1937 Ford Model 78 Tudor

This 1937 Ford Model 78 Tudor Sedan is an award-winning street rod with an original steel body that underwent a body-off restoration in 2017 and received custom touches including frenched taillights, a recessed fuel filler cap, an overhauled suspension from Chassis Engineering, a disc braking system, Vintage Air HVAC, and more. The rebuilt small-block Chevrolet 350ci V8 received performance bolt-ons such as an Edelbrock intake manifold and an HEI distributor, and power is backed by a rebuilt 4-speed 700R4 automatic transmission. Finished in Merlot Red Metallic over a reupholstered Parchment vinyl interior, this Model 78 is now offered with a clear California title in the seller’s name.

For the 1937 model year, Ford’s lineup of full-size automobiles received a more rounded look with a V-shaped grille along with faired-in headlights. This Model 78 was purchased from the estate of the long-term prior owner who passed away in 2015, and the car subsequently underwent a full restoration in Colorado, retaining use of the original Henry Ford steel. This slant-back body was coated in Merlot Red Metallic, with additions consisting of frenched taillights, a third brake lamp, a recessed license plate mount, a recessed fuel filler cap, a deleted trunk handle, and a split rear bumper. Windshield wipers from Newport Engineering were added for the two-piece windshield, and other exterior treatment includes rubberized running board coating, chrome brightwork, and a 2 ¼” stainless-steel Magnaflow dual exhaust system with polished outlets below the rear bumper.

Chrome-finished Classic 100 five-spoke wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. Underpinnings were modernized at the time of restoration and leverage a Ford Mustang II-style front end with power steering by Chassis Engineering. The braking system has been similarly upgraded with discs up front and drums in the rear, and the suspension consists of leaf springs from Chassis Engineering.

The interior is trimmed in reupholstered power-operated Parchment vinyl bucket seating that was sourced from a 1993 Ford Thunderbird and complemented by color-matched door panels, lap belts, and replacement Bentley carpeting. The cabin was insulated with Cool Mat on the roof, floors, quarter panels, doors, and trunk. Amenities added include a three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel, a Vintage Air A/C system, an under-dash Secret Audio radio, tinted windows, and a finished trunk which contains the spare tire, jack, and relocated battery.

VDO Cockpit Royale gauges have been added and consist of a 140-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and other readouts. The odometer shows 1,722 miles, which reflects the mileage driven since the mechanical overhaul. True mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The rebuilt Chevrolet 350ci V8 has been dyno-tested at 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque and is showcased in an engine bay with chrome-finished valve covers and dress-up accents. Performance upgrades include an Edelbrock intake manifold and 600-cfm four-barrel carburetor, an HEI distributor, custom headers, a Walker four-core radiator, a 16” 2800-cfm electric fan, and more. The battery was relocated to the trunk and the wiring was redone with a complete harness from American Classic. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed 700R4 automatic transmission connected to an 8” Ford differential with 3.25 gears.

Photos showing the undercoated underside are available in the carousel, and a video of the engine running is available below.

AUTOHUNTER ADMIN UPDATE 9/06/21 11:35 AM: A video has been added.