In 1936, Ford of Germany known as Ford Deutsches Erzeugnis produced this cabriolet with a body by Karosserie Gläser in Dresden. As such, this version was distinct from the Cabriolet produced by Ford in Detroit.

The Model 68 chassis was produced at Ford’s own factory in Cologne, Germany. This used the flathead V8 engine but in detail the German car had numerous differences. For instance, our feature Gläser Cabriolet uses a Model 68 chassis number, but features the front panels from a 1935 Model 48.

Priced at RM 6690, the Gläser Cabriolet was an expensive car. The suicide doors revealed a well appointed interior with a deluxe folding top. At the rear, the bodywork was enlarged for a trunk and external rear spare tire. A unique feature was the pop-out blinkers which were hidden in the window posts.

Out feature car was used for a small time in Germany before being imported to the UK with the registration DYO 981. It was put into long term storage until 1987 when it had a cosmetic restoration and was used in the UK.

By 2008 it was acquired by the Dingman Collection of Fords, Mercurys, Lincolns and an extensive collection of neon signs. It was restored for Mike Dingman by Kevin Westmoreland’s Performance Restoration. They charged $340,000 for a complete restoration, the result of which was aimed at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Painted in black with red interior, it competed the Tour d’Elegance and won its class.

Story by Supercars.net