1933 3 Window Coupe Garage Find

[4ever18]

A couple of months ago, I was able to purchase a VERY, VERY nice 1933 Ford 3 window coupe "survivor". I wanted to share this bit of good news and good fortune with y'all.

About 9 years ago, a very good friend (Donnie Smart/Valdese, NC) gave me the contact information for a gentleman (Ken Penley) with a "garage kept since new" 1933 Ford 3 window coupe. The owner was only 14 when the original owner sold the car in 1956. In 1970, the second owner decided that he would be willing to sell the car. That's when Mr. Penley was finally able to purchase his dream car. Mr. Penley knew the original owner, but being only 14, he wasn't able to purchase the car in 1956. By 1970, Ken was 28 and ready to become the car's 3rd owner.


Ken stopped driving the car in 1977, but kept it stored safely away in his garage. Ken's health has deteriorated and decided it was time to select the car's next caretaker. Yep, that would be me. I took my grandson along so that Ken could also meet the car's 5th caretaker.


The car has never had rust, or even so much as a door ding. The car isn't completely original. The second owner replaced the original engine with a 1948 59AB flathead. When Ken purchased the car in 1970, he stripped the car's paint and had it repainted in Black lacquer - along with having the car reupholstered in red.



I'm replacing the 1935 wire wheels with reproduction Hallibrand wheels and installing a dropped front axle. Other than replacing the steering wheel, my only other plans are for mechanical service/repairs as necessary to return the car to useable status. I assured Mr. Penley that I would continue to care for the car just as the 3 previous owners have done.



Enjoy the photos and share my happiness.

[4ever18]

More photos

[FHFD]

Beauty!

[Ken/Alabama]

Congratulations ! That's a very nice find. Has the grill been changed to a 34?

[tubman]

What a great find! I will say however, that I would be perfectly fine with the '35 wires.

[Strick]

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amazing condition...congrats!

[Lanny]

Appears to have a '34 hood and grill

I believe the inside door handle, mounted way
to the front of door, is '33 or early '34.

Nice looking car for sure...



.

[Mart]

She's a cutie for sure.

My 5W 33's a survivor, but didn't survive quite that well.

Mart.

[Mike in AZ]

Very nice. Enjoy. Mike

[FrankWest]

Wow.....

[Jason in TX]

So great. Any one of us would love to own this beauty. Congrats!

[Newc]

Fantastic! I seem to remember that those 'front' door latches lock in different directions 33 vs early 34? I reached over to lock my passenger door and it OPENED at speed! I hung on and pulled over... no damage, but wide awake . newc

[34pickup]

Wow, I love everything about it. Perfect, I wouldn't change a thing...maybe the steering wheel, or repair it.
Something in that good of condition is so rare its a once in a lifetime opportunity. Congrats.

[Kahuna]

What a beauty.
I'm with Tubman re the wheels
Jim

[4ever18]

Originally Posted by Lanny

Appears to have a '34 hood and grill

I believe the inside door handle, mounted way
to the front of door, is '33 or early '34.

Nice looking car for sure...



.

Thank you. Yes, the original owner changed the hood & grill sometime in the late 40’s or early 50’s.