How much did a 1932 Ford V8 cost?
The base price for a new 1932 Ford V8 was about $860 in 1932 dollars, with different body styles and options typically pushing the total toward roughly $1,000. In today’s money, that price translates to about $16,000–$20,000 depending on the inflation measure used.
Context: the V8 breakthrough in a Depression-era market
Ford introduced its flathead V8 in 1932 as a milestone aimed at delivering affordable power during the economic downturn. The V8 was marketed as a value-oriented option that brought more performance to a broader audience, helping Ford redefine what a wide-selling car could cost.
What counted as the 1932 Ford V8?
In 1932, Ford’s V8 lineup was branded around models that carried the new powerplant, notably the Model 18 (and earlier Model B lineage) and a range of body styles. The V8 engine replaced many inline-sixes in these configurations, offering increased power at a price designed to attract buyers who previously could not afford eight-cylinder cars. Prices varied by body style and equipment, making the V8 accessible during the era's economic constraints.
Prices varied by body style and options; below are some of the body styles commonly offered in the 1932 Ford V8 lineup. Note that these are general categories and do not reflect every regional variant or trim level.
- Runabout (two-seat roadster)
- Business coupe
- Three-window coupe
- Victoria (two-door sedan-coupe)
- Sedan (standard and deluxe variants)
- Convertible/phaeton variants
Prices depended on the body style and equipment; the basic V8 car remained in the mid-to-upper $800s range, with options potentially pushing the price toward around $1,000 in some configurations. In inflation-adjusted terms, the base price would be in the low-to-mid tens of thousands for modern buyers.
Inflation-adjusted context
Adjusting for inflation provides perspective: $860 in 1932 roughly translates to about $15,000–$20,000 in today’s dollars, depending on the calculator used. The actual showroom price for a new car would fluctuate with options, dealer pricing, and regional taxes.
Summary
The 1932 Ford V8 marked a landmark in automotive affordability, with a base price near $860 in 1932 dollars and a typical range up to around $1,000 depending on body style and options. When adjusted for inflation, that range sits roughly in the mid-teens to low-twenties thousands of dollars in today’s market, underscoring its historical appeal as a breakthrough value in American motoring.
