1936 Ford Model C Ten

Understood to have been built in 1936, this Ford Model CX Ten was first registered in Ireland in September 2019, presumably having spent the previous eight decades somewhere in the UK.

The Foyle Fun Run 2003 sticker on the steering wheel boss suggests that the car was in Northern Ireland by that time - the River Foyle flowing from Strabane to Derry.

Since 2019 it has been part of a very large private collection belonging to the vendor’s late grandfather - a classic car collector from County Wexford.

The exterior of the car is painted in what we assume to be Vineyard Green, one of the colours original to the model, or if not it is something close to it. It also has a light green coach line down each side.

The paint coating appears fairly recent and shows some thickness, presumably having been applied over the original paint and any previous resprays. There is a slight orange peel effect evident in places close up but from a few yards away or more the car looks very tidy.

The brightwork across the car - including the horizontal bars across the radiator grille that characterise the CX - looks original and is in reasonable condition with just a light patina and pitting.

Like many cars of its era, there is a vinyl panel on the roof. Some may mistake this for a sunroof (Webasto-style) but is a throwback to evoke something of the feel of a carriage. Some say that at the time manufacturers thought it gave enhanced weather protection, those less charitable would suggest that such coverings were more about covering poorly finished panels or ripples from the roof panel flexing.

The Ten sits on 17-inch wire wheels, painted in the same green as the bodywork. Our research suggests that in period, the wheels would either have been black or the same colour as the coach line. However, they look in good condition and all five (including the rear-mounted spare) are shod with older Firestone tyres.

Open the rear-hinged “suicide doors” and you’re met with acres of upholstery in an apple green coloured leather; across the seats, door cards and side walls. Obviously not the original covering, it goes well with the exterior colour - which is also used to paint the exposed door frames and dashboard.

The seats front and rear look in good order with no apparent damage, although there is some creasing on the driver’s seat base.

The instrument panel features a combination of white-faced gauges from Smiths and a Cooper-Stewart speedometer showing 37159 miles driven. There is also a centrally mounted “8 days” clock. We take this to mean that it isn’t battery powered but requires winding every week.

Across the floor is a modern-looking charcoal grey carpet; clean and in good condition, and edged in light grey vinyl.

The grey woollen headlining covers the upper sides of the interior and over the underside of the roof. Much of it is clean and in good order but there are several tears in the roof portion especially towards the rear.

The 1172cc side-valve engine fitted to the car is not its original motor - the prefix R on the number stamped into the side of the block indicates that it is a factory supplied replacement engine. The C following it indicates it is a 10 hp unit.

The undersides are reportedly very good with a good coating of underseal evident in the wheel arches.

The engine bay is a little rusty in places and it appears that the radiator is leaking with some green copper corrosion present. However, it runs and drives well - having recently covered the 25 km from a garage in Waterford to New Ross under its own power.

There is next to nothing by way of history for this car - just the Irish registration document.

The chassis number given for this car both on the registration document and on this listing is incorrect and relates to the replacement engine. The original engine number (and chassis number) would be stamped into the top of the right hand chassis rail.

With this additional information, the new owner could contact the Ford Y & C Model Register who may be able to trace previous ownership and history.

We understand from the register that of nearly 70,000 Model Cs and CXs built, only around 160 have survived.

Despite the relative rarity of everyday pre-war family saloons like this Model CX, there are usually bargains to be had as competition for buying them is often low.

Most classic car purchases are driven by nostalgia, either a car that your parents had or a car that you lusted after but couldn’t afford when you were first behind the wheel. Unless someone has found the secret of long life - neither is likely to be the case for a car from the thirties.

Let’s hope it’s not too long before enthusiasts catch on to cars like these and enjoy them for what they are and the freedom they represented to families back in the day.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.