Looking for Pre War 35-41 Convertible

[Luckykat32]

I'm a new member, but I love Pre War cars, especially CONVERTIBLES. I had a 37 Plymouth 4 door sedan that I sold to be able to buy a convertible.

I'm looking for a convertible, and I want it ready to drive...I actually prefer having a newer motor (like a 350 chevy) in it, but still retaining the original look inside & out. I'm open to original cars, but this is going to be my only car & I only drive on the weekends, so it needs to be road worthy & dependable. Email or PM is fine.

Let me know what you have, (I prefer Packards), but enjoy many different Convertibles, such as:

1) Auburn 34-36

2) Buick 36-38

3) Cadillac 36-39

4) Chevrolet 36-39

5) Chrysler 35-39

6) Desoto 35-39

7) Dodge 35-39

8) Ford 35-39

9) Graham 36-40

10) Hudson 35-39

11) LaSalle 35-38

12) Lincoln 35-36

13) Nash 35-40

14) Oldsmobile 35-39

15) Packard 35-40

16) Pierce-Arrow 35-38

17) Plymouth 35-39

18) Pontiac 35-41

19) Studebaker 36-39

Edited July 27, 2012 by Luckykat32 (see edit history)

[mercer09]

I'm a new member, but I love Pre War cars, especially CONVERTIBLES. I had a 37 Plymouth 4 door sedan that I sold to be able to buy a convertible.

I'm looking for a convertible, and I want it ready to drive...I actually prefer having a newer motor (like a 350 chevy) in it, but still retaining the original look inside & out. I'm open to original cars, but this is going to be my only car & I only drive on the weekends, so it needs to be road worthy & dependable. Email or PM is fine.

Let me know what you have, (I prefer Packards), but enjoy many different Convertibles, such as:

1) Auburn 34-36

2) Buick 36-41

3) Cadillac 36-39

4) Chevrolet 36-41

5) Chrysler 35-40

6) Desoto 35-39

7) Dodge 35-41

8) Ford 35-39

9) Graham 36-40

10) Hudson 35-39

11) LaSalle 35-41

12) Lincoln 35-36

13) Nash 35-40

14) Oldsmobile 35-39

15) Packard 35-41

16) Pierce-Arrow 35-38

17) Plymouth 35-40

18) Pontiac 35-48

19) Studebaker 36-40

You might want to set a general ballpark of what you'ld like to spend. By the cars listed-you could be anywhere from 20k-100k. Pretty broad range....

[alsancle]

Putting a 350 Chevy in 1/2 those cars would be criminal.

[Matt Harwood]

I have the following cars available:

1940 LaSalle convertible coupe: $34,900

1941 Ford convertible coupe: $44,900

1941 Packard 160 convertible coupe: please inquire

I also have some early post-war convertibles:

1947 Lincoln Continental: $34,900

1948 Mercury convertible coupe: $34,900

1948 Buick Roadmaster convertible: $49,900

1949 Plymouth convertible (Leroy): $36,900

1949 Plymouth convertible (red): $27,900

And one that you may find very interesting, a 1948 Lincoln Continental with a complete Lincoln Mark V drivetrain transplanted into it. 460 Ford V8, automatic transmission, 9-inch rear, power steering, power disc brakes, A/C, cruise, power seats, window, and top, powerful stereo. A daily driver that looks very, very stock. Someone spent a TON on this one. Probably available for half the build price at $69,900.

If you're going to try to use one as a daily driver, I think either of the Plymouths are a slam-dunk--they're reliable as anvils and parts are easy to get at your local NAPA store. The Ford isn't bad either, and the upgraded Continental is, obviously a modern car underneath.

[JACK M]

Be careful what you ask for. You may get 'Lucky' !

[Luckykat32]

Thanks for the pictures, Matt...I really apprieciate it. I wish I could afford the 41 Packard, but not for now. The 40 LaSalle is a cool, but not quite what I'm looking for, but close.

I dont like the 41 Ford or the post war cars, but one I might consider would be a 46-48 Pontiac.

Other than that, I'm still looking...And I'm trying to keep it under $45k.

Thanks!

I have the following cars available:

1940 LaSalle convertible coupe: $34,900

1941 Ford convertible coupe: $44,900

1941 Packard 160 convertible coupe: please inquire

I also have some early post-war convertibles:

1947 Lincoln Continental: $34,900

1948 Mercury convertible coupe: $34,900

1948 Buick Roadmaster convertible: $49,900

1949 Plymouth convertible (Leroy): $36,900

1949 Plymouth convertible (red): $27,900

[larry]

I know that I am way out of your ball park figure of $45,000, but I have a real nice 1936 Bentley Park Ward 3 position Convetible Coupe for sale for $87,500. These cars are extremely rare and this one you can jump in and drive anywhere

[Luckykat32]

I appreciate your offer, but besides not being able afford such a beautiful car, I dont prefer European cars, over the American cars of the late 30s.

I know that I am way out of your ball park figure of $45,000, but I have a real nice 1936 Bentley Park Ward 3 position Convetible Coupe for sale for $87,500. These cars are extremely rare and this one you can jump in and drive anywhere

[Matt Harwood]

I have access to a few others, including a gorgeous 1940 Buick Century convertible sedan, 1940 Pontiac Eight convertible coupe (getting a new top as we speak), and 1940 Buick Super convertible coupe. I'll have to check on pricing if you're interested, as these cars are not in stock or actively being marketed, but rather "available at the right price."

I also have a 1936 Cadillac V8 convertible sedan with a Fleetwood body that needs some TLC, but would clean up nicely if you're not looking for a show car. Could be an awesome tour car. Again, no price yet, but I could find out more details if you're interested.

[Luckykat32]

Matt, I sent you a PM...I dig the Cadillac, but I'd be willing to check out the other 2 convertible coupes. Thanks!

[Guest bkazmer]

guys, I realize you're trying to "move the iron" - but listen to what the original request is - for a rod. The Lincoln is the only one that fits what the man is looking for. Does anyone one here think rodding a restored senior Packard convertible like that 160 makes financial sense, even if you don't find it butchery? kat, If you must go Packard, i suggest you look for a 110-115 - it is obviously Packard styling and the mechanical difference is irrelevant to your purposes. The cost will be a great deal less.

[Luckykat32]

I realize your concern, but I didn't say I was oposed to an original car, neither did I say that I would HAVE to change the engine, I just said, if its out there, I wanna see it. I would never dream of changing a 160 Packard...I'm too much of a traditionalist to see that happen, but if someone has already done it, then I wouldn't mind going that way.

I drove a late 30s car for 6 years & there was many problems with overheating, even after flushing the radiator & other steps to keep it cooler...we hit triple digits here in So. Cal in the summer at least a few times per year & I dont want to worry about a car when I'm driving it in 90+ weather going up the mountain to my girlfriend's house 50 miles away...I just want reliability.

As a matter of fact I was just offered up a 1940 160 & I'm just weighing the pros & cons because I know I would never change an engine on that calibur of a car....they're amazing.

If I'm going to run an original engine, its going to be an 8 & it should have an overdrive...either way, I just want something that is a pleasure to drive & that is going to get me from A to B on the weekends.

guys, I realize you're trying to "move the iron" - but listen to what the original request is - for a rod. The Lincoln is the only one that fits what the man is looking for. Does anyone one here think rodding a restored senior Packard convertible like that 160 makes financial sense, even if you don't find it butchery? kat, If you must go Packard, i suggest you look for a 110-115 - it is obviously Packard styling and the mechanical difference is irrelevant to your purposes. The cost will be a great deal less.

[Luckykat32]

Still looking...impatiently, with money burning a hole in my pocket...any others out there?

[Tom Laferriere]

As you know, I have 2 1937 Packard 115 Convertibles, one original and driving and one with a 302. Pictures of both sent to you.

[edinmass]

Scratch the Pierce off the list, in terrible condition a rust bucket open car would run 35k and be half missing. Last one in terrible condition traded hands for 30k 10 years ago and it needed an entire sedan parts car to finish. The owner told me the restoration ran him 200K. Ed

[Luckykat32]

Still tryin' to get "Lucky" with a car...anyone else have a driver for under $40k?

Be careful what you ask for. You may get 'Lucky' !

[allcars]

Have sent you a PM.

allcars

[Luckykat32]

I just updated my list as I'm learning more what I want. I am very partial to prewar "bucket" headlights over headlights in the fender. I love sidemounts, but dont have to have them & I prefer prewar cars in these colors, in this order: Creamy Yellow, Seafoam/Mint Green, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Black. (2 tone is ok too if its original looking).

I want a driver in the 25-35k range, or IF it has a modern engine I can spend a little more.

1) Auburn 34-36

2) Buick 36-38

3) Cadillac 36-39

4) Chevrolet 36-39

5) Chrysler 35-39

6) Desoto 35-39

7) Dodge 35-39

8) Ford 35-39

9) Graham 36-40

10) Hudson 35-39

11) LaSalle 35-38

12) Lincoln 35-37

13) Nash 35-40

14) Oldsmobile 35-39

15) Packard 35-40

17) Plymouth 35-39

18) Pontiac 35-41

19) Studebaker 36-39

[roysboystoys]

That looks like the list I would make for myself !

Good luck

Roy

[Curti]

I just updated my list as I'm learning more what I want. I am very partial to prewar "bucket" headlights over headlights in the fender. I love sidemounts, but dont have to have them & I prefer prewar cars in these colors, in this order: Creamy Yellow, Seafoam/Mint Green, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Black. (2 tone is ok too if its original looking).

I want a driver in the 25-35k range, or IF it has a modern engine I can spend a little more.

1) Auburn 34-36

2) Buick 36-38

3) Cadillac 36-39

4) Chevrolet 36-39

5) Chrysler 35-39

6) Desoto 35-39

7) Dodge 35-39

8) Ford 35-39

9) Graham 36-40

10) Hudson 35-39

11) LaSalle 35-38

12) Lincoln 35-37

13) Nash 35-40

14) Oldsmobile 35-39

15) Packard 35-40

17) Plymouth 35-39

18) Pontiac 35-41

19) Studebaker 36-39

I wish you luck buying an open 34-36 Auburn driver in the 25 to 35 range. The car in my avatar can be had, but it will require a 1 in front of the 35

[auburnseeker]

I wish you luck buying an open 34-36 Auburn driver in the 25 to 35 range. The car in my avatar can be had, but it will require a 1 in front of the 35

I know what you mean. It's tough to find even a project one all apart in that range. I lucked out stumbled across, and bought a Cord but that still needs full mechanical overhaul to hit the road and it was a little bit north of that price range.

[Curti]

They say with a Cord, once you get by the transmission, it is just a restoration. Are you going to the ACD festival over Labor Day weekend?

[Tom Laferriere]

I have this.

[Luckykat32]

I agree, but I did find a 34 Auburn 4 door with a crate engine for under $50k on ebay about 4 or 5 months ago, so you never know what people are willing to sell their cars for when they need money...I'm just being patient because I'm a young guy with not a lot of money, but every month I save a little more...so here's hoping I find the right one at the right price!

Thanks for everyones help!

I prefer Packards, but I am looking at 35-38 GM cars and Chryslers now...I love rumble seats, but because I want this to be a driver I think having a back seat might be a little better for passengers. I'm in So. Cal....we drive EVERYWHERE.

I wish you luck buying an open 34-36 Auburn driver in the 25 to 35 range. The car in my avatar can be had, but it will require a 1 in front of the 35

[Matt Harwood]

We just picked up the following cars (sorry, Lucky, I have no further information on the Pontiac and Buick you and I were discussing, they're still in the "not for sale yet" limbo):

1948 Packard Custom convertible victoria, Egyptian Sand with matching interior. Decent car that drives well with no rust and all the power accessories (windows, seat, top) work. Asking $44,900.

1937 Chrysler Royal convertible sedan. Quite rare with only 642 built. Fender skirts included, but I hate how they look so I leave them off. 6 cylinder means it's fairly thrifty. Good performance around town, too. Nice older restoration that still looks quite good. $39,900.

1948 Studebaker Champion convertible. Nice driver, beautiful interior, functional overdrive so it's nice on the highway and around town. Asking $29,900, but I'm going to mark it down to $27,900 next week.

[Luckykat32]

Thanks Matt...I saw the text for the Chrysler & i got excited, but I should specify... I'm looking for convertible coupes...I'm just more into the "sporty" look rather than the 4 door convertibles, although that Chrylser is awesome.