How many 1935 Ford cabriolets were made?
The exact production count of 1935 Ford cabriolets is not publicly published and remains uncertain among historians and collectors.
Context: what counts as a cabriolet in 1935
In Ford's 1935 lineup, the Cabriolet was a convertible body style offered on certain models (notably within the Model 48 family). Tracking a precise total requires separating cabriolets from other convertibles and body styles listed in promotional materials, which vary by year and market. Because Ford did not routinely publish a body-style-by-number tally for that year, reliable counts are scarce.
Why the exact figure is hard to pin down
Publicly accessible production totals are typically published by model line rather than by individual body style. Archival records from 1935 are not fully digitized in a single public resource, and surviving records may be incomplete or dispersed across archives, clubs, and auction catalogs. As a result, researchers rely on a mix of primary documents and secondary references, which can produce differing estimates or remain unpublished.
To pursue a precise figure, consider these sources and methods:
- Ford Motor Company Archives and the Ford Heritage Center, which preserve original build sheets, production summaries, and dealer invoices.
- The Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1805-1942 (Krause Publications), a reference used by collectors for model-year and body-style breakdowns.
- Official 1935 dealer catalogs and price lists from Ford, which sometimes show available body styles and production commentary.
- Model- or year-specific registries and clubs (for example, the Ford V8 Club and 1935 Model 48/68 registries) that compile known surviving examples and may document production quirks.
- Auction house catalogs and historical advertisements, which can mention the cabriolet designation and occasionally cite production context or rarity in listings.
- Contemporary trade publications and newspapers (1930s era Motor Trend, Popular Mechanics) that sometimes reported on production numbers or market shares for cabriolets vs other bodies.
In the absence of a single definitive public figure, researchers typically triangulate from these sources. The most reliable figure, if it exists, would come from an intact Ford production ledger or an official factory tally that explicitly breaks out cabriolets by model-year.
Terminology and scope
Be aware that terms like cabriolet, phaeton, convertible, and roadster were used variably in the 1930s. Some listings may classify the same body style differently depending on marketing language, region, or year, so cross-check definitions when comparing sources.
Summary
Ultimately, there is no universally accepted public count for how many 1935 Ford cabriolets were manufactured. To approach a precise figure, researchers must consult primary factory records and carefully cross-reference secondary catalogs and registries. Until a definitive archival source is located, the number remains part of automotive history’s uncertainty.
What was the most popular car in 1935?
Ford was the nation's top-selling car maker for 1935 and offered five different Standard body styles and 10 different Deluxe models. The Burns' car was one of 87,336 of the Tudor trunk sedans built, making it the third-most popular car in the 15-car lineup.
How much is a 1935 Ford worth?
The value of a 1935 Ford Model 48 Standard can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $29,880 for a 1935 Ford Model 48 Standard in good condition with average spec.
How many 1936 Ford cabriolets were made?
Though Ford put a lot of effort into the new design, only 4,616 Club Cabriolets left the Ford assembly line that year, out of a total of 536,615 Model 68 cars produced. That's less than one percent of the total production, making these cars a rare bird.
How many 1934 Ford cabriolets were made?
Despite the seemingly minimalistic approach, and a reduction in body styles from 15 to 13, production of the 1934 Model 40 soared to 563,921 domestic vehicles, including 14,508 Cabriolets such as the example pictured here.
