What was the top speed of a 1936 Ford sedan?
In stock form, a 1936 Ford sedan could typically reach about 75 mph on a level road, with real-world examples often found in the 70–80 mph range depending on condition and configuration.
Historical context
The 1936 Ford marked a period of refinement for Ford’s flathead V8 era, delivering practicality and reliability in a boxier, mid-1930s design. Contemporary test data from the era was not always published with precise top speeds for every body style, but the prevailing view among historians and enthusiasts is that standard sedans could cruise into the 70s mph and sometimes approach the upper 70s mph under favorable conditions.
Performance factors that shaped top speed
Here are the main variables that determined how fast a 1936 Ford sedan could go:
- Engine power: The flathead V8 available in most 1936 sedans produced roughly 60–80+ horsepower, depending on trim and condition.
- Rear-end gearing: Configurations favored stable highway cruising, with gearing designed to balance acceleration and consistent speed rather than outright sprinting.
- Weight and aerodynamics: A relatively boxy body and modest curb weight limited maximum velocity compared with later, more aerodynamic cars.
- Transmission and tires: A standard 3-speed manual and period tire technology influenced rolling resistance and overall top end.
Taken together, these factors help explain why top speeds for stock 1936 Ford sedans typically fell in the lower to mid-70s mph range, with occasional pushes into the upper 70s mph under ideal conditions.
Real-world tests and caveats
Because factory speed specifications were not consistently published for every body style in 1936, modern assessments rely on road tests from contemporary magazines, owner reports, and restoration data. The consensus is that a typical, unmodified 1936 Ford sedan could reach about 70–75 mph on a smooth, level road, with a few well-tuned examples capable of approaching or slightly surpassing 75 mph. Substantial overhauls or rare factory-performance variants could push higher, but such cases were uncommon for standard production models.
Summary
For a 1936 Ford sedan, the top speed in stock condition generally hovered around 70–75 mph, with variations due to engine output, gearing, and overall condition. This reflects the era’s emphasis on dependable daily operation and comfortable highway cruising rather than high-speed performance.
What was the top speed of the 1936 Ford?
Coupled to a non-synchronized, three-speed manual gearbox, a 1936 Ford would get to a top speed of around 65 mph (105 km/h), maybe 70 mph (112 km/h) on a good day and “with a strong tailwind”. The car also has mechanical brakes so you have to brake earlier.
What was the top speed of the 1930 Ford sedan?
around 65 mph
This 1930 Model A has a water cooled inline four cylinder engine with a displacement of 201 cubic inches. This engine produced 40 HP and the top speed was around 65 mph.
What was the fastest car in 1936?
1936 Mercedes-Benz W25 Rekordwagen.
What is the top speed of a 1935 Ford sedan?
Top speed was around 65 mph (105 km/h). The Model A had a 103.5 in (2,630 mm) wheelbase with a final drive ratio of 3.77:1.
