This one off custom made 1936 Ford 2 Door Phaeton was designed &
produced in the mid-70's in Denver, Colorado & was known as the
“Phantom Phaeton". It was a complete refabrication of a Tudor “Slantback"
made into what was only a dream by Dick Verner. This has got to be
one of the nicest original type Old School recipes on the market
today!
During the mid-1970s, Dick Verner of Denver, Colorado created the
“Phantom Phaeton,” beginning with an original ’36 Ford Tudor “slantback.”
His work was quite remarkable and factory-stock in appearance,
complete with a ’36 Roadster cowl and reshaped upper body edges. A
mid-1960s Ford 289 replaced the old “flathead,” and the running gear
remained unmodified. Around 1985, Harry Conklin of Denver, Colorado,
a well-known midget racer and early Ford V-8 collector, acquired the
car. In 1999, he sold it to Gary Vahling, also of Denver, who added
a Mor-Drop front axle, ’50 Mercury wheels, Coker whitewall tires and
a 1950s-vintage Cadillac air cleaner. In February 2000, the Phaeton
graced the pages of American Rodder. Under the next owner, the
Phaeton was updated, with the stock three-speed transmission rebuilt
and the 289 V-8 removed, dismantled and detailed. The stock
reciprocating assembly was retained, and upgrades included a mild
cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM cylinder heads and Fel-Pro gaskets.
Other items included new electric and water pumps, a Mallory
distributor, an MSD coil, an electric fan and all-new wiring. A new
LeBaron Bonney folding top and black Wilton carpeting were fitted,
as well as ’36 Ford brake drums, wheels, hubcaps and blackwall
tires. As offered today, the paint finish is very presentable. The
maroon vinyl interior retains the stock AM radio, ignition lock,
instruments, steering column and “banjo” steering wheel, plus ’36
Ford ashtrays. The car has four seat belts, a full set of side
curtains, halogen headlight bulbs, very good brightwork and modern
12-volt electrics. The dual exhaust system features chrome
extensions and a menacing note. Beautifully modified, updated and
maintained, the “Phantom Phaeton” needs nothing more than a new
owner to enjoy it.
10222011
