Original price: $625.00
On loan from: Paul Schuster, Callaway, NE
Previous owner: Purchased in Oconto, NE
Number made: 4,616
Engine, etc.: Flathead V-8; cast iron block; 85 h. p.; 3-speed with floor shifter
Restoration was done by Mr. Schuster’s uncle, Louis Schuster, Callaway, NE.
Fords in 1936 were mostly a continuation of the best-selling 1935 models but a number of appearance changes made them look almost completely new, including a restyled front-end.
Car customers were beginning to prefer closed bodies and some manufacturers discontinued open models. Ford, however, continued a varied lineup that included six open body styles including a roadster, phaeton, two cabriolets, and two convertible sedans.
The Cabriolet combined the sportiness of an open car with the comfort and security of a sedan. It had roll-up windows and an open-air rumble seat.
Henry Ford introduced the V-8 in 1932 and was successful in producing cars with low prices. By the mid-1930s horsepower had grown to 85 bhp. Major restyling in 1935 resulted in cars being lower to the ground and more streamlined. They were advertised as “Greater Beauty, Greater Comfort, and Greater Safety”.
Styling in 1936 was more refined and integrated with cars having graceful proportions. The hood had a sharp body-colored V-shape radiator housing with DeLuxe models having thin vertical chrome bars and a double row of hood side louvers separated by thin chrome spears. Bullet-shaped headlamp holders had convex lenses and stainless rims. Windshields were slanted to a greater degree and bumpers were more graceful. The design changes marked an evolutionary step from previous flat radiator and grille styles of previous years and foreshadowed rounded and streamlined designs of future years.
Optional equipment included a radio, radio antenna, heater, electric air horns, leather upholstery, wind wings, dual windshield wipers, a rumble seat, seat covers, luggage rack, spotlight, and a clock.
Transverse leaf springs in front of the axle resulted in improved drivability and a softer ride.
Source: https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z7512/ford-model-68.aspx
See also: https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1936_Ford/1936%20Ford%20Brochure/index1.html (Original dealer brochure)