1937 Ford Model Y

46 Bids Winner - atyrie@*******.com
7:45 PM, 23 Jun 2023Vehicle sold
Sold for

£7,650

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
Winner - atyrie@*******.com
consigner image

Martin's review

Martin Stevens - Consignment Specialist Message Martin

“ Pre-War Classic - Well Restored ”

When did you last see a Ford Model Y? Even a rare sight at car shows, this fine example will court attention wherever she goes.

Nicely restored some years ago, and with a few sensible modifications, this lovely car is sure to bring great joy to its lucky new owner.

It is without doubt a great starter classic and one that should be simple enough for the home mechanic to work on.

So, how much will this delightful slice of fine British engineering sell for? We estimate the hammer will fall somewhere between £4,000 and £7,000. A lot of car for the money!

Viewing is always encouraged. The car is located in Milton, Oxfordshire. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing.

Background

The Model Y was the first Ford automobile specifically designed for markets outside the United States. It was produced in England from 1932 until September 1937 and is sometimes remembered as the ‘Ford Eight’, reflecting its fiscal horsepower rating.

The car was powered by a 933cc 8hp Ford sidevalve engine. The little Ford was available in two and four-door versions, sold as the ‘Tudor’ (a pun on two-door) and ‘Fordor’ (Ford/four-door) respectively.

Improvements and economies of scale over the Model Y’s production run allowed Ford to drop the price. Therefore, in June 1935, Ford was able to announce the Tudor model would be sold for just £100, a price it would hold until July 1937. This was the first time a four-seat closed-body saloon car had sold in Britain for that price (the first British car to sell for £100, the 1931 Morris Minor SV, was a two-seater with a collapsible fabric roof and a wood-framed body).

The suspension was traditional Ford transverse leaf springs front and rear and the engine drove the rear wheels through a three-speed gearbox, which right from the start, featured synchromesh between the top two ratios.

The maximum speed was just under 60mph and fuel consumption around 32mpg.

Even by the standards of the time, the UK-built Ford Model Y, like its competitor the Austin 7, was found noteworthy for its almost unbelievable lack of brakes!

It should be noted that the Model Y inspired copying by Morris Motors, with the Eight, and by Singer Motors, with the Bantam. As Ford led, others followed.

  • Y172115
  • 37765
  • 933cc
  • manual
  • Blue
  • Black
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol
Vehicle location
Milton, United Kingdom

Background

The Model Y was the first Ford automobile specifically designed for markets outside the United States. It was produced in England from 1932 until September 1937 and is sometimes remembered as the ‘Ford Eight’, reflecting its fiscal horsepower rating.

The car was powered by a 933cc 8hp Ford sidevalve engine. The little Ford was available in two and four-door versions, sold as the ‘Tudor’ (a pun on two-door) and ‘Fordor’ (Ford/four-door) respectively.

Improvements and economies of scale over the Model Y’s production run allowed Ford to drop the price. Therefore, in June 1935, Ford was able to announce the Tudor model would be sold for just £100, a price it would hold until July 1937. This was the first time a four-seat closed-body saloon car had sold in Britain for that price (the first British car to sell for £100, the 1931 Morris Minor SV, was a two-seater with a collapsible fabric roof and a wood-framed body).

The suspension was traditional Ford transverse leaf springs front and rear and the engine drove the rear wheels through a three-speed gearbox, which right from the start, featured synchromesh between the top two ratios.

The maximum speed was just under 60mph and fuel consumption around 32mpg.

Even by the standards of the time, the UK-built Ford Model Y, like its competitor the Austin 7, was found noteworthy for its almost unbelievable lack of brakes!

It should be noted that the Model Y inspired copying by Morris Motors, with the Eight, and by Singer Motors, with the Bantam. As Ford led, others followed.

Video

Overview

On sale here is a ‘Tudor’ version of the Model Y, produced towards the end of the production run in 1937. Subject to a complete restoration in the year 2000, we believe, and with likely gentle use since, this prime example will surely excite.

Our sellers bought this charming car, which they nicknamed rather appropriately ‘Our Sexy Lady’ (check the registration number) in 2018 and have had much pleasure using her on sunny days. We gather she won a prize or two in local shows.

We are told the car runs well and of course attracts a huge amount of attention wherever it goes. The intention was to keep the car forever, but the purchase of a boat has rather diverted the sellers’ attention from tarmac to water. It is time, they conceded, to let someone else continue this car’s exciting story.

Exterior

From what we can gather, the restoration of this car was comprehensive, and likely used many new or reconditioned parts. The paint finish looks to have held up well, considering some 23 years have now passed, the car most likely spending most of its time safely tucked up in garages when not in use.

The eagle-eyed may spot the odd mark here and there but nothing that detracts from the overall look and appeal of this striking motor car.

The chrome looks suitably shiny, and with plenty of it, best stock up on a proprietary cleaner to keep it all looking shipshape.

Contrasting nicely against the blue paint are the cream wire wheels, each fitted with a Waymaster tyre. These are period correct and can still be sourced from good suppliers.

To the rear is a pop-down luggage rack, which looks mighty fine with a wicker picnic hamper attached. Or pop a suitcase or two on it for a weekend away.

Soon after purchase, the sellers had the car inspected by an official from the Model Y Club and he pointed out a few very minor discrepancies from the original. Apparently, the bonnet should have a chrome strip on it and the front bumper should only have one stripe and not two!

In addition, the eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted the sensible addition of indicators front and rear.

Interior

A wonderfully old school interior awaits those who fling open the ‘suicide doors’. Nicely retrimmed in black, the seats show little sign of wear. There’s space in the back for two to join in the fun.

Carpets, headlining, and door cards are all in nice order and will doubtless have been renewed during the restoration.

Controls are simplicity itself and the blue painted dash contains some delightful period gauges. Could the 37765 miles displayed by the odometer be genuine? Unlikely, but you never know.

As a safety precaution, our seller fitted a switch under the dash to turn off the battery.

Mechanical

We cannot tell you much about the engine other than it runs well. It may well be the original unit the car left the factory with. We are told that the drives well, though there is a little bit of vibration at around 40mph. Our seller suspects a universal joint may well be the culprit.

The engine bay is in fine order and sitting proud is the 12-volt battery. The conversion was done which makes perfect sense. Fuses have also been fitted into the wiring, as a safety precaution.

There are photos in our gallery of the Model Y’s underside, and it all looks to be in good order. Our seller has mentioned there is a small hole in the chassis, which he thinks would benefit from having a small plate welded on.

History

Our sellers bought the car from a dealer, and he put the car through an MoT in May 2017. It passed with no advisories.

It should be noted that the Model Y does not have its original registration number. OSL 774 was assigned to the car in 2000 when it was restored. We can only imagine the then owner must have lost his battle with the DVLA. It’s a familiar story…

Our seller has carried out some essential maintenance during his ownership including the fitment of a reconditioned steering column.

There are some older invoices in amongst the paperwork, and there is an instruction book included too.

Our seller strongly recommends both the Ford Model Y Club and the Small Ford Company as both are a great source of parts and help with maintenance.

Summary

When did you last see a Ford Model Y? Even a rare sight at car shows, this fine example will court attention wherever she goes.

Nicely restored some years ago, and with a few sensible modifications, this lovely car is sure to bring great joy to its lucky new owner.

It is without doubt a great starter classic and one that should be simple enough for the home mechanic to work on.

So, how much will this delightful slice of fine British engineering sell for? We estimate the hammer will fall somewhere between £4,000 and £7,000. A lot of car for the money!

Viewing is always encouraged. The car is located in Milton, Oxfordshire. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing.

About this auction

Seller

Private: John Davies


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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