, which stated the numbers started as *18-100001*, and ended with *18-2xxxxx*. I am certainly open to learning more about this, I am not an expert on this stuff.

Your read that wrong, it starts 18- 001 to 203,126 Simple math puts your serial number in the middle of the pack.