1932 Ford Model 18

Few automobiles changed the course of motoring history as dramatically as the 1932 Ford Model 18. Introduced at the height of the Great Depression, Fords revolutionary new flathead V-8 placed genuine eight-cylinder performance within reach of the average motorist for the first time. Its rugged 221 cubic-inch engine delivered spirited performance and remarkable durability, helping establish the Model 18 as one of the most influential American automobiles of the era. While millions of standard Fords were produced, a small number of chassis were exported abroad, where they were transformed by coachbuilders into distinctive automobiles tailored to European tastes.

The fascinating example offered here represents one such transformation. Built in Canada and identified by its chassis number as a Dominion-produced Model 18, this Ford was shipped as a bare chassis to England where it was converted to right-hand drive and fitted with elegant custom coachwork by the Carlton Carriage Company. Carlton was respected during the interwar years for its refined bodies on numerous prestigious marques, and their work on this Ford reflects the restrained elegance of British coachbuilding in the early 1930s.

The resulting drophead coupe is a remarkably sophisticated interpretation of the Ford V-8 chassis. Its sweeping beltline molding, graceful door contours, and carefully tailored folding top lend the car a character more commonly associated with the sporting motorcars of Bentley or Rolls-Royce. Observers have often noted similarities to the elegant Gurney Nutting Owen Drophead Sedanca Coupe bodies built for the Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental, giving this Ford a distinctly aristocratic presence despite its humble mechanical origins.

The cars known modern history begins in 1973 when it was acquired in England by Commander J. A. Kenniff of Southold, New York from Oxfordshire dealer Malcolm C. Elder. Soon thereafter it was imported to the United States. In 1986 the car was purchased by enthusiast Knox Kershaw after he discovered it advertised in Antique Automobile magazine. Recognizing the rarity and charm of the Carlton coachwork, Mr. Kershaw embarked on a comprehensive restoration.

During the restoration a correct 1932 Ford V-8 engine was sourced to replace a later unit that had previously been installed. The bodys timber structure was properly renewed where required, and the elegant coachwork refinished in deep black complemented by richly upholstered bright red English leather. The painted wire wheels were fitted with blackwall tires in keeping with British practice of the period, resulting in a striking and authentically presented motorcar.

Since completion of the restoration the car has been selectively exhibited with notable success. It appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance in 2003 where it received an award in the special class for Pre-War Ford V-8 Custom Coachwork. The car returned to Pebble Beach again in 2011 and once more earned a class award. Further recognition followed when the Classic Car Club of America acknowledged the significance of the Carlton coachwork by designating the car a Full Classic. When shown at the Clubs Annual Meeting in 2011 it achieved an impressive score of 96.75 points.

Today this distinctive Ford remains a beautifully presented example of a rare coachbuilt interpretation of the Model 18. Combining the charm of early Ford V-8 engineering with elegant British craftsmanship, it offers collectors a fascinating and highly unusual automobile equally suited to concours display, club touring, or continued enjoyment on the open road.

Offers welcome and trades considered.