Peugeot

Full List of Peugeot Models

Lincoln

1930
Lincoln L183
National Award
Winning L Series 4 Door Sedan

Description:

Engine : 385 V8
Body Style: Sedan
Miles : 50162
Stock #131548
Interior Color: Black
Exterior Color : Maroon
Certified Price:  $49,900

Fully restored, sorted and beautiful this 1930 Lincoln series 183 5-passenger sedan was unusual new. Think about it – who bought a luxury car which hit the showroom floor at the same time of the stock market crash of ‘29? A rust free car which spent most of its life in storage and private collections, this multiple award-winning Lincoln is one of the nicest early luxury cars you’ll ever see.

Henry Martyn Leland learned precision tool-making in the employ of New England arms makers during the Civil War, and brought those lessons with him to Detroit, where he began manufacturing machine tools and marine engines in the 1890s. In 1902, he was asked to sort out the affairs of a struggling new carmaker, and the resulting enterprise was renamed the Cadillac Automobile Company. William Durant bought Cadillac in 1909 for his General Motors empire.

Bought new by Francis Hatch of Angola, NY, the car saw three years’ service in the Empire State before being driven to California in 1935. It saw seven more years of regular service before being stored in dry dock in 1942. The car saw the light of day again in 1965, when it was shipped to Wisconsin and became part of a significant collection of un-restored classics. Collector Gene Frayler (also of Wisconsin) bought the group in 1979, and sold this Lincoln in 1983 to its restorer, Clayton Maag of Leipsic, OH. His shop Leipsic Auto, has been restoring classics for more than 50 years, and they gave this clean, complete but tired luxury car the two-year restoration it deserved.

Leland remained president of Cadillac until 1917 when, in a rancorous split with Durant over the production of aero engines for use in World War I, he left to start his own firm. He named the venture after the U.S. president he admired in his youth: Lincoln. With the war over and the company’s aircraft engine contract at an end, Leland and his son formed a new Lincoln Motor Company in January 1920 to manufacture cars.

Clayton sold the car in 1991 to its last owner, Robert DiCarlo of Painesville, OH. Robert took the car to the 1991 Lincoln and Continental Owners Club meet in 1991 for pre-judging. He scored a 94.1 overall, justifying Clayton’s hard work. Robert took the score as a mission – he would make the grand old car even better. Through the following years he entrusted the car to Dave’s Auto Restoration in Jefferson, OH, and the local masters at Capaldi Enterprises in Painesville, OH. More than $20,000 was spent bringing the car to its current mechanical and cosmetic level, and that work resulted in a final score of 96.83 at last fall’s LCOC Eastern meet, now more than 25 years since its main restoration. Suffice to say the car’s holding up well!

The first Lincolns arrived that September 1921 with a novel 60-degree V-8 engine and innovative fork-and-blade connecting rods that made truly parallel cylinder banks possible. Financial problems soon arose, however, and early in 1922, Henry Ford purchased the company. The Lelands stayed on, but disagreements with Ford led to their departures within months; Edsel Ford stepped in as the new president.

No car is easier to restore than a clean, rust free and complete one, and this is where Clayton and crew started with this Lincoln. Where many restorations get sidetracked while looking for impossible pieces this car sailed along smoothly. The body is 100% original, as is the chassis, the driveline and the bulk of the interior. Look down the body at the classic, straight lines of the car. There were dents and dings to be sure, but not having to fill rust holes made for a quick and clean refurbishment of the panels. The original Black and Ascot Maroon scheme was replicated beautifully. New Lester 7.00×20 whitewall tires surround the original wire wheels enhanced by the original chromed center caps. Large 9” headlamps flank the original, restored grille shell and its shutters. Door handles and other pieces of bright-work were expertly restored. Dual rear-mounted spares ride above the restored rear bumper. The doors close solidly and with precision. The hood, held tightly with its spring loaded clamps, fits as it should.

Edsel was good for Lincoln. Leland had created an outstanding chassis, but Ford had the taste needed to make the car look good. In 1925, Gorham silversmiths designed a chrome greyhound mascot for the radiator cap, molded using the “lost wax” process, a method that gives consistently fine detail. Rolls-Royce also used lost wax for its Spirit of Ecstasy. Edsel also enhanced Lincoln’s image by ordering custom bodies from the leading coachbuilders in lots of 10 to more than 100. This provided distinctive coachwork at a more reasonable price than one-of-a-kind custom bodies.

Under the hood is the aircraft-derived 385ci V8 which developed 90hp. Acceleration is strong by 1930’s standards, and top speed is more than acceptable with the aftermarket Green overdrive unit underneath. The carburetor was removed, sent out for rebuilding and machining and was reinstalled atop the restored intake manifold. The ignition system was likewise restored and sports an NOS distributor cap. When the water pump failed, Capaldi reverse engineered and machined a new one – such is the level of detail keeping the car running. The motor fires immediately thanks to the low-pressure electric fuel pump and runs out smoothly due to its care and maintenance. Out of 3,222 1930 Lincolns produced, only 657 series 183 were produced during one of the company’s worst sales years. It weighs 5,180 pounds and rides on a 136” wheelbase – this was NOT a small car! Originally selling for $4,500, it wasn’t cheap, either – you could still get a basic Ford Model A roadster for $385!

Inside you’ll find mohair seats matching the original colors exactly. Samples were taken from areas not affected by UV fading and sent to Bill Hirsch Auto in Newark, NJ. From the front seat you’ll find two changes from stock – the flooring is now carpeting and the overdrive controls sit behind the shifter. Aside from that the original dash holds the freshly restored and fully operational gauges, the door panels hold their restored window cranks and door handles, the original copper-colored taffeta window shades are present in the back, as are the two ‘occasional’ seats (jump seats) which allows a total of seven passengers to ride along. Counterweighted rear windows, opera lighting and grab sashes are among the few touches which make passengers in the rear feel like royalty!

Exotic and stately this Lincoln is truly among the best-of-the-best. From its excellent finish to its stellar “bones”, and national show history, this is a classic that’s equally at home in a museum collection or on the open road.

Specifications:
Basic
Year
1930
Make
Lincoln
Secondary Make
n/a
Model Name
L183
Secondary Model
n/a
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
Hobby Segment
Antique
Mileage
50162
Engine / Transmission
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Size
385 V8
Engine Number
n/a
Fuel Specification
n/a
Fuel Delivery System Type
n/a
Transmission Type
3 Speed Manual
Transmission Spec
n/a
Transmission Number
n/a
Misc
Entertainment System Type
n/a
Battery Location
n/a
Battery Shut Off
n/a
Battery Charger
n/a
Interior
Interior Color
Black
Seating Type
Bench
Seat Material
Cloth
Shifter Type
Column
Center Console
No
Body
Body Style
Sedan
Doors
4
Body Color
n/a
Paint Type
n/a
Stripes
No
Chassis
Front Suspension Type
n/a
Rear Suspension Type
n/a
Axle Specification
n/a
Front Wheel Specification
n/a
Rear Wheel Specification
n/a
Front Tire Specification
n/a
Rear Tire Specification
n/a
Front Brakes Specification
n/a
Rear Brakes Specification
n/a
Spare
n/a
Exhaust Type
n/a
Muffler Type
n/a
History
Restoration Status
n/a
Mileage Since Restoration
n/a
Awards Summary
n/a
Historical Documents Summary

www.rkmotorscharlotte.com

Auburn

1934
Auburn 1250 Salon Cabriolet
Jimmy Cagney's 1 of 4
1250 V12 Salon Cabriolet

Description
Engine : 391 V12
Body Style: Convertible
Miles : 349
Stock #131841
Interior Color: Black
Exterior Color : Charcoal Poly
Certified Price:  $249,900

Some guys are Ford guys, some guys are Mopar guys, but me? I’m all about the heavy Classics from the ’30s. It takes a minimum of eight cylinders, some custom coachwork, and a name like Packard, Cadillac, Lincoln, Duesenberg, Auburn, Cord, or Pierce-Arrow to really get my undivided attention. When I heard that this spectacular 1934 Auburn 1250 V12 Salon Cabriolet was coming in, I realized that RK Motors Charlotte really was the best place in the world to work this will be the first of many heavy Classics you’ll see coming through our showroom in the coming months, and I couldn’t be more excited. If you aren’t familiar with cars like this Auburn, you’re in for a real treat. A mass produced Hemi with 425 horsepower is one thing, but a hand-built work of art that you can drive is something else entirely.

This particular Auburn cabriolet was owned and driven by James Cagney in the 1933 film “The Mayor of Hell.” It was restored to an extremely high standard by Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg expert Brian Joseph in 1986, and received a Verification of Originality from the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club at that time, which means it has its original chassis, engine, and drive-train. It is one of only four 1934 Auburn V12 Cabriolets built, and one of only two certified by the A-C-D. It has a full ownership history, and presents in outstanding driving and showing condition today.

How do we know this was Jimmy Cagney’s car? Very simple-Auburn only built four of these and the other three all had side mounted spares. This is the only one of the four to be built with a rear mounted spare. Because no spare doors/fenders/parts were available for these cars after they left the Auburn factory, it would be impossible to convert one of these cars to a rear-mounted spare.

The Salon model was Auburns top-of-the-line. The Salons were powered by a 391 cubic-inch, 160 horsepower Lycoming V12 and equipped with a 3-speed manual transmission. They featured power hydraulic brakes, power driver-adjustable hydraulic brakes, and a unique and desirable dashboard-controlled Dual Ratio rear axle.

In two-and-a-half years of production, only about 2,250 V12 Auburns were produced in all six body styles, and survival has not been outstanding. At the last two ACD Festivals in Auburn, Indiana, there were only 24 V12s of all body styles, with only two 1933 and one 1934 V12 cabriolets among 214 cars judged. This is a VERY rare, high-quality piece.

The body on this car is done in the original colors of silver and black, with a black cloth top and black leather interior. The body and paint work, now nearly 23 years old, still looks very good today. This Auburn would be welcomed on any show field, and is absolutely ideal for CCCA Caravans and other tours that emphasize driving over simply showing the cars. The black panels are flat, smooth, and ripple-free, and the paint still has a deep, rich luster that some would call patina. The silver areas are crisply masked and there are no missteps in the paint anywhere. The high-quality enamel paint has been cut and buffed several times over the years, and that helps give it a timeless, original look that only accentuates its beauty. The fenders appear to be painted with Imron, which, if you’re familiar with the material, is a super-hard paint used frequently on applications like this, as well as fire engines and other industrial equipment. It’s incredibly durable, glossy, and beautiful, but also prone to cracks as it ages.

As a former 100-point show car, every aspect of the restoration was executed to the very highest of standards. There are a few signs of use and simple age here and there, but the car has been driven very little since 1987, and has always been transported in an enclosed trailer. When talking about a car of this caliber, there’s no reason to even discuss repaints, body repairs or anything else like that; it’s all flawless, perfect work done to the best standards of the time. This isn’t a mass-produced car; it is the equivalent to the hand-built craftsmanship you might get from Rolls-Royce and Maybach today.

The chrome on the car is good throughout, particularly considering its age, from the massive, wave-free bumpers, to the delicate strips that are attached to each of the louvers on that long, long hood. There are gorgeous polished stainless inserts in the doors that brighten up the bodywork, and a dozen other little details that were done purely for art’s sake on this car. Look at the lenses on the cowl lamps not only is the glass etched, but the delicate etched grilles have been painted. Out back, the glass tail lamp lenses have the AUBURN name proudly embossed in them, with an amber 12’ embedded inside that is visible when the lights are on. Look at the delicate arms that hold the side-view mirrors, pivoting to allow the doors to open. You could examine this car for a week and not see all the wonderful details. This is exactly why cars from this era are so special the manufacturers were constantly trying to one-up each other with innovations, technology, and pure luxury for luxury’s sake.

By 1932, Auburn needed something new to stimulate demand. The multi-cylinder wars of the early 1930s saw many companies struggling to keep up with changing technology V12 and even V16 engines were becoming increasingly common among the ultra-luxury brands. Auburn answered this by adopting Lycoming’s monstrous V12 engine, which featured a 45-degree vee configuration and twin Stromberg downdraft carburetors. The engine weighed 1,096 pounds, but its 160 horsepower matched the output of the larger Packard, Pierce-Arrow, and Franklin V12s, and easily bested the 135-hp and 125-hp Cadillac and Lincoln V12s.

Stan Gilliland, the A-C-D Club historian, who has been restoring Cords and Auburns for many years, believes the Auburns are highly underrated, considering their technology. Gilliland estimates the V12 engines may have put out as much as 200 hp. The engine on this car was rebuilt to factory standards at the time of restoration, and with only a few hundred miles on it, still runs flawlessly. The Auburn Green enamel on the engine is in excellent condition, the porcelainized intake and exhaust manifolds are still glossy black, and dig the giant 12-cylinder distributor. That cap alone cost $800 in 1987! The dual Stromberg carburetors one for each bank of cylinders are fed by an elegant cast aluminum air filter housing that is pure form following function. The original radiator was refreshed, and the big motor runs cool under all conditions. This is a car with a pedigree, designed for the most discriminating of buyers, and as such, there are no compromises in the engineering.

The engine fires with a turn of the key using an automatic starting system (literally, all you need to do to start the car is turn the ignition key to the ON position), then settles into a whispering 450 RPM idle. It exhales through a stainless dual exhaust system that features cut-outs actuated via a chrome knob on the floor in front of the driver ( Pull Up for High Speed Driving ). That long stroke V12 provides effortless torque that can accelerate the car from a standstill in top gear if necessary, and will run more than 100 MPH on the top end.

The engine is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd gears. Columbia Axle contributed a superb dual ratio rear axle with 4.54 low and 3.00 high ratios, allowing both great acceleration and low-RPM, high speed cruising. A switch on the dashboard controls the high and low ranges. Suspension is by solid axles front and rear, suspended by leaf springs encased in beautiful sliding covers to keep them lubricated and quiet. Four-wheel hydraulic brakes were included, with massive drums at each corner, and a driver-adjustable pressure control to vary the amount of power assist based on road conditions.

The dual ratio provides good acceleration and an overdrive for today’s freeways. With less than 350 miles since the 1986 restoration, it still has a nicely detailed undercarriage. The 17-inch chrome wire wheels are in good condition with only slight pitting on the hubs, and the 7.00-17 Firestone wide whitewall tires look period authentic. The spare is an aged Bedford tire that some speculate might be the original spare tire based on its appearance, tread pattern, and condition.

The black leather interior is pure Art Deco elegance. The bench seat is wide and soft, and you sit behind an enormous black steering wheel that helps muscle this big car around corners in the semi-sporting manner for which it was designed. It features a comprehensive set of gauges, ranging from the 4000 RPM tachometer to the left of the steering column right above the brake adjustment knob, to the center-mounted cluster featuring a speedometer, ammeter, temperature gauge, clock, oil level, and gas gauge. Mounted front and center is the dual range control for the rear axle, while the vacuum wiper motor is mounted down low on the cowl and is chrome plated. The long, long shifter snakes up from the floor and is perfectly contoured to fit with the dashboard as you move it through the gates. Overhead, the canvas top is fitted over a chrome frame that was designed to be seen; it’s like artwork. Even the rear view mirror is beveled glass, making the inside of this car a very elegant place to be. Behind the driver’s compartment, a rumble seat pops out of the rear deck allowing space for two more passengers, while the rear window flap opens to allow conversation with back seat passengers whenever the top is up.

Documentation is extensive. According to the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club documents, the car was previously owned by Warner Brothers and actor James Cagney from 1934-1941. During that time, it appeared in the Cagney movie The Mayor of Hell (a copy of the movie is included with the car). It was then privately sold and ended up at the Cars of the Stars Museum from 1959-1976. Also according to the A.C.D. documents, it is a multiple award winner including First Place at the 1987 Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance, First Place in the A.C.D. Auburn Open Category in 1987, and scored 100 points at the 1987 Dearborn CCCA Grand Classic. This is one of two 1934 Auburn V12 Salon Cabriolets certified by the A.C.D. (a certified Auburn is an automobile of the same make, model and body style as built by the factory before 1941). To qualify for certification, the chassis must consist of the original frame, engine, drive-train, and running gear components of the same model series. The body must be a verifiable original of the same model as the chassis. An appropriate amount of restoration using the original type of basic materials is acceptable. Cloning or replication is not acceptable. This 1934 Auburn 1250 Salon Cabriolet also appeared in the July, 2009 issue of Sports Car Market Magazine.

Even at this price, this 1934 Auburn 1250 Salon Cabriolet is still half the price of some Packard V12 convertible coupes. And according to many experts, V12 Auburns are likely to continue to appreciate; Gilliland had a chance to buy this car in Lancaster, California, in 1976 but turned it down. It was rough and the asking price was only $16,000—though the market was perhaps half that. But then, how many times have we all done exactly the same thing passed on a car for what seemed like too much money back then, only to see it explode in value later?

Don’t miss this opportunity to own a rare, famous, and very road-worthy Full Classic that you can drive and enjoy for years while it appreciates. 

Specifications
Basic
Year
1934
Make
Auburn
Secondary Make
n/a
Model Name
1250 Salon
Secondary Model
Cabriolet
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
Hobby Segment
Antique
Mileage
349
Engine / Transmission
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Size
391 V12
Engine Number
n/a
Fuel Specification
n/a
Fuel Delivery System Type
n/a
Transmission Type
3 Speed Manual
Transmission Spec
n/a
Transmission Number
n/a
Misc
Entertainment System Type
n/a
Battery Location
n/a
Battery Shut Off
n/a
Battery Charger
n/a
Interior
Interior Color
Black
Seating Type
Bench
Seat Material
n/a
Shifter Type
n/a
Center Console
No
Body
Body Style
Convertible
Doors
2
Body Color
Charcoal Poly
Paint Type
n/a
Stripes
No
Chassis
Front Suspension Type
n/a
Rear Suspension Type
n/a
Axle Specification
Dual Ratio
Front Wheel Specification
n/a
Rear Wheel Specification
n/a
Front Tire Specification
n/a
Rear Tire Specification
n/a
Front Brakes Specification
n/a
Rear Brakes Specification
n/a
Spare
n/a
Exhaust Type
n/a
Muffler Type
n/a
History
Restoration Status
n/a
Mileage Since Restoration
n/a
Awards Summary
n/a
Historical Documents Summary
www.rkmotorscharlotte.com

Ford 3-Window

1932
Ford 3-Window
Frame Up Built 3 Window Coupe Blown 350 Tremec 5 Speed

Description:
Engine :350 V8
Body Style:Coupe
Miles :435
Stock #131719
Interior Color :Black
Exterior Color :Black
Certified Price:$49,900

Uh oh – another bad boy just rolled in here! Staring straight at our ‘32 Revolver with its Inglese induction, it snorts fire, showing that its blown Mouse is more than up to challenging for showroom supremacy. The result of a six-year build, this car is killer in every sense of the word. Evil-looking in black, near flawless in its execution and as loud as is it brash this is an outlaw hot rod if I’ve ever seen one!

Start where you’re supposed to – at the power plant. That’s a seasoned 350 block stuffed to the blower hat with new parts. We’re talking a new steel crank, new rods, Keith Black pistons, Edelbrock Performer RPM heads, roller rockers, a fat Crane cam, a CSI electric water pump – the works. March billet brackets hold the 130 amp GM alternator, Mallory supplied its billet small cap distributor and MSD provides the ignition box, spark plug wires and mighty starter motor. There’s a set of polished aluminum valve covers that match the air cleaner hat and breather cap, a Road Demon carb, Earl’s braded fuel lines, a billet fuel pressure regulator, and additional bling from the chromed oil pan and timing cover. Ceramic coated Roadster headers with bolt ons muffle the exhaust (sorta) and, oh yeah, there’s a massive Weiand polished 8-71 blower sitting under there! Sure, all those parts minus the blower would have almost been too much for the chassis (and sanity) but another couple hundred horsepower never hurts!

Originally there was a plain-Jane TH350 behind the mill, but that was quickly axed in favor of a World Class T5 5-speed manual. That’s right – now you have to figure out how to hang on with one hand while jamming a shifter with the other, left leg jamming down on a hydraulically operated clutch! Sound like your kind of mayhem? Me too! Rounding out the drive train is a built Ford 9” rear, cut down just for this ride and stuffed with 4.10s, suspended by a five link setup and coilovers. The front consists of tried and true street rod stuff with a flipped axle, Pro Shocks dampers, GM discs, braided brake lines and tight urethane bushings. The frame is chassis black while the bottom of the car shares its gloss with rest of the body. An RCI fuel cell sits out back, doubling as the trunk floor.

Pop the remotely operated doors open and climb inside. The smell of rich leather is intoxicating! The top of the dash is gloss black, the carpet is wool, and damn near every other surface is leather. Those seats don’t just look comfortable – they’re supple and soft in a mix of leather and microfiber fabric. They’re even heated! G-force Racing four point harnesses keep you held in while a Pioneer head unit sends its signals to a four channel Boss amp and on to four loud Boss speakers. There are plenty of switches to keep your fingers happy, an Ididit polished column topped with a billet and leather steering wheel let you set your favorite white knuckled position, Classic Instruments gauges in the dash and an Auto Meter tach and shift light on the column keep you informed – you’ll want to suck the eyeballs out of the back of your head and check ‘em every once in a while!

The trunk’s decked out in leather, from the sides to the top to the floor. The fuel fill for the cell is back here, and the battery box found itself covered in the same microfiber as the seat accents. There’s even a flamed, chromed fire extinguisher!

House of Kolor Jet Black covers the Outlaw (brand) 3” chopped body with a shade several steps darker than midnight, and it looks awesome. The flames on the body were laid down, then all of the pin striping was done by hand, with a brush – no prefab stuff here! Weld Pro Stars with Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R tires, 24×5×15 up front and 29×18×15 out back set a classic stance and give the chassis a fighting chance of harnessing the huffer up front. 5 3/4" tri bar headlamps with blue dots in the center are a classic touch with modern bulbs inside for efficient night lighting, and there are a handful of billet pieces such as the taillights and the rear view mirrors, but a ton of adornment isn’t what this ride’s all about. You don’t tack on attitude!

With just 435 miles since completion, this sinister ‘32 is a fresh ride, fully sorted and gorgeous. It’s the perfect ride for a twisted rodder, someone looking for a car that’s different than what’s in their neighbor’s garage, or one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse!Add caption

Specifications:
Basic
Year
1932
Make
Ford
Secondary Make
n/a
Model Name
3-Window
Secondary Model
n/a
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
Hobby Segment
Street Rod
Mileage
435
Engine / Transmission
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Size
350 V8
Engine Number
n/a
Fuel Specification
n/a
Fuel Delivery System Type
Single 4 Barrel
Transmission Type
5 Speed Automatic
Transmission Spec
n/a
Transmission Number
n/a
Misc
Entertainment System Type
n/a
Battery Location
n/a
Battery Shut Off
n/a
Battery Charger
n/a
Interior
Interior Color
Black
Seating Type
Bucket
Seat Material
Leather
Shifter Type
Floor
Center Console
No
Body
Body Style
Coupe
Doors
2
Body Color
n/a
Paint Type
n/a
Stripes
No
Chassis
Front Suspension Type
n/a
Rear Suspension Type
n/a
Axle Specification
Ford 9"
Front Wheel Specification
n/a
Rear Wheel Specification
n/a
Front Tire Specification
n/a
Rear Tire Specification
n/a
Front Brakes Specification
n/a
Rear Brakes Specification
n/a
Spare
n/a
Exhaust Type
n/a
Muffler Type
n/a
History
Restoration Status
n/a
Mileage Since Restoration
n/a
Awards Summary
n/a
Historical Documents Summary
n/a

www.rkmotorscharlotte.com

REO

1931
REO Royale

Ultra Rare Frame
Off Restored Royale
Convertible

Description:

For those of you unfamiliar with the REO brand, it’s a direct result of Ransom Eli Olds (hence REO) being ousted from the original company that bore his name, Oldsmobile. Always an innovator, Olds started anew with REO, determined to build cars (and trucks for that matter) to suit every budget. His crowning achievement, the Royale, was designed to compete with some of the biggest names in the luxury car business during the early 1930s, including Chrysler and Packard. Considered Full Classics by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), the Royale convertible coupe is perhaps the pinnacle of the brand’s design and engineering prowess. With a unique combination of power and style, the Royale could almost be considered the muscle car of its era.

This 1931 Reo Royale has been comprehensively restored by Reo Club of America historian, John Barker. The color is a deep plum, and before you dismiss it as a fad color from a dated older restoration, please note that it has been very recently restored to match the vehicle shown in original Royal literature of the era. Nowhere is the classic long hood/short deck styling more pronounced than on this Royale convertible coupe, whose proportions suggest great power and speed, and it’s really not merely a suggestion. The short deck houses a rumble seat for two passengers, and it also features accessories like metal sidemount covers, a golf bag door, and dual tail lights. The restoration work was carried out to the absolute highest standards, and as a rare vehicle, such work can be incredibly challenging. The lights in our photo booth don’t capture the depth and finish on the paint, but it is absolutely breathtaking, and this is a car that can be shown without concerns. This is a stunning motorcar.

On any ‘30s automobile, chrome is a critical part of the restoration. This car was so nicely preserved, that much of the brightwork is original, not re-plated, although any item that required restoration received it. The Royale grille is one of the most handsome in the industry, with a trend-setting deep “V” shape and painted shell that didn’t arrive on other marques until several years later. The beautifully shaped headlights have been beautifully refinished, and match the inset profile of the grille. Workmanship on the replating job is exceptional, and you need look no further than the ‘Reo-Royale EIGHT’ emblem at the tip of the grille, which is still clear and legible.

Performance was still in its infancy in 1931, but the Royale put big power in a compact package, thanks to a 358 cubic inch straight-eight making 125 robust horsepower. For comparison’s sake, the new 1932 Ford V8 made 65 horsepower, and a competitive Packard Eight was rated at an even 100 horsepower—the Reo was unquestionably a powerhouse. As much art as machine, the nine-main-bearing Reo engine is finished in gloss black accented by polished stainless hardware like the acorn nuts holding the head in place, and a large chrome valve cover with the Reo-Royale script proudly emblazoned on its side. The restoration is authentic, with correct lacquered cloth spark plug wires in metal conduit, a Bijur chassis lubrication system, and a properly tagged distributor. The Royale was one of the first cars to employ a mechanical fuel pump instead of a vacuum tank, improving reliability and ensuring an uninterrupted flow of fuel under all conditions. Listening to the big straight-eight rumble to life is an experience akin to hearing your first big block Chevy—it rumbles in a way that’s surprisingly modern and suggests great power lives under the hood.

The chassis is conventional for the time—heavy frame rails with rigid axles front and rear suspended on leaf springs. The transmission is a 3-speed manual, with direct drive and a vacuum-assisted clutch that makes gear changes easy, although synchromesh was not available until 1933. One of Reo’s biggest additions, and one that preceded much of the industry, was the widespread adoption of hydraulic brakes. Used by Chrysler and Duesenberg since the mid-20s, most manufacturers remained skeptical of “juice brakes” and Henry Ford resisted until 1938. With surprisingly modern pedal feel, the brakes on this heavy Classic are powerful and reassuring, which, if you’re an experienced driver in cars like these, is a remarkable experience. The fuel system has been fully restored, from the tank and lines, all the way to the pump and carburetor, and the exhaust system uses a correct cylindrical muffler and polished tip. The Royale carries six new 6.50-18 Firestone blackwall tires on the original wire spoke wheels, exactly duplicating the appearance of the Royale convertible coupe in the original brochure.

The buff leather interior also duplicates the brochure model, and beautifully compliments the deep plum finish. The front bench seat offers an unusual center armrest, which was not typically found in front seats of this vintage. The leather is in excellent condition, with no dryness, splits, or tears, and the rumble seat has been upholstered to match. The dashboard is steel, not wood, although the woodgrained pattern is nicely done with a clearcoat finish to protect it virtually forever. The gauges appear to be original, but there’s no way of knowing whether the mileage is correct, and it’s best to assume that it is not. The vacuum windshield wiper motor has been rebuilt, but is not currently connected, and the clock is not functional, as is often the case on cars of this vintage. Door hardware is exquisitely finished, matching the art-deco look of the dashboard, and overhead a tan canvas top fits snugly and folds easily, thanks to freshly chromed landau irons.

Documentation includes period advertising and sales literature featuring this exact body and color combination, as well as an original dealer price sheet. There’s also what we might today call a build sheet, listing the components that went into this car and the shipping date and originating dealership, Sable Motor Company in Portland, Oregon.

A total of approximately fifty Royale convertible coupes were built in 1931 and 1932, and of those, it is believed that only nine still survive, making this an incredibly rare machine. The Reo is widely respected for its advanced engineering and sparkling performance on the road, and as a Full Classic, it is eligible for virtually any motoring event in the world. Always special to see, Royales are not widely known, but it’s rare for someone to become familiar with them and not fall in love. This is a truly special car with a quality restoration by a marque expert in period-correct colors and finishes. It has been featured in magazines, most recently the AACA publication “Antique Automobile,” where it is pictured on page 36 of the May/June 2011 issue. Stunning to see, and impressive to drive, this Reo Royale belongs in the finest collection. 

Specifications
Basic
Year
1931
Make
REO
Secondary Make
n/a
Model Name
Royale
Secondary Model
n/a
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
Hobby Segment
Antique
Mileage
95790
Engine / Transmission
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Size
n/a
Engine Number
n/a
Fuel Specification
n/a
Fuel Delivery System Type
n/a
Transmission Type
3 Speed Manual
Transmission Spec
n/a
Transmission Number
n/a
Misc
Entertainment System Type
n/a
Battery Location
n/a
Battery Shut Off
n/a
Battery Charger
n/a
Interior
Interior Color
Tan
Seating Type
Bench
Seat Material
Leather
Shifter Type
Floor
Center Console
No

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Ford Coupe

1930
Ford Coupe

Description

In the face of modern technology which continues to blow our minds with OEM quality and amazing custom cars, there is still something to be said about authenticity. Sure, tons of companies create super nice fiberglass replicas of some of the coolest Detroit metal to ever roll across Route 66; but at the end of the day, they’re still just a copy of the real thing. Featured in the October 2010 issue of Street Rodder Magazine, this classic 1930 Ford coupe is a REAL DEAL, real steel street rod which combines the core strengths of its originality with a modern vision and top notch components. It is, by far, the nicest all steel street rod we’ve ever offered, and with its killer stroker motor, sophisticated suspension and completely custom interior, it’ll chew up replicas on the street just as easily as it does on the show field. Are you one of those discerning gearheads who wants the excellent driving experience of modern street rod technology AND the authenticity of a real antique car? This world class Ford coupe is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

This hot coupes smooth and solid steel body began life as a run-of-the-mill 1930 Ford Model A that would stay in the hands of its original buyer for almost 76 years. When the new owner took possession, he promptly shipped it to Dragone Classic Motorcars in Bridgeport, Connecticut where it underwent a celebrity style restoration that totaled $96K in parts alone. Once the classic lines were laser straight, a spectacular coat of Mercedes-Benz Glasurit Dark Gray Metallic urethane was buried in a glossy and wet looking clearcoat shell and buffed to a dynamic shine. Today, five years and 2,600 hours of labor later, the car displays solid vertical panels and a perfectly aligned profile which looks absolutely fantastic under its chameleon paint. And with virtually no imperfections, it’s a banner show piece that celebrates both 82 years of carefully calculated care by serious car guys and the integrity of Ford’s high quality products.

Everything on this 1930 Ford is exceptionally well-done. It mixes just the right amount of pre-war charm with high quality 21st century street rod details to produce gawking fans and create a lasting impression. At the front of the car, body-matched frame horns hold a polished spreader, which is complete with LED turn signals, below a correct stainless grille, a chrome headlight bar and two great looking 1932 Ford King Bee SS headlights. Behind that grille, stainless brace bars parallel full length Brookville fenders; and a chrome trimmed Brookville cowl anchors a like-new tilt windshield between chrome rearview mirrors and a small metal visor. At the top of the car, a steel ribbed roof insert hangs dark smoked glass above a Brookville decklid and lower lid panel. And at the back of the car, a familiar billet aluminum tag bracket is centered between 1950 Pontiac blue dot tail lights and a second polished spreader bar. The profile of the car combines the clean and simple look that is typical of classic fenderless hot rods with a number of traditional touches which add both style and character. Correct chrome door handles and correct bear claw hinges are present on the doors, and stylish chrome running boards seamlessly bridge the original front and rear fenders. Overall, this classic Ford street rod is in outstanding physical condition; and its top notch build integrates the greatest attributes of both old and new into a single, unifying vision which is the product of some of the best design and construction techniques in the hobby.

Take a gander behind the original stainless grille and you’ll find out exactly where this Fords tradition ends and its muscle begins. Professionally built and dyno tuned by Smeding Performance in Rancho Cordova, California this coupes 383 cubic inch extreme stroker V8 creates a stout 450 horsepower and 470 lb./ft. of dust swirling torque! At the top of the engine, four Demon 98 series carburetors, which receive fuel through a braided fuel line, blue AN fittings, a fluid filled Holley fuel pressure gauge and a chrome Edelbrock mechanical fuel pump, prop trick Mooneyes finned air cleaners above a polished Barry Grant Quadra-Deuce induction. At the sides of that Barry Grant induction, polished Edelbrock Performer RPM heads, which have been fitted with 2.02 and 1.60 stainless valves and capped with finned and polished valve covers, sit above full floating hypereutectic 9.8 to 1 pistons and high strength 5140 forged steel connecting rods. Those rods are turned by a 4340 forged steel crank which has been micro polished to perfection, and those pistons create compression thanks to a custom ground hydraulic roller camshaft with a .510/.521 lift. Fire is supplied by an MSD Pro-Billet distributor which sends spark from an MSD Blaster SS coil and MSD 6A ignition system to Accel Extreme 9000 Ferro-Spiral wires. And cooling is provided by a Walker 32 style Z-series radiator which sends water past a Walker low profile electric fan and shroud to bright blue flex hose and a chrome water pump. At the front of the block, a Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine system spins a trick 140 amp billet aluminum alternator; and at the sides of the block, Sanderson ceramic coated shorty headers send spent gases into a great sounding exhaust system. As with its fully detailed exterior panels, nothing was missed in the engine bay of this sharp ’30 Ford. The smooth and clean small block engine perfectly matches the car’s Mercedes gray fenders. And show worthy ancillary items such as aluminum red wire looms, chrome motor mounts, a billet overflow tank and a polished stainless firewall add a nice finished look.

Underneath this impressive car, a custom, completely polished independent front suspension and a completely polished four link rear suspension utilize adjustable coil overs at each corner and anti-roll bars at each end, to provide a thoroughly modern ride and razor sharp handling characteristics. At the center of that custom suspension, a fresh TCI Auto Street Fighter Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic, which is equipped with a TCI Auto 3000/3400 Street Fighter torque converter and a finned pan and flywheel cover, sends power to a Currie nine inch rear end which carries stout 31 spline axles and ground pounding 3.55 gears. All that excellent metal is bolted to a Total Cost Involved frame which is painted metallic blue and sandwiched between stainless hardware and fresh Bitchin floor pans. Quick stops are provided by a frame mounted Summit Racing vacuum booster which pushes fluid through stainless AN lines to polished Wilwood Hi-Tech four piston calipers and giant 12 inch rotors. And a killer soundtrack is provided by a 2.5 inch true dual exhaust system which runs from the coated shorty headers to stainless Magnaflow mufflers and mandrel bent side pipes. At the corners of the car, 15 inch Coker powder coated smoothies spin 6.70-15 front and 8.20-15 rear Firestone 2.25 whitewall tires around stainless trim rings and chrome lug nuts. And everything from this hot rod Ford’s C.W. Moss Oak reinforced floor pan to its chrome oil pan is exceptionally clean, completely detailed for show and ready to hit the road tomorrow.

Take a look inside the car and you’ll find a spectacular looking leather interior that was professionally installed by Dragone Classic Motorcars in Bridgeport, Connecticut. At the center of the car, a plush Wise Guys leather bench seat is firm, provides good support and features sturdy two-point seatbelts. And at the sides of the car, custom leather door panels, which are equipped with billet aluminum window cranks, billet aluminum door pulls, chrome door handles and integrated map pockets, hang between custom leather side panels. Below the seat, cool Mr. Horsepower floor mats ride next to a billet accelerator pedal, a chrome emergency brake handle and a stainless Gennie Commander Lo-stick shifter with a flame Lucite shift knob. And in front of the seat, the cars original body-matched dash hangs a full set of Classic Instruments Mooneyes gauges below stylish billet trim, a billet rearview mirror and a custom leather headliner. In front of the driver, a polished Mark IV steering wheel rides on a polished Ididit steering column; and behind the cockpit, a completely upholstered trunk integrates an RCI 15 gallon lightweight aluminum fuel cell behind a billet trimmed Optima battery and a Moroso master kill switch.

Included with the sale of this all metal Ford is a copy of the cars original title, all of its books and manuals, and a stack of build receipts which total $150K.

You really can’t ask for a better street rod than this 1930 Ford. With an unbeatable combination of authentic good looks and modern hot rod technology, it’s the perfect car for any enthusiast who wants a top-notch build without spending two years and six figures achieving it. If you’re in the market for an immaculate show stopper that features the best of everything, don’t let the opportunity to own this awesome, all steel coupe pass you by! 

Specifications
Basic
Year
1930
Make
Ford
Secondary Make
n/a
Model Name
Coupe
Secondary Model
n/a
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
Hobby Segment
Street Rod
Mileage
469
Engine / Transmission
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Size
383 V8
Engine Number
n/a
Fuel Specification
n/a
Fuel Delivery System Type
1 Barrel
Transmission Type
3 Speed Automatic
Transmission Spec
TCI 400
Transmission Number
n/a
Misc
Entertainment System Type
n/a
Battery Location
n/a
Battery Shut Off
n/a
Battery Charger
n/a
Interior
Interior Color
Black
Seating Type
Bucket
Seat Material
Leather
Shifter Type
Floor
Center Console
No
Body
Body Style
Coupe
Doors
2
Body Color
Dark Gray Metallic
Paint Type
n/a
Stripes
No
Chassis
Front Suspension Type
Independent
Rear Suspension Type
4-Link
Axle Specification
Currie 9" 3.53
Front Wheel Specification
15X7
Rear Wheel Specification
15x8
Front Tire Specification
n/a
Rear Tire Specification
n/a
Front Brakes Specification
n/a
Rear Brakes Specification
n/a
Spare
n/a
Exhaust Type
n/a
Muffler Type
n/a
History
Restoration Status
Restored
Mileage Since Restoration
n/a
Awards Summary
n/a
Historical Documents Summary
Streetrodder Magazine Feature October 2010

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