How much did a Ford cost in 1935?
In 1935, a new Ford typically cost about $500 to $800, depending on model and options. These figures are nominal 1935 dollars and do not include taxes, delivery charges, or dealer-installed options.
The question asks for a snapshot of Ford pricing during the mid-1930s, a period when automakers offered a range of body styles—from basic sedans to more upscale town cars—while the U.S. economy navigated the Great Depression. This article examines typical sticker prices and what influenced them in 1935.
Prices by Model and Body Style
Typical price ranges for common 1935 Ford configurations are listed below, reflecting the era's standard models and body styles. Figures are nominal 1935 dollars and do not include taxes or dealer charges.
- Base two- or four-door sedans: about $500–$600
- Two-door coupes: about $525–$600
- V-8 powered models (Model 48 family): about $600–$800
- Deluxe Town Sedan and similar higher-end bodies: about $800–$900
Prices varied by body style and trim, and final out-the-door costs depended on local charges and optional equipment.
Factors That Shaped Prices in 1935
These are the main drivers behind Ford’s price levels for the model year, illustrating why there wasn’t a single fixed price for all buyers.
- Economic context: The United States was navigating the Great Depression, influencing affordability and demand for low- to mid-priced cars.
- Manufacturing efficiency: Ford’s assembly-line methods and standardization helped maintain lower base costs while offering a range of options.
- V-8 pricing and perception: The continued presence of the more powerful V-8 lineup offered performance at a competitive price point within Ford’s ladder.
- Dealer charges and options: Taxes, delivery, and dealer-installed options could push the final price above the listed sticker price.
- Competition: Pricing bands across the industry (Chevrolet, Plymouth, etc.) influenced how Ford structured its trims and features.
These factors created a price spectrum rather than a single fixed price for all Ford cars in 1935.
Historical Snapshot
For buyers in 1935, a Ford represented affordable mobility with a balance of reliability and modern features. The V-8 models offered more power at accessible prices, while the more modest configurations kept entry costs within reach for many households during tough economic times.
Summary
In 1935, Ford cars typically ranged from about $500 to $900 in nominal prices, with base sedans on the lower end and more equipped V-8 models and deluxe bodies on the higher end. Prices depended on body style, trim level, options, and local charges. This price spread reflected Ford’s strategy to provide affordable transportation during the Depression era while showcasing newer V-8 technology.
