1933 Ford Model B Cabriolet

This 1933 Ford Cabriolet was refinished and modernized with a coilover suspension, four-wheel Wilwood disc braking system, Halibrand aluminum wheels, and a Vintage Air A/C system. Power comes from a replacement Chevrolet 350ci V8 mated to a Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission. The seller who has owned the vehicle for four years states that this Cabriolet was built in Southern California and subsequently relocated to Connecticut. Finished in dark dlue with matching cloth retractable top over a reupholstered gray leather interior, this Cabriolet is now offered with an uninstalled rumble seat, records, and clear Connecticut title in the seller’s name.

Beginning in 1932, Ford launched completely new vehicle designs including the Model B and Model 18 which shared a common platform and were available on a variety of body styles. The subsequent year, the wheelbase was stretched and the grille was revised to incorporate a forward pointed slope at the bottom. This two-door Cabriolet from 1933 retains a largely-original steel body and was resprayed in dark blue with a silver and red accent stripe as part of a prior restoration. The glass was replaced and the brightwork refinished for the bumpers, grille surround, headlight housings, windshield surround, and other trim. Exterior body aesthetics include rear-hinged doors, rubber-covered running boards, dual polished exhaust outlets, and a sloping rear deck offering a compartment for a rumble seat, which is included separately with the sale.

Halibrand five-spoke polished aluminum wheels with spinner caps are wrapped in newer Kumho Solus tires. The suspension is comprised of a Kugel polished independent front suspension and Aldan American adjustable coilovers at all four corners. A rack and pinion steering system, along with four-wheel Wilwood power disc brakes, provide handling assistance.

The interior is fitted with reupholstered gray leather bench seating which is carried through to the door panels, contrasted by darker gray German square-weave carpeting and black lap belts. Amenities include a Vintage Air A/C and heater system and a banjo-style steering wheel from Juliano’s Hot Rod Parts.

Replacement Stewart Warner gauges provide a 160-mph speedometer and accompanying gauges in an engine-turned aluminum bezel for coolant temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and voltage. An 8k-rpm tachometer is mounted to the steering column, and the five-digit mechanical odometer reads 36k miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The small-block, crate-sourced Chevrolet 350ci V8 is topped by a chrome-finished air cleaner and was rated at 330 horsepower, fed by a replacement stainless-steel 16-gallon fuel tank and a newer carburetor. A tune-up was performed in Spring 2021, and power is directed to the rear wheels via a Turbo 3503-speed automatic transmission and a 9” Ford rear end.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale includes records from the build.