What cars did Ford make in 1930s?
Ford’s 1930s car lineup began with the tail end of the Model A and quickly shifted toward an expanding family of affordable, V‑8 powered cars, led by the Model 18 and extended through the 40-, 48-, and later 68-series. These models defined Ford’s approach to value and performance during the decade.
From Model A to the dawn of the V-8 era
In the early 1930s, Ford kept selling the Model A as the company introduced a new generation of V‑8-powered cars. The shift signaled a major change in performance and market positioning for Ford, as the flathead V8 became the cornerstone of most models throughout the decade.
Notable transitional models and configurations that illustrate this shift include:
- Model A (the late-era continuation of the original post‑Ford Model A line) — remained on offer as Ford began shifting emphasis toward new powertrains.
- Model B (a four‑cylinder line introduced around 1932) — part of the move away from the older four‑cylinder lineup as V‑8 options gained emphasis.
- Model 18 (the first widely affordable Ford with a flathead V‑8) — a watershed introduction that cemented Ford’s reputation for performance at a budget price.
Conclusion: The early 1930s marked a turning point for Ford, as the company migrated from the Model A’s remaining family to a growing roster of V‑8 powered cars that would define the brand through the rest of the decade.
The V-8 era expands: mid‑ to late‑1930s lineup
As Ford refined its engineering, a family of V‑8 powered models carried the lineup through the decade. The following are representative lines that helped shape Ford’s position in the market during the mid to late 1930s.
- Model 40 family (early 1930s) — introduced as a mid‑price, V‑8 powered option with updated styling and features.
- Model 48 family (mid‑1930s) — a step up in refinement and equipment for buyers seeking more comfort and modern styling.
- Model 68 family (late 1930s) — a later V‑8 lineup that continued Ford’s emphasis on affordable performance and practical design.
Conclusion: By the late 1930s, Ford had consolidated a coherent V‑8 oriented lineup that offered a range of sedans and coupes, pairing familiar body styles with more modern engineering and styling cues that would carry into the next era.
Body styles and consumer options
Ford’s 1930s offerings spanned a broad set of body styles designed to appeal to households facing Depression-era economics and post‑war optimism alike. Buyers could choose from multiple arrangements that blended practicality with modest luxury in a single, affordable package.
- Two‑ and four‑door sedans — the core family cars for daily use and transportation.
- Coupes and convertible coupes — sportier, two-door options for buyers seeking style and performance in a compact footprint.
- Roadsters and phaetons — stylish, more open variants that highlighted Ford’s design language of the era.
Conclusion: Ford’s 1930s body‑style strategy focused on versatility and value, ensuring buyers could select from practical sedans to more elegant open‑top variants without straying from affordability.
Summary
In the 1930s, Ford transitioned from the Model A’s twilight to a robust, V‑8 driven lineup that included the Model 18 and successive 40‑, 48‑, and 68‑series cars. The decade established Ford’s reputation for affordable performance, wide body‑style options, and durable, everyday transport that would shape the company’s approach for years to come.
What cars did Ford make in 1932?
The main 1932 Ford models were the four-cylinder Model B and the new Model 18, which featured Ford's first flathead V-8 engine. Both models were available in a wide variety of body styles, including sedans, coupes, and roadsters. The V-8 powered cars, often called the "Deuce," quickly gained popularity, especially as hot rods.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and features of the 1932 Ford Model B: 49sRickDeBruhlYouTube · Aug 15, 2025
- Model B: This model continued with an updated version of Ford's four-cylinder engine and was produced from 1932 to 1934.
- Model 18: This was the groundbreaking model that introduced the new flathead V-8 engine. It was similar in body style to the Model B, but its powerful new engine made it more popular.
- Body Styles: Both models were offered in many different configurations. Some examples include:
- Victoria
- Roadster
- Fordor and Tudor Sedans
- Coupes: (like the 3-window and 5-window)
- Trucks: (known as the Model BB)
You can watch this video to learn about the features of the 1932 Ford Model B Truck: 59sKen Smith GalleryYouTube · Aug 23, 2025
What cars did Ford make in the 1930s?
1930–1939
| Name | Orig. | Produced |
|---|---|---|
| Cars | ||
| Model B / BB / 18 / 40 | USA | 1932–1934 |
| Model Y | UK | 1932–1937 |
| Köln | GER | 1932–1935 |
What cars did Ford make in 1931?
Ford Model A Convertible Sedan
The Convertible Sedan known as the A-400 was introduced in May 1931. It was a five passenger vehicle and a new unique design In the sporty DeLuxe line of cars.
What were the Ford models in 1939?
During 1939, Ford had five lines of cars: Ford, De Luxe Ford, Mercury, Lincoln-Zephyr, and Lincoln.
