1937 Ford Roadster

[Gray]

Anyone here have any idea of the value of a restored 1937 Ford Roadster? I know they’re extremely rare. I’ve heard numbers from 10-25 surviving examples. Weren’t many made. I believe Ford offered the Cabriolet which had roll-up windows so few people ordered Roadster which had side curtains.
Thanks,
Craig


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[TJ]

It all depends on the word "restored". Was it a full frame off authentic restoration , a cosmetic restoration, or just a paint job restoration. Was it ever shown at an Early Ford V-8 Club national meet and given an award of some type? That's usually a good indicator of the type of restoration. You are posing a question that is hard to answer due to a lack of specific facts about the car.

[Gray]

Originally Posted by TJ

It all depends on the word "restored". Was it a full frame off authentic restoration , a cosmetic restoration, or just a paint job restoration. Was it ever shown at an Early Ford V-8 Club national meet and given an award of some type? That's usually a good indicator of the type of restoration. You are posing a question that is hard to answer due to a lack of specific facts about the car.

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[jimTN]

Production was in the 1050 range for the roadster. I do believe there are more than 15 survivors out there. Value is truly going to depend on demand, quality of work and originality. There are those that still consider 37 to be the ugly duckling.

[Gray]

Frame off restoration. It’s my Dad’s. He was curious.


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[ford38v8]

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Craig, Your Dad's Roadster does indeed appear to be a high point car. Ask him about his awards received on it. The years of his awards, mileage and time since, and of course, as JimTn points out, demand is a major unknown factor also. I would think that it being your Father's pride and joy would place it in the priceless category if you are in line to be it's next caretaker.

[JSeery]

Nice, what does it look like under the hood?

[Lanny]

The book I'm looking at shows that 1,250 roadsters were sold by Ford in 1937.
The book is "90 years of Ford" by George Dammann.







.

[koates]

Hi, in post #5 second photo, it appears that there is a roll up window glass in the top of the left door. So if that is the case then is this car a cabriolet and not a roadster ? Does it have window winder cranks ? Or maybe my eyes are crook. Regards, Kevin.

[deuce lover]

Of the pics posted its definitely a roadster.It has the side curtain sockets on door tops and 3 female fasteners on each of the doors.

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by Gray

Anyone here have any idea of the value of a restored 1937 Ford Roadster? I know they’re extremely rare. I’ve heard numbers from 10-25 surviving examples. Weren’t many made. I believe Ford offered the Cabriolet which had roll-up windows so few people ordered Roadster which had side curtains.

Rare doesn't necessarily mean expensive. What about popularity and demand? My understanding is they are a cabriolet modified by Ford to be a roadster. If I were in the market for one IMHO I wouldn't pay a premium above a cabriolet. There has been one advertised on the barn for sale for several years unsold but not fully restored. I love 37s and love your car and the color but have 4 antique cars already and would like to sell a few. Cable brakes still?

[jimTN]

Your car is loaded with desirable accessories and the color IMHO really sets it off. I have a fastback delux in that color and really like it. If the underneath and engine compartment are as good as the outside, it truly is a top piece. Please post more pics of the running gear, engine and so on. About the only thing I could not see in the interior was a heater.

[DavidG]

Jim,

I believe what you are seeing is the interior side of the inset for the battery box as there is no defroster opening in the windshield garnish molding nor the control for a hot air heater which normally would be to the right of the glove box door as shown below.

This roadster appears to very well restored and I too like the color (Autumn Brown, I think).

[deuce_roadster]

What is in the driver's door of Gray's large picture that includes the steering wheel? Looks like the top of a roll up window to me. Maybe just an optical illusion. Do cabriolet doors fit on a roadster body?

[DavidG]

Part of that impression may be the result of what appears to be an excessively overstuffed door trim panel, the top of which shows as there is no separate garnish molding, unlike on a cabriolet (as in my photo).

[deuce_roadster]

Ok, thanks David. I guess what looked to me like a window is actually the outside of the door where it comes vertical with a reflection on it. General look of the car seems to be pretty nice. I am no expert on what is correct on that model.

[Gray]

Originally Posted by deuce_roadster

Ok, thanks David. I guess what looked to me like a window is actually the outside of the door where it comes vertical with a reflection on it. General look of the car seems to be pretty nice. I am no expert on what is correct on that model.

Thanks for replies everyone. My Dad is a strict purist when it comes to restoring these cars. So far as to contact Ford factory archives for details. He’s trying to figure out how to fabricate the factory floor mats. He has a soft spot for ‘37’s. He’s currently restoring a ‘37 four door convertible. As far as originality goes, the car is as close as it’s going to get. He checks serial and part #’s like crazy. Not unusual to find him watching football game with Green Book in his lap.


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[DavidG]

It does look very nice. Even the woodgraining on the dash is spot on, which isn't always the case with restored '37s.

[DavidG]

At one time the late Ken Terrio (RIP) reproduced the three mats for behind the seat and in front of the rumble seat for the cabriolets and roadsters, but only in very limited quantities. I don't recall ever seeing a correct reproduction of the front mat. What is/was available is a '37-'39 mat which lacks the details of an original '37 mat around the shift lever housing.

[TonyM]

Nice. My favorite year pre-war Ford.

I remember this car from somewhere. I think.

When I can, I look at 1937 Fords, in person and on the internet.

What a Beauty.

[Ron Pilger]

Ahh...the age old question of what a car is worth. Ultimately, the market always makes the final decision on value. Here's my personal experience: when I'm buying a car that I really, really want the price is usually something like $45,000 or $50,000. I tend to consciously overlook minor inconsistencies or those inevitable shortcomings justifying to myself that these things can be fixed or it's no big deal, really. When i'm selling a car I know where every blemish is and where, in retrospect, i would would have put more time and effort into during the restoration. So i tend to underprice. Then, almost always, my buyer tends to over exaggerate flaws and finds ALL imperfections and typically offers a lowball price making me feel like they're doing me a massive favour just to take it off my hands. LOL!

Back to yours...37 Roadsters are for the most part non-existent. I own a nice 37 Cabriolet. Not perfect but very nice. I really enjoy the model. I simply never see another one. I also own a 34 Cabriolet. i'm just 5 foot 10 and under 190 pounds and I almost need a can-opener to get behind the wheel in the 34. Climbing into the 37 is a relative breeze. It's also much easier to drive: better steering, nicer ride, just more comfortable, overall. It's odd that so many people think of the 37's as ugly!
I can't help you determine realistic value. I would say, however, it would be a mighty hard car to replace if you let it good. As a friend of mine says: before with you part with any old Ford you'd better wake up in the morning hating that car for several weeks, every months, before you ever decide to put it up for sale!"

My best advice is to use it - use it lots! You have a beautiful 37. Color is wonderful and appropriate for the model.

[DavidG]

I'm tempted to conclude that those who think the '37s are ugly don't appreciate the art deco era.

[JSeery]

I'm with you Dave, I really like the art deco look! Love the 37 - 38s.

[motordr]

I saw quite a few 37’s at the Ford V8 meet in Sweden last July, predominantly cabriolets. All are beautiful!

[1931 flamingo]

I had a 37 coupe back in the 60's for a short while and it's only in the last few years that I've come to appreciate them. Possibly because prices on 39&40's ( had a 40 Deluxe coupe also) have gone up so much are we seeing more of them today. JMO
Paul in CT

[Digger]

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Hello Craig, love 37’s. What is your asking price? Thanks

[Gray]

Originally Posted by Digger

Hello Craig, love 37’s. What is your asking price? Thanks

Sorry, not for sale. It’s my dad’s car.


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[Seth Swoboda]

Gray, you have a beautiful '37 Ford. The '37 styling is one that I appreciate. Join the Early Ford V8 Club and bring your car to Dearborn in June. They'd love to have you and your car there.

[John Gibson]

I owned a 1937 Cabriolet from 1962 until 1992. It was a “Spring Car” as I found traces of a tourquoise blue paint in the rumble seat area which was one of several colors that were offered for the early 37’s. There were no defroster vents on the inside windshield mouldings and of course, no heater. I believe that it was a much better driving car than the 36 Phaeton I now have.
John

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by DavidG

I'm tempted to conclude that those who think the '37s are ugly don't appreciate the art deco era.

I agree ! Love the art deco look !! JMO........F F

[AnthonyG]

http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Ca...oadster/Values