What was the 1935 Ford called?
The 1935 Ford was officially designated the Model 48, part of Ford's mid‑1930s refresh and the continued V‑8 powered lineup often marketed as the Ford V‑8 of that era.
In 1935, Ford introduced a redesigned lineup and a new naming convention that distinguished it from the prior Model 40 line, while reinforcing the emphasis on affordable, powerful cars under the "New Ford" banner. The following sections explain the naming, the lineup, and the significance of that year's models.
Model 48: a naming shift in the Ford lineup
The 1935 designation Model 48 signified Ford's official naming for its updated passenger cars, marking a departure from earlier 1930s models and tying the line to the widespread V‑8 power that Ford promoted as accessible horsepower for American families.
Key information about the Model 48 name and its context is summarized below.
The following highlights provide naming and design aspects of the 1935 Ford.
- Model 48 designation marked Ford's updated V‑8 line for 1935–1936
- Body styles included sedans, coupes, and convertibles
- Trim levels included Standard and DeLuxe variants with differing chrome and interior finishes
- Powered by Ford's flathead V‑8 engine, typically paired with a three‑speed manual transmission
The Model 48 name helped consumers identify the refreshed 1935 lineup and its continued V‑8 power in a single, recognizable designation.
Styling and features of the New Ford
Accompanying the Model 48 naming, 1935 Ford cars featured a more streamlined body design, a signature grille, and updated interior appointments that Ford marketed under the "New Ford" banner. The approach aimed to attract buyers seeking modern styling without sacrificing the affordability and durability the brand was known for.
What this meant for buyers was a modern, accessible car that combined familiar V‑8 power with a refreshed look and a range of body styles.
- New aerodynamic styling cues aligned with mid‑1930s design trends
- Available body styles across two- and four-door configurations
- Standard and DeLuxe trim levels to match buyer preferences
- Continuation of the flathead V‑8 powertrain that defined Ford's lineup in that era
The 1935 "New Ford" represented a bridging year: maintaining legacy power while pushing a modern look that would influence Ford products into the late 1930s.
Legacy and historical context
The 1935 Model 48 stands as a milestone in Ford's history as the company leaned into the mid‑1930s styling wave and committed to an accessible V‑8 option for a broad audience. The naming convention persisted into the 1936 model year, reinforcing the association between Model 48 and Ford's flagship V‑8 family during that era.
Why the Model 48 mattered for buyers
For buyers, the Model 48 signified a modernized, accessible V‑8 Ford with a choice of body styles and trim. It stood as Ford's response to consumer demand for more powerful yet affordable cars during the mid‑1930s.
Summary
The 1935 Ford was called the Model 48, signifying Ford's updated mid‑1930s lineup and its continued commitment to V‑8 power under the New Ford banner. The designation and styling refresh helped shape Ford’s direction through the rest of the decade.
