1932 Ford Model 18 Roadster

One of the most pivotal designs in the Ford Motor Company's history, a new car that introduced affordable V8 power to the masses, this 1932 Ford Model 18 Roadster represents the first year of production for both this body design and the original Ford flathead V8. This Ford was said to be a California car, where it was restored by the grandfather of the seller in the 1980s-'90s. The owner inherited the car from her father and moved it east to New Hampshire. The Ford looks to be restored beyond factory specifications, with what appears to be gold metallic paint as its main color, rear side curtains on its vinyl top, dual taillamps, wind wings, and accessory handles for the rumble seat.- the engine's originality is unknown, and that no rust repairs have been made to the car. This 1932 Ford is powered by Dearborn's then-new 221-cu.in. L-head V8. With a compression ratio of 5.5:1, the engine received its fuel mixture via a Detroit Lubricator carburetor and was rated by the manufacturer at 65 horsepower when new. The seller is unaware of whether this Ford's flathead V8 is original, or of any rebuild history. S the battery is mostly kept on a trickle charger and the engine usually takes two or three tries to start. No issues with the manual transmission are reported.- that the Ford will overheat if driven when the temperature is above 70. The engine bay presents as generally clean, with what appears to be chromed aftermarket water pipes. The gold metallic and black paint's age is unknown and the seller reports nicks in the finish. The roadster top appears to have good fit and is reported to be leak-free, with some of the mounting hardware damaged or missing. The top has rear side curtains. The body seals reportedly show no evidence of leaks. As to corrosion, the seller states that no rust repairs have been made and there is some rusting in the engine. The body panels and running boards look to be straight, and the chrome presents as being in good overall condition.- a spiderweb-type crack in the rear-view mirror's glass. Accessory wind wings have been fitted. All lighting is said to work. The underside presents as generally clean, with surface corrosion visible - The tan leather seating and interior materials are described as being in great condition, with no visible damage and seat belts installed at riding positions. Some wear to the carpet adjacent to the steering wheel is noted. The interior is believed to have complete trim and small controls. The steel dashboard, with an engine-turned instrument bezel, presents very well. The instruments are said to function properly, but the control knobs are inoperative. There is no heater, air conditioning, or audio system. The rumble seat matches the interior upholstery and presents as being in excellent condition. - The date of the Ford's most recent chassis service is unknown. - that the vehicle has passed annual safety inspections but is uncertain about the condition of suspension components. No functional issues are stated. - the mechanical drum brakes to be original and notes that they take a long time to stop the car. The wire wheels have no known pitting or curb rash. The age of the whitewall tires is unknown, and the tires' DOT date coding cannot be determined from the photos supplied. This 1932 Ford Model 18 Roadster, from the historic initial year of flathead V8 production, has a known history dating back multiple generations of a single family.