Since the earliest days of the Model T, Ford Motor Company has had a global presence. Over 15 million Model Ts were built at factories around the world – from Canada to Argentina, across Europe, and as far away as Australia and Japan. The T was not only the first mass-produced automobile, it was the first “world car” to use modern parlance. By the time the Model A had replaced the T, many overseas Ford operations began to take on their own identities. Customer needs varied depending on the market, and Ford’s branches in Dagenham, England and Cologne, Germany were among the most progressive – demanding cars that suited the needs of their particular market, rather than simply offering locally made versions of American cars. Model A sales in Europe were lagging behind so a new, smaller car was designed to better suit smaller European roads. The Model Y was unveiled in 1932 and proved a huge success in England. From 1933 through 1936, it was sold in German as the Ford Koln. As the Model Y became the Model C “Popular” in England, the Koln was supplanted by the stylish little Eifel in 1935. The Eifel was initially built alongside the Koln, but soon replaced it altogether thanks to its superior performance from the 1172 cc sidevalve four cylinder engine. Ford in Cologne continued to refine the car, separating it from its British cousins and offering body styles that better suited German buyers. The Eifel was facelifted in 1937, with a new laid-back radiator shell that echoed that of the American Ford V8, and new stamped steel wheels replacing wires. The sidevalve engine was robust and offered 60mph performance, mated to a 3-speed manual gearbox with synchro on the top two ratios. No fewer than fifteen different coachbuilders were contracted to supply a variety of bodies that ranged from a commercial van to stylish roadster. All told, over 61,000 Eifel’s were built, putting Ford back in serious competition with Opel for the entry level market.

This rare and delightful 1937 Ford Eifel roadster is one of the finest examples of its kind, believed to be one of just 10 like it and likely the only one in the US. Restored in the 1990’s by a passionate enthusiast, it presents in lovely condition and is both showable and very much usable for weekend drives. Even as a mass-market Ford, it wears an exceedingly rare and special coachbuilt body by Stoewer. The story of this fascinating little Ford begins in 1937 when it was purchased by a Jewish doctor in Germany. As the Nazis tore through Europe, the doctor hid the car on his father’s farm under a haystack. Fearful of being caught with the car and imprisoned, he gave the car to a US serviceman, who subsequently sold it to fellow soldier Sgt. John Trimble. Sgt. Trimble then sold the car to a Sgt. DeVente who shipped the car to the USA in 1958. Trimble’s brother Bob owned the car for some time who then sold it to Mr. Feijoo, who performed the careful and well-researched restoration in the 1990s.

Mr. Feijoo’s attention to detail is apparent in the lovely restoration, which has been fully documented via an included DVD containing photos and records. The paint quality and body fit are excellent. The two tone khaki and brown paint combination is believed to be correct to this car, and it has been expertly laid down on straight body panels. Fit and finish is very good and appropriate for this mass-produced car – not over restored, but consistent and reflective of the special coachwork. Chrome trim on the bumpers, radiator grille and elsewhere all presents in excellent order. This being a 1937 model, it rides on correct stamped steel wheels rather than wires of earlier models. The wheels are wrapped in whitewall bias-ply tires and beautifully detailed with stripes and Ford-script hubcaps. The spare wheel is mounted on the rear deck, and covered with a matching brown hard cover. Beautiful trafficators are mounted on the sides of the cowl and the car wears a rare STOEWER badge on the right side. With the brown canvas top up or down, this little Ford remains delightfully stylish and charming.

The snug cockpit is trimmed in complementary light tan leather with brown carpeting. Quality abounds with the lovely tan leather upholstery showing very little use since the restoration was completed. The steering wheel and dash feel familiar yet slightly different, much like a miniaturized 1937 Ford V8, and the original instruments and switchgear are in lovely condition, with the gauges market in German.

Likewise, Ford’s 1172 cc sidevalve “four” presents in excellent restored condition. Even in a car of this size, the engine looks positively tiny yet it manages to produce a healthy 34hp and propel the car along respectably well. Wiring and plumbing are tidy and well presented, with the original Bosch horn a nod to the car’s Teutonic origins. The toolbox cover is a beautiful piece worthy of garage art – an engine-turned affair topped with a chrome Eifel-script emblem.

It is understood that this Ford Eifel roadster was a very complete and original example prior to its restoration, and as a result it remains very correct today. It has been shown at a variety of events around the country, with the most recent owner scoring a win in the Avant Garde class at the 2016 Arizona Concours, proving the exceptional care it has received since its restoration. It remains in gorgeous condition and is ready for show or enjoyment on weekend drives and tours. Surely one of the only of its kind in the USA, the rarity and beautiful presentation would make it welcome and virtually any event. We are quite fond of its charming looks and diminutive proportions, while the fascinating history only adds to this little Ford’s desirability.