How much horsepower did the Model B have in 1932?
The concise answer: the four-cylinder Model B was rated about 60 horsepower, while the V8-powered Model 18 carried about 65 horsepower.
In 1932, Ford offered two powertrains in its mainstream lineup—one for budget buyers and one for performance seekers. The Model B was the affordable four-cylinder option, while the Model 18 introduced Ford’s flathead V8 with higher output. Horsepower figures from that era reflect manufacturer ratings and could vary by market and testing method.
Engine options and horsepower in 1932
Ford’s 1932 offerings centered on a pair of configurations. The following list captures the commonly cited horsepower figures for those engines.
- Model B (inline-four) — about 60 horsepower
- Model 18 (flathead V8) — about 65 horsepower
These numbers illustrate a modest step up in performance compared with earlier models and highlight Ford’s strategy of providing a dependable, economical car during a challenging economic period. Real-world performance depended on gearing, body weight, and road conditions.
Notes on horsepower ratings
Horsepower in the 1930s was rated differently than today. Manufacturer claims often referred to brake horsepower or advertised horsepower, without the standardized testing procedures used in modern times. As a result, figures can vary between sources, and tests in magazines or catalogs sometimes show slightly different numbers depending on RPM, gearing, and conditions.
Context and comparison
Compared with some contemporary rivals, Ford’s 1932 models offered modest outputs for budget buyers. The Model B’s roughly 60 hp and the Model 18’s roughly 65 hp provided practical performance suitable for daily driving during the Great Depression.
Summary
In 1932, the Ford Model B delivered about 60 horsepower from its inline-four engine, while the accompanying Model 18 with a flathead V8 produced about 65 horsepower. The exact numbers can vary by measurement method and market, reflecting era conventions rather than today's standardized testing.
How much horsepower does a 1932 Model B have?
50 horsepower
The 1932 Ford Model B is not as well known as its predecessor, the Model A, or its contemporary, the eight-cylinder Model 18. The Model B featured a 201-cubic-inch, four-cylinder engine rated at 50 horsepower. Even with its low starting price of $410, the Model B was overshadowed by Ford's 1932 V-8 Model 18.
What was the top speed of the 1932 Ford V-8?
A stock 1932 Ford V8's top speed was around 76 to 85 mph, depending on the body style and minor factory updates. For example, one source lists the top speed at 76 mph, while another states 85 mph, highlighting the variability in performance for this popular and frequently modified car.
- Stock top speed: A standard 1932 Ford V8 had a top speed of about 76 mph, with some sources citing up to 85 mph.
- Factors for variation: The top speed could vary slightly based on the specific body style and minor improvements throughout the model year.
- Hot rod modifications: Due to the car's lightweight and powerful V8 engine, it became a popular choice for "hot rodders" who would modify them for even greater speed, far exceeding the stock top speed.
How much is a 1932 Ford Model B worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $29,240 for a 1932 Ford Model B in good condition with average spec.
What engine was in John Milner's car?
John Milner's car in American Graffiti was powered by a 1966 Chevrolet 327 cubic-inch V8 engine. While his character bragged about it having a 327, some sources suggest the original film car actually used a 283 Chevy, with the 327 being part of the on-screen exaggeration, but a 1966 327 was used for a restored version of the car.
You can watch this video to learn more about the engine used in John Milner's car and other facts about the car: 1mCarStarzYouTube · Jun 8, 2023
- Engine type: Small-block Chevrolet V8
- Specifics: A 1966 Chevy 327 cubic-inch engine.
- Car modification: The character's boast about the 327 was likely exaggeration, as the original film car reportedly used a smaller 283 Chevy engine. However, a 1966 327 V8 was used for the restored version of the car.
This video discusses the engine used in John Milner's car and other facts about the car: 1mHollywood Inside 1960sYouTube · Mar 19, 2025
