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48 of 86 lots
Lot 48
1934 Ford Model BB House Car
Estimate:
$10,000 - $20,000
Starting bid:
$25
Sold for
$7,000
Live Auction
Estate of Mark Smith Auction
Description
Without Reserve

Chassis: BB18363249

Saleroom Addendum
Please note this vehicle is titled 1933 and as BB183632249.

Fascinating Prewar House Car, Predecessor to the Modern-Day RV
Built on Ford’s Rugged V-8-Powered Model BB Truck Chassis
A Worthy Restoration Project for the Devoted Ford Collector

221 CID Flathead V-8 Engine
Single Stromberg Downdraft Carburetor
85 HP at 3,800 RPM
3-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes
Front Solid Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Live Axle with Cantilever Leaf Springs

In the early 20th century, prior to the advent of the modern motorhome or RV, house cars were built by enterprising individuals who wanted to enjoy the comforts of home while they toured America’s highways and byways. Like automotive travel trailers, house cars became popular post-WWI and boomed throughout the Great Depression, as those seeking better opportunities or employment could simply roam the country, taking on work wherever they could find it.

Economical, durable, and benefiting from a nationwide dealer network, Ford vehicles were the ideal platform for house cars. As a result, many of those built during the 1920s and 1930s were constructed on Model TT, AA, and BB commercial chassis. The fascinating example presented here is no exception, as it is based on a 1934 Model BB chassis, powered by Ford’s famous 21-stud flathead V-8.

A newspaper article found within the house car suggests that it was originally designed and built by a dairy farmer in Western Ohio. While little is known about its early history, by 1990 the Ford was owned by James Guthrie, who displayed it at that year’s Century Village Old Car Show in Burton, Ohio. With his innate appreciation for unusual, one-of-a-kind pieces of Americana, Mark Smith simply could not resist adding this remarkable house car to his ever-expanding collection of prewar Fords.

Largely intact but in need of restoration, this custom-built house car features an ample interior compartment complete with stained glass windows, a Buddy stove, cabinets, sofas, and a sink. Other accessories present include electric fans, a clock, radio, and Ford fire extinguisher. The hinged front doors feature both glass and screened windows, while the rear features an observation platform, similar in style to a private train car.

A truly unique piece of American folk art on wheels, this 1934 Ford Model BB House Car is worthy of a restoration that befits its tremendous presence and novel design.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.