Description
The rugged, stylish Ford 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, its second run on the Peking to Paris rally in 2019, and the Island of Japan Marathon in 2025.
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. More recentley the car took part in Rally the Globe’s Islands of Japan Marathon rally.
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.
The car is currently with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, the RPS storage facility and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed by appointment at Rally Preparation Services.
All enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
