The 1934 Ford deluxe roadster was quite likely the most beautiful thing you could buy for $550 in 1934. Hyperbole? Look again. Few cars combined style, grace, and solid engineering so well, and if you think I'm wrong about this, look at how many of 1934 Ford roadsters have been reproduced over the years. Of the 5701 deluxe roadsters originally built, there are probably over 100,000 on the road today. Hard to argue against those kinds of numbers.

However, as a result of their popularity, particularly with hot-rodders, finding an original 1934 Ford deluxe roadster is none too easy. This Canadian-built roadster was restored to a very correct standard perhaps 25 years ago, and doesn't have any modifications at all—not even an electric fuel pump. The gorgeous roadster body is quite straight and still fits together well, with suicide-style doors that open easily and a hood that doesn't fight you (although one of the latches is a little sticky). Cordoba Tan is a fantastic choice, a sophisticated look on such an affordable car, and the bright red wheels and pinstripes add a rakish charm that's insanely appealing. The paint has a very vintage-looking shine and might even be lacquer paint for absolutely authenticity, but it's hard to say. It shines up well and shows only some light micro-blisters on the front fenders that reveal the restoration's age. It does have a few signs of use here and there, but if this were mine to keep forever, I wouldn't change a thing—it's in the ideal condition for touring. All the chrome and stainless trim is excellent, including the oh-so-desirable V8 grille shell and big headlights, and the only real issue is some chipping on the rear bumper that would not be difficult nor expensive to remedy because everything else is in excellent condition. Likewise, the running board rubber is very good, the metal spare tire cover fits well, and the taillight lenses are unmarked.

The brown leatherette interior is also quite correct for an open Ford of the period. Pleated seats look right and are quite comfortable, even after all these years, and if you're under six feet tall, the '34 Ford roadster will fit you like a tailored suit. The simple door panels are nicely trimmed and the big steering wheel feels great in your hands, directing the surprisingly accurate steering. The dashboard includes a big, round Stewart Warner speedometer with the most delicate little pointer I've ever seen, and it's flanked by an ammeter on the right and a non-functioning (no surprise there) hydro-static fuel level gauge on the left. It still starts using the foot pedal between the clutch and brake and the spoon-style accelerator is a wonderful memory from childhood in my father's 1934 Ford sedan. The rumble seat is upholstered in the same brown leatherette with nicely finished side panels, with the right side having a handy storage compartment for, I suspect, the jack and tire iron. Overhead, there's a tan canvas top that is showing some fading but otherwise remains in good condition. There are no side curtains.

Does Ford's flathead V8 really need any introduction? This one carries a correct 221 cubic inch 21-stud flathead, complete with aluminum heads and intake manifold, a rather rare feature today. In the 1930s, they had problems with the heads seizing on the block (which is iron), so Ford would replace your aluminum heads with cast iron free of charge. Finding an aluminum-headed flathead is rather unusual today, and I like the idea of both the lighter weight and the better cooling offered by the aluminum found on this engine. It isn't detailed for show anymore, but it's tidy and correct under the hood, including fabric-wrapped cooling hoses, a proper air cleaner up top, and cast iron exhaust manifolds. A little choke and it spins to life with ease, settling into a smooth 500 RPM idle that's almost silent (I bet I could get this engine to idle at 350 RPM if I really wanted to—it's pretty impressive). The generator makes plenty of electricity and once it's warmed up, throttle response is snappy with great torque out on the open road. As I mentioned, it's completely stock without so much as an electric fuel pump to help with priming after a long period of inactivity, but it doesn't seem to mind. The transmission shifts smoothly, there's no clutch chatter, and it's very happy at about 45 MPH with plenty in reserve for passing. Mechanical brakes were still part of the program in 1934, and this car's got 'em, but rest assured that they work as well as possible and offer a firm pedal and are surprisingly effective with the lightweight bodywork. The exhaust system is a bit crusty, perhaps from condensation while in storage, as it's really the only rust on the entire undercarriage, but it doesn't leak and has just the right V8 burble, so I wouldn't worry about it. Ultra-rare and desirable 16-inch Kelsey-Hayes adjustable spoke wire wheels are a great touch and they're wrapped in authentic Ford script wide whitewall tires.

This car speaks to me on a variety of levels, not the least of which is the fact that the car that started my love affair with the automobile was a 1934 Ford. But this roadster is perhaps the ideal hobby car: stylish, fast, beautiful, well-sorted, desirable, and easy to maintain. In the world of great automobiles, some stand taller than others, and the 1934 Ford deluxe roadster has to be at the very top of the early V8 Ford hierarchy. This is a truly wonderful car.