Something To Ponder...

Shadetree

Shadetree

Well-known member
I just did a quick non-scientific check on eBay with Fords 1932-1953. Some had fiberglass bodies but were still listed as Fords. I looked at the first page of 50 cars and trucks. Twenty six were street rods with modern OHV engines, twenty three were original flatheads and one original 1952 OHV 6 cylinder pickup. Of this sampling the overall average of 1932-1953 cars and trucks 52% street rods and 48% are original. Close enough to call it 50-50. BTW, a few of the originals were pretty rough.
 
Doesn't jibe with what I see at shows. I can usually count the flatheads on one hand. In the trucks it's really rare.
 
I don't go to shows anymore but when I did in the past there were always more street rods than original cars running original drive trains, whatever the brand may have been. I bet there are a lot of early fords running flathead engines, they just don't attend the shows with all the other stuff. I'd rather attend a show like the EV8 club meet in Tahoe. Work gets in the way though. Someday I will get the chance to enjoy those events. Mean while I'd rather drive my flathead then park it next to a SBC :).
 
We have a local informal gathering of enthusiast cars the first Tuesday of each month. This month, the attendance estimates ranged from 300 to 350. Vintages usually range from Model T through late 60's. I saw exactly three flatheads this month (one was a V12), and that was a high number. Usually one or two. WAY too many SBC's in early Fords.
 
Not sure that what is selling...or more accurately is listing on EBay tells what is going on in the Hobby. How many of the restored are being bought to be made into a hotrod? Also, selling usually means the owner doesn't want it anymore.
 
I was surprised at the ratio being nearly 50/50. In my world I see more original Fords than street rods. I guess some of my closest friends are original oriented and attending Hershey every year could be the reason. The last show I attended there were three flatheads including mine and all were original or restored. I am talking 1932-1953 cars and trucks.
 
SHADETREE ...................
There are way more Hot Rods than originals, down here in Daytona. At many of the Car Shows that I attend, I am the only flathead there.
There are a lot of flatheads here, but they just don't seem to go to the shows.
Like one person on here said, "If you don't drive them, you might as well collect clocks".
MIKE :)
 
Same here. I'm usually one of only a few flatheads on display. Too many shoeboxes with SBC's. If I see a stock flathead, I usually try to find and compliment the owner.
 
I believe my 32 was hot rodded shortly after the war. Late 40's
I wonder if the guy who started it was the same guy who finished it or not
If not, I wonder how many hands it passed thru till my Dad got it in '57
 
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