How fast did a Ford go in 1930?
In 1930, Ford's most common passenger car—the Model A—could reach roughly 65 to 70 mph (105 to 113 km/h) in ideal conditions; regular driving speeds were typically lower, around the 40s to 50s mph. The actual speed depended on body style, gearing, and road conditions.
Overview of Ford’s 1930 lineup
Ford in 1930 was dominated by the Model A, which replaced the famous Model T. The four-cylinder Model A delivered about 40 horsepower from a 200.5 cubic inch engine and came in several body styles, from roadsters to sedans. The car weighed several thousand pounds depending on body and equipment, and speeds were shaped by the era’s tires, aerodynamics and gearing.
Engine and performance fundamentals
The Model A’s 40-horsepower, 200.5 cu in (3.28 L) inline-four was designed for reliability and ease of maintenance rather than outright speed. With modest compression and conventional transmissions, top speeds were achievable in the mid-range of the speedometer on straight, smooth roads.
Top speed in practice
Stock Model A cars commonly reached roughly 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) in optimal conditions. Real-world driving, including hills, headwinds, and road quality, typically saw cruising speeds lower, more commonly in the 40–50 mph range.
Note: These figures varied by body style and axle gearing; roadsters and sportier bodied models could approach the upper end of the range, while heavier sedans tended to be slower.
Several factors influenced how fast a 1930 Ford could go. The following list highlights the main ones.
- Engine power and displacement: 40 hp from a 200.5 cu in four-cylinder.
- Vehicle weight and body style: Roadsters were lighter than sedans, affecting velocity.
- Rear-axle gearing and transmission: The gearing determined how quickly power could translate into speed.
- Tire technology and road surfaces of the era: Narrow bias-ply tires and rough roads limited acceleration and top speed.
- Aerodynamics: Boxy, upright bodies produced substantial air resistance at higher speeds.
In sum, these factors meant that while top speeds could reach the mid-60s to low-70s mph under ideal conditions, everyday use was much more moderate.
To illustrate how body style influenced speed, here are rough ranges for common Model A variants.
- Roadster and phaeton: approximately 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h).
- Coupe: around 60–65 mph (97–105 km/h).
- Town sedan: about 60 mph (97 km/h) or a bit less depending on gearing and condition.
These figures are estimates based on historical road tests and manufacturer data from the era and illustrate the general differences between lighter sports variants and heavier passenger bodies.
Summary
In 1930, Ford’s primary consumer car—the Model A—offered top speeds in the mid-60s to around 70 mph under ideal conditions, with real-world cruising typically lower due to fuel, terrain and road quality. The range of performance depended on the chosen body style, axle gearing, and overall vehicle weight. The Model A was a turning point for Ford, combining reliability with modest performance that matched the roads and technology of the era.
Summary: A 1930 Ford could reach roughly 65–70 mph in ideal conditions, with most everyday driving well below that, and speed varied by model, weight, and gearing. The Model A represented Ford’s shift toward more modern designs while delivering dependable performance for its time.
What was the top speed of the 1930 Ford?
around 65 mph
This 1930 Model A has a water cooled inline four cylinder engine with a displacement of 201 cubic inches. This engine produced 40 HP and the top speed was around 65 mph.
What was the fastest car in 1930?
Fastest car of the 1930s: Duesenberg Model SJ
To maintain its clear supremacy, the automaker souped up the speedster even more for the next decade. The baseline Model SJ maxed out at 140 mph.
How fast could a 1932 Ford V8 go?
Specifications
| Model | Ford V8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 65 hp |
| Torque | 130 lbft |
| Weight | 1090 kg (Roadster) |
| Top speed | 76 mph* (65hp) |
How fast would a car go in the 1930s?
For smaller companies, who didn't have the space or capital to introduce production lines, the 30s marked the end of the road. By this time, most cars were able to reach speeds of around 70mph, but a 20mp h speed limit was scrapped in 1930 because it was so difficult to enforce.
