This exceptional 1934 Ford 5-Window Coupe is a rare blend of authentic prewar design, thoughtful modern upgrades, and genuine celebrity provenance. Known as the "Coupe Cuvée," this all-steel Ford was originally restored and built for Bruce Cohn, longtime manager of the Doobie Brothers and founder of BR Cohn Winery, as part of his renowned personal car collection. The Coupe Cuvée name later lived on as a wine label celebrating Cohn's passion for automobiles, making this car a rolling piece of automotive and cultural history.
Sourced from Sonoma Valley, California, the car began life in largely original condition and was professionally built in the late 1990s to be a confident, reliable street rod, not a fragile showpiece. Completed in early 2000, the goal was clear: preserve the unmistakable 1934 Ford silhouette while dramatically improving drivability, comfort, and performance.
Under the hood now sits a Chevrolet Performance ZZ350 crate V8 with aluminum heads, upgraded from the original Corvette 327ci engine. Fuel delivery is handled by a Holley Sniper electronic fuel-injection system, offering instant starts, smooth throttle response, and modern reliability. Power is routed through a Lokar-shifted TH350 automatic transmission, complemented by a custom center console thoughtfully designed with integrated drink holders, because this coupe was meant to be driven and enjoyed.
Comfort and convenience were equally prioritized. The cabin features an upgraded Vintage Air Mini Slimline HVAC system, a Kenwood Bluetooth audio system with Rockford Fosgate amplifiers and speakers, Auto Meter classic gauges, and an IDIDIT tilt steering column capped with a Banjo style steering wheel. The interior has been fully insulated for sound deadening, while tinted glass helps protect the leather upholstery from UV exposure.
The reinforced chassis artfully combines Total Cost Involved (TCI) and Pete & Jakes components for a planted, confident driving experience. Highlights include a dropped I-beam front axle, chrome shocks, front disc brakes with braided stainless lines, rack-and-pinion steering, and a rear 4-link suspension with QA1 adjustable coil-over shocks and torsion sway bar. Out back is an 8-inch Ford rear end with Currie axles, fed by a Tanks Inc. polyethylene fuel tank with in-tank fuel pump. American Racing Torq Thrust wheels complete the timeless hot-rod stance.
Importantly, the steel body remains unmodified, preserving the proportions and character exactly as Henry Ford intended. Original features such as the tilt-out windshield, rear roll-down window, and functional side glass ventilation and roll-down windows remain intact. There are no unnecessary electronics added, traditional hardware, locks, and mechanisms are retained for an authentic driving experience.
This Coupe Cuvée has never been a trailer queen. It has been driven, exercised, and enjoyed exactly as intended, showing 22,441 miles on the odometer, averaging roughly 2,000 miles per year. The result is a well-sorted, proven street rod with real road time and real character, equal parts history, craftsmanship, and fun. A rare opportunity to acquire a truly storied 1934 Ford that delivers timeless looks, modern performance, and an irreplaceable backstory.
