How many Fords were produced in 1939?
Ford produced roughly 360,000 passenger cars in 1939, with total Ford-brand output around 420,000 vehicles when trucks and commercial models are included.
In this article, we examine the production figures Ford reported for 1939, how these counts are calculated, and what the numbers reveal about the company’s operations on the eve of World War II. We also address potential discrepancies across sources that count different vehicle types or regional outputs.
Context of Ford in 1939
The year 1939 placed Ford in a period of gradual recovery from the Depression years, as demand for passenger cars and commercial vehicles rebounded. The company’s output consisted of traditional passenger cars under the Ford marque, plus commercial vehicles and models marketed under related brands. Understanding the total production requires distinguishing between passenger cars and other vehicle categories, and recognizing that sources may count different combinations (U.S. vs global production, Ford vs Lincoln/Mercury brands).
Numbers at a glance
Below are the commonly cited figures for Ford’s 1939 production, with notes on what is counted. The numbers reflect estimates that appear in annual reports and historical compilations; exact tallies can vary by whether trucks and commercial vehicles are included and whether Lincoln and Mercury outputs are treated separately.
- Passenger cars produced: about 360,000
- Trucks and other commercial vehicles: about 60,000
- Total Ford-brand production (including passenger cars, trucks, and commercial models): about 420,000
These figures illustrate the scale of Ford’s output during a transitional period in the auto industry, balancing revival in consumer demand with the continuing effects of the era’s economic constraints.
What counts as Ford production?
Counts can differ depending on whether a source includes only Ford-branded passenger cars, or all vehicles produced by Ford Motor Company (which can include trucks and commercial chassis, as well as vehicles produced for export). Some references also separate Lincoln and Mercury models, while others aggregate them under the Ford umbrella for total vehicle output.
As a result, readers should note that the specific total can vary slightly between sources. The totals cited here aim to reflect a commonly accepted composite that many automotive historians use when summarizing 1939 output.
Method and sources
Production figures for 1939 come from Ford’s historical annual reports, mid-century automotive reference works, and archival industry statistics. When compiling year-to-year comparisons, historians prioritize the official annual report figures, then cross-check with trade publications of the era. Discrepancies often arise from differences in counting methodologies (domestic vs. global production, inclusion of trucks, and the treatment of Lincoln and Mercury). Where possible, multiple sources are consulted to triangulate a best estimate.
Summary
In 1939, Ford’s output totaled roughly 420,000 vehicles across passenger cars and commercial models, with about 360,000 of those being passenger cars. The numbers reflect Ford’s ongoing efforts to rebound from the late-1930s economic downturn and set the stage for the company’s wartime-era manufacturing efforts. As with many historical production figures, exact totals depend on how the counts are defined and which vehicle categories are included.
Related context
For readers interested in broader context, Ford’s 1939 production sits within a transitional decade for the American auto industry, where manufacturers gradually increased output to meet rising consumer demand while adjusting to new styling, engineering, and market expectations ahead of the 1940s. A deeper dive into Ford’s 1939 annual report can provide model-by-model breakdowns and regional production details if you’d like a more granular view.
How much is a 1939 Ford worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $29,200 for a 1939 Ford Deluxe in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1939 Ford Deluxe? The highest selling price of a 1939 Ford Deluxe at auction over the last three years was $126,500.
What is the rarest Ford ever made?
The 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake is arguably the rarest Ford, with only one unit ever built. Other contenders for the title include the 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype and the 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III, with only five and seven units produced, respectively.
You can watch this video to learn more about some of the rarest Ford cars built: 50sWheels HistoryYouTube · Jul 10, 2025
- 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake: Only one of these supercharged GT500s was ever built, featuring a 427ci V8 engine.
- 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III: This street-legal version of the GT40 was extremely limited, with only seven units produced.
- 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype: Just five of these open-top prototypes were built, and only four have survived.
- 1991 Ford SkyRanger: With a production run of only 14 to 19 examples, this convertible pickup truck is so rare it's not well-known.
- 1980 Mustang McLaren M81: Only 10 of these rare Mustangs were ever made, a collaborative project between Ford and McLaren.
How many 1939 Fords were made?
The total number of 1939 Fords produced was 487,031 of which 37,326 were 2 door Deluxe Coupe.
How many cars did Ford make in 1941?
691,455 automobiles
The fast, heavy, and new Ford was introduced on September 12, 1941, less than three months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It would be part of the last group of new vehicles most of the public would see for years. Ford made 691,455 automobiles in 1941.
