How many 1936 Ford 3 window coupes were made?
In the world of classic Fords, the 1936 3-window coupe is a sought-after body style, but there is no single, official production total published by Ford for this model.
There is no official production total publicly published by Ford for the 1936 3-window coupe; researchers and historians have not reached a universally accepted exact figure, and estimates vary by source.
The question is nuanced because factory and dealer records from the 1930s were not always consolidated by body style, and definitions of what qualifies as a "3-window coupe" can differ between archives. The 1936 model year introduced the V-8 lineup and a number of body configurations, including three-window coupes, two-door sedans, and other variants, making a precise tally challenging.
What defines a 3-window coupe?
Understanding the specific body style helps frame any production estimate. The 3-window coupe refers to a two‑door coupe design with three side window panels along the passenger side, a configuration that appeared in the 1936 lineup in various trims and engine combinations. Not all sources treat every 3-window variant the same, which complicates cross‑reference of totals.
Production figures and sources
To gauge how many were built, researchers rely on multiple kinds of records, and actual counts by body style are seldom published in one place.
- Factory and Ford archive records (where preserved) that document yearly totals and model-by-model build data
- Period dealer catalogs, price sheets, and factory build sheets that sometimes break out body style options
- Contemporary automotive press, trade journals, and factory press brochures
- Classic car registries, marque clubs, and documented survivor lists maintained by enthusiasts
- Reference books and catalogs that synthesize available data, often noting uncertainties or approximations
Because these sources vary in scope, completeness, and definitions, there is no universally accepted production figure for the 1936 Ford 3-window coupe.
Why production numbers are hard to pin down
Several factors complicate a precise tally. First, the designation of what exactly constitutes a "3-window coupe" can differ among archives and collectors. Second, record preservation from the 1930s is uneven, with some data lost and other materials scattered across dealers, body builders, and regional offices. Third, production totals were often reported by model line rather than by specific body style, making post hoc separation by body style require careful interpretation of primary sources.
In practice, researchers cross-reference surviving build sheets, factory records, and contemporary catalogs to produce best‑effort estimates, but these are not equivalent to an official, audited count.
Summary
The exact number of 1936 Ford 3-window coupes remains uncertain because Ford did not publish a definitive body-style total for that year, and surviving records are incomplete or inconsistent. What can be said with confidence is that the 3-window coupe was a recognized and popular body style within the 1936 Ford lineup, and any precise figure published by contemporary sources should be treated as an estimate rather than an official tally. For serious researchers, consulting multiple primary sources—Ford archives, dealer catalogs, and period trade publications—offers the best path to a reasoned, if imperfect, estimate.
What is the value of a 1936 Ford coupe?
The value of a 1936 Ford coupe varies significantly based on its condition, with average examples in good condition typically ranging from $15,000 to over $30,000, while fully restored or high-performance versions can sell for much higher, sometimes exceeding $95,000. Factors like whether it is a rare three-window or a common five-window coupe, its original condition versus custom modifications, and its specific history all play a large role in determining the final price.
Value by condition
- Low-end: Cars needing extensive work or with title/accident issues can be found for under $15,000.
- Average: A good condition, original-spec coupe can be valued around $15,870 (based on similar models) to over $30,000, depending on the specific model and options.
- High-end: Exceptionally well-maintained or restored examples, especially the rarer three-window coupes, can fetch prices over $95,000.
Key factors that influence value
- Model: The five-window coupe was more common, while the three-window coupe was a rarer Deluxe model, making it more valuable.
- Restoration: Fully restored cars with period-correct parts or high-quality modern upgrades can be worth significantly more than unrestored or poorly maintained examples.
- Modifications: Custom hot rod versions can have a wide range of values depending on the quality and extent of the modifications.
- History: A well-documented history or an especially well-preserved original car can also increase its value.
How many 1936 Ford 68 V8 standard 5 window coupe were made?
The 1936 Ford was one of the Model 48 and 68 series produced that year. In 1936, Ford offered two coupe models: a five-window coupe, of which 107,472 were produced, and a three- window coupe, of which only 21,446 were produced as a Deluxe. All 1936 Fords featured an 85-horsepower flathead V8 engine.
How many 1936 Ford coupes were made?
In 1936, Ford produced 107,472 five-window coupes and 21,446 three-window coupes. The five-window models were available in both Standard and Deluxe versions, while the three-window coupe was a Deluxe-only model.
- Five-Window Coupe: 107,472 made (Standard and Deluxe)
- Three-Window Coupe: 21,446 made (Deluxe only)
What makes the 1936 Ford coupe special?
There's something special about the 1936 Ford 5-Window coupe. The styling combines the traditional upright grille with a streamlined body to create one of the best-looking cars of the period. Many of these iconic coupes have been turned into hot rod over the years, but this one is more about an honest 1930s experience.
