Times were tough during the Great Depression, but cars like the 1935 Ford kept America on wheels with their reasonable prices, comfortable interiors, and stylish designs. The Ford Motor Company touted the 1935 lineup for its “Greater Beauty, Greater Comfort, and Greater Style,” with the Model 48 De Luxe Roadster standing out as a prime example. Priced at $550, this two-door, three-passenger Roadster featured the De Luxe trim, which included dual horns, a chrome windshield, a right-side taillight, leather seating, and painted instrument panel and window moldings. Remarkably, it also had the second lowest price of any Ford that year.

The heart of the 1935 Ford was its famous 221 cu-in Flathead V8 engine, producing 85 horsepower. The Flathead was a hot setup for its time, serving as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500, driven by Edsel Ford. Its performance even garnered praise from notorious bank robber Clyde Barrow, who once wrote to Henry Ford to commend the V8's acceleration and speed, making it an ideal getaway car.

Previously retained for 36 years by a prior owner who was unable to complete his exacting, ground-up restoration, the current owner acquired the car in 2022 intent on finishing it. Completed earlier in 2024 to Dearborn Award standards, this Model 48 Roadster is finished in Vineyard Green single-stage lacquer, complemented by brown leather upholstery. The tan top is adorned with natural wood bows and bright metal fittings, utilizing period-correct materials.

Key features of the Roadster include a rumble seat, dual horns, accessory rear fender skirts, a woodgrain dashboard, a rearview mirror, a metal spare tire cover, Firestone whitewall tires, one-piece welded steel wheels, torque tube drive, a double-drop X-type frame, and a downdraft carburetor. Final touches included Ford script wind wings and a replacement windshield wiper motor which accompanies the car. Completed with a 1935 Ford Service Manual, other factory documentation, and a correct tool kit, this sporting and stylish 1935 Ford Model 48 De Luxe Roadster is eager to continue the spirit of adventure that attracted buyers to the car when new.