Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.This 1936 Ford three-window coupe is a show-quality street rod that was named New Zealand Hot Rod of the Year in 2012 and has since collected awards on both sides of the Pacific. Steel-bodied and finished in stunning House of Kolor Brandywine Pearl, it blends 1930s Ford beauty with fully modern underpinnings. It is on Bring a Trailer at $50,000 with six days to go.1936 Ford Model 68 DeluxeBring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowQuality steel-bodied 1936 Ford three-window street rods occupy a broad, taste-driven market. According to Classic.com, comparable three-window hot rods have traded across a range from roughly $30,000 to $80,000, with award-winning, high-quality builds sitting toward the upper end.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis car has genuine strengths that argue for that upper portion: a steel body, a documented show record including a magazine cover and a Grand National Roadster Show appearance, premium House of Kolor paint, and quality name-brand components throughout. The considerations below, plus the reality that custom builds are valued on the finished product rather than build cost, temper where it lands.Weighing the show pedigree and build quality against those points, fair value realistically lands in the $50,000 to $75,000 range, most likely the high $50,000s to high $60,000s. At $50,000 with six days remaining, the bidding should climb into that band.Condition and detailsThe build quality is high and thoroughly detailed. The steel body was stripped and modified with a 3-inch roof chop, smoothed fender seams, repositioned headlights, frenched taillights, and a shaved trunk, then finished in House of Kolor Brandywine Pearl over a Total Cost Involved chassis with independent front suspension, a four-link rear, Ridetech air springs, rack-and-pinion steering, and Wilwood disc brakes. The 350ci Chevrolet V8 wears Edelbrock aluminum heads, intake, and carburetor and drives through a TH350 automatic to a 9-inch rear end, and the black leather interior includes air conditioning, power windows, and Classic Instruments gauges.1936 Ford Model 68 DeluxeBring a TrailerA few points are worth understanding. This is a custom street rod, and such builds are valued on the finished product and buyer taste rather than the money sunk into them, so price the car in front of you. The odometer shows 10,000 miles but true mileage is unknown, which is normal for a scratch-built rod. The listing also discloses delamination in the lower corner of the windshield, a minor item to budget for.1936 Ford Model 68 DeluxeBring a TrailerBeyond that, the fundamentals are strong: it is Chevrolet-powered, which is standard practice for street rods and easy to service though not to Ford purists, it rides on quality air suspension to confirm functions properly, and it is titled as a 1936 Ford on a clean Minnesota title. A pre-purchase inspection is sensible, but this is a finished, drivable, award-winning car.1936 Ford Model 68 DeluxeBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeFordModelModel 68 Deluxe 3-Window CoupeYear1936Mileage10,000 miles shownEngine350ci Chevrolet V8PowerNot specified by the sellerTransmission3-speed automaticDrive typeRear wheel driveExterior colorHouse of Kolor Brandywine PearlInterior colorBlack leatherCurrent bid$50,000, with six days leftInterested in this 1936 Ford Model 68 Deluxe? View the listing here.What makes this 1936 Ford uniqueThe 1936 Ford represented a major styling evolution for the brand, with flowing lines that make the three-window coupe one of the most coveted bodies in hot-rodding. This example takes that classic shape and elevates it into a genuine show car, its chopped roof, frenched details, and hand-fabricated stainless grille reflecting the kind of craftsmanship that earned it New Zealand Hot Rod of the Year honors and a magazine cover in 2012. Underneath, the modern Total Cost Involved chassis, independent suspension, air springs, and disc brakes mean it drives far better than any period hot rod, blending vintage style with contemporary usability.1936 Ford Model 68 DeluxeBring a TrailerThat combination of award-winning presentation, premium paint and detailing, and genuinely modern mechanicals sets this car apart from a typical backyard build. It is the sort of finished, turnkey street rod that lets a buyer skip the years and expense of a build and simply enjoy a proven show winner.My takeI think this is a genuinely special street rod, and the show record backs that up. A steel-bodied 1936 three-window with this level of paint, detailing, and fabrication is a car that turns heads and wins trophies, and the modern chassis, air ride, and disc brakes mean you can actually drive and enjoy it rather than just polish it. As one commenter wondered, it is such a show car that you would hope the next owner does drive it, and I agree.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits in the $50,000 to $75,000 range, with the award pedigree and build quality supporting the upper part, so expect the bidding to climb. Go in understanding the genre: street rods are valued on the finished car and personal taste, not build cost, so buy it because you love it rather than as an investment. Confirm the air suspension functions properly, budget for the windshield, and get an inspection. Handle that, and you have a proven, drivable show winner ready to enjoy.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
