Description
The rugged, stylish Ford Model 68 being a higher specification version of the Model 48 was introduced in 1935 and immediately proved to be a massive sales hit, pushing the Blue Oval ahead of its great rival Chevrolet in the sales charts.
Based around a simple chassis with beam axles front and rear, the Model 48 was available with no fewer than 10 different body styles, from a two-door roadster all the way through to a pick-up and even a van. All of them were powered by Ford’s 221-cubic-inch (3. 6-litre) flathead V8 engine, and the styling was much more modern and flowing than its dated-looking Model 40 predecessor.
For 1936, there were various visual modifications, including a new grille with all-vertical bars. The whole range was then updated more comprehensively for 1937, with a new ‘streamlined’ look and the option of a smaller 2. 2-litre version of the flathead V8.
The car being offered for sale here is a 1936 Convertible and was exported from the USA in early 2015 being imported and UK registered by Rally Preparation Services. At that stage, it was a very standard car that still featured its original three-speed column-change gearbox. Its very first event was the Flying Scotsman rally that same year, but straight after it was then completely stripped down and rebuilt by Rally Preparation Services ahead of its appearance on the 2016 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge.
It has retained its 3. 6-litre flathead V8 engine, and every area of the car has been extensively overhauled. It now features a Tremec five-speed gearbox, Corbeau seats with RaceQuip safety harnesses, custom a roll bar, 12-volt electrics and an alternator, and a Monit G-200 rally computer.
There is also now a full set of modern gauges, instruments and warning lights, and the fuse box has been relocated to the centre console. The attention to detail during the build process even included the fabrication of a bespoke fabric boot cover that could accommodate the fitment of a spare wheel.
Since being completed, this 1936 Ford has competed on numerous international events, including the Flying Scotsman Rally and the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge in 2016, the 2017 Blue Train Challenge from Deauville to Cannes, the 2018 Trans-America and then its second run on the Peking to Paris rally in 2019.
In 2022, it was entered for the Lima to Cape Horn, a 30-day event that comprised an 11, 500km route across South America, visiting Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. The Ford finished this gruelling event in a creditable third position, behind only a 1932 Bentley and a 1936 Chevrolet Fangio Coupe.
Presented in Burgundy and Black and having been meticulously prepared for the toughest endurance rallies, this 1936 Ford Convertible is being offered for sale as an extremely competitive and robust choice of pre-war rally car suitable for many classic car rallies offered by Rally the Globe or especially the Peking to Paris challenge offered by HERO.
The car is currently residing with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, RPS Storage Ltd and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed through direct contact with Rally Preparation Services.
All email enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone
Images subject to copyright – Rally Preparation Services Ltd
Specifications
Date of original manufacture – 1936
Eldebrock heads
Stromberg 97 Carburettors
Custom exhaust system
Uprated cooling
High output alternator
Hi torque starter motor
Electronic Ignition
Twin fuel system
Twin 71 litre fuel tanks
Tremec 5 speed gearbox
Uprated rear axle
Bilstein dampers
Spare leaf springs
Underbody protection
Mud & Snow tyres
Two spare wheels
PIAA driving lights
Corbeau sports seats
Four-point harness’
Map light
Custom roll bar
Monit G200 Trip Meter
RaliClok stopwatch
Twin fire extinguishers
Storage compartments
Leather bonnet and boot straps
Considerable long distance event specification spares and tools package
