1934 Ford Model 40 DeLuxe Roadster

Popular with cops and crooks alike, the 1934 Ford Deluxe Roadster holds a special place in automotive history. Particularly popular because of its power, it also marked a change in automotive design. The Ford Deluxe represented the shift from the traditional styling of the time to smoother, more aerodynamic shapes.

The one aspect of the car's popularity is quite ironic. Police enjoyed the car for its power under the hood, and therefore, its ability to chase down criminals. Car thieves particularly enjoyed stealing the car so they could run from the cops. For those enjoying the car for much more 'legal' pursuits, the rumble seat in the back made the car quite desirable for those Sunday afternoon drives in the country; at least for those who could afford one. Despite being introduced during the midst America's depression, the '34 Ford Deluxe enjoyed success with the public.

Easily-recognizable for its medieval shield-shaped front grille, round headlights mounted to the side of the grille and sweeping, wide fenders and running boards, the 1934 Ford Deluxe was popular even in the midst of the depression and would continue to be popular with custom car crafters for years to come. Because the car became so popular, and many ended up being chopped up and made into street rods, period-correct restorations became very rare.

Offered this year was one of those rare 1934 Ford Deluxe Rumble Seat Roadsters. A good deal of this car's life has been as part of a private collection. It has gone through an extensive restoration where no cost was spared.

It features the 85 hp, 'Flathead' V-8 engine and a three-speed, floor-shift manual transmission. It came complete with a Greyhound hood ornament, wide white-walled tires, dual horns, cowl lights, rumble seat, windshield wiper and rear-mounted spare.

The interior is finished in tan leather with a wood finished dashboard. It comes with a tan-colored top and matching tan leather rumble seat. The car's wheels are finished in a bright red finish, matching the small pinstripes that accent the car's beige finish.

Expected to fetch between $75,000-$100,000, this 1934 Ford Deluxe Roadster is truly a rare find. Throughout its life, the '34 Ford attracted both the righteous and the rebels. Its gently flowing lines and eye-pleasing aesthetics will undoubtedly continue to draw admirers, from all sides of moral issues for years to come.

Sources:
'1934 Ford Delux Roadster', (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1934-ford-deluxe-roadster.htm). How Stuff Works?. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1934-ford-deluxe-roadster.htm. Retrieved 11 January 2011.

'Buy: View Lots (Lot 296: 1934 Ford Deluxe Rumble Seat Roadster)', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r229&fc=0). RM Auctions Arizona. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r229&fc=0. Retrieved 11 January 2011.

By Jeremy McMullen