The 1934 Ford deluxe roadster was quite likely the most beautiful thing you could buy for $550 in 1934. Hyperbole? Look again. Few cars combined style, race, nd solid engineering so well, nd if you think I'm wrong about this, ook at how many of 1934 Ford roadsters have been reproduced over the years. Of the 5701 deluxe roadsters originally built, here are probably over 100,000 on the road today. Hard to argue against those kinds of numbers.

However, s a result of their popularity, articularly with hot-rodders, inding an original 1934 Ford deluxe roadster is none too easy. This Canadian-market roadster was restored to a very correct standard perhaps 25 years ago, nd doesn't have any modifications at all—not even an electric fuel pump. The gorgeous roadster body is quite straight and still fits together well, ith suicide-style doors that open easily and a hood that doesn't fight you (although one of the latches is a little sticky). Cordoba Tan is a fantastic choice, sophisticated look on such an affordable car, nd the bright red wheels and pinstripes add a rakish charm that's insanely appealing. The paint has a very vintage-looking shine and might even be lacquer paint for absolutely authenticity, ut it's hard to say. It shines up well and shows only some light micro-blisters on the front fenders that reveal the restoration's age. It does have a few signs of use here and there, ut if this were mine to keep forever, wouldn't change a thing—it's in the ideal condition for touring. All the chrome and stainless trim is excellent, ncluding the oh-so-desirable V8 grille shell and big headlights, nd the only real issue is some chipping on the rear bumper that would not be difficult nor expensive to remedy because everything else is in excellent condition. Likewise, he running board rubber is very good, he metal spare tire cover fits well, nd the taillight lenses are unmarked.

The brown leatherette interior is also quite correct for an open Ford of the period. Pleated seats look right and are quite comfortable, ven after all these years, nd if you're under six feet tall, he '34 Ford roadster will fit you like a tailored suit. The simple door panels are nicely trimmed and the big steering wheel feels great in your hands, irecting the surprisingly accurate steering. The dashboard includes a big, ound Stewart Warner speedometer with the most delicate little pointer I've ever seen, nd it's flanked by an ammeter on the right and a non-functioning (no surprise there) hydro-static fuel level gauge on the left. It still starts using the foot pedal between the clutch and brake and the spoon-style accelerator is a wonderful memory from childhood in my father's 1934 Ford sedan. The rumble seat is upholstered in the same brown leatherette with nicely finished side panels, ith the right side having a handy storage compartment for, suspect, he jack and tire iron. Overhead, here's a tan canvas top that is showing some fading but otherwise remains in good condition. There are no side curtains.

Does Ford's flathead V8 really need any introduction? This one carries a correct 221 cubic inch 21-stud flathead, omplete with aluminum heads and intake manifold, rather rare feature today. In the 1930s, hey had problems with the heads seizing on the block (which is iron), o Ford would replace your aluminum heads with cast iron free of charge. Finding an aluminum-headed flathead is rather unusual today, nd I like the idea of both the lighter weight and the better cooling offered by the aluminum found on this engine. It isn't detailed for show anymore, ut it's tidy and correct under the hood, ncluding fabric-wrapped cooling hoses, proper air cleaner up top, nd cast iron exhaust manifolds. A little choke and it spins to life with ease, ettling into a smooth 500 RPM idle that's almost silent (I bet I could get this engine to idle at 350 RPM if I really wanted to—it's pretty impressive). The generator makes plenty of electricity and once it's warmed up, hrottle response is snappy with great torque out on the open road. As I mentioned, t's completely stock without so much as an electric fuel pump to help with priming after a long period of inactivity, ut it doesn't seem to mind. The transmission shifts smoothly, here's no clutch chatter, nd it's very happy at about 45 MPH with plenty in reserve for passing. Mechanical brakes were still part of the program in 1934, nd this car's got 'em, ut rest assured that they work as well as possible and offer a firm pedal and are surprisingly effective with the lightweight bodywork. The exhaust system is a bit crusty, erhaps from condensation while in storage, s it's really the only rust on the entire undercarriage, ut it doesn't leak and has just the right V8 burble, o I wouldn't worry about it. Ultra-rare and very valuable 16-inch Kelsey-Hayes adjustable spoke wire wheels are a great touch and they're wrapped in authentic Ford script wide whitewall tires.

This car speaks to me on a variety of levels, ot the least of which is the fact that the car that started my love affair with the automobile was a 1934 Ford. But this roadster is perhaps the ideal hobby car: stylish, ast, eautiful, ell-sorted, esirable, nd easy to maintain. In the world of great automobiles, ome stand taller than others, nd the 1934 Ford deluxe roadster has to be at the very top of the early V8 Ford hierarchy. This is a truly wonderful car.