1932 Ford Type 18 Special

Sold for $319,000 at 2013 RM Auction - Art of the Automobile.
This car is believed to be the only Classic Era Ford built with custom coachwork by Pinin Farina. Ford Motor Company commissioned this car from the Italian coachbuilder as a styling study when they were considering options for the production 1933 models. It was built on the iconic and American-built 1932 Ford Model 18 chassis and its design shows the influence of Pinin Farina's earlier Lancias with sweeping beltline and smartly tailored roof yet it also clearly mimics the production Ford bodies from Dearborn.

After five decades, and several more years, an enthusiast found the car in the collection of Sergio Franchi. The enthusiast was able to obtain the car to be restored. The restorer confirmed the car's excellent original condition upon its arrival at his shop. Almost all of the hardware throughout is original and restored, as well as all body panels. The body was finished in a rich dark green, with matching leather in a simple flat design over the chrome-framed individual front and rear bench seats. Overseeing all is a tan fabric top. The wire wheels are finished in a lighter green and shod in black wall tires, which are both period-correct and a nod to this Ford's distinctive European origins. These are the same colors and equipment that the car was fitted with originally.