Some have claimed that the 1933-34 Ford models were the most attractive vehicles ever produced by the company. While it is difficult to dispute that statement, in my opinion, the 1930s saw the creation of some of the most stunning cars across all manufacturers. This era marked an exciting time in the automotive industry, as it matured and transitioned from the era of horseless carriages to the modern methods of transportation.
Ford had achieved tremendous success with the Model T (1908-27) and the Model A (1927-31). In 1932, Ford introduced a brand-new model and a groundbreaking flathead V8 engine, which proved to be a significant milestone. Although it wasn’t the first V8 engine (Cadillac pioneered that in 1915), it was the first V8 engine made affordable for the masses. With an impressive 85-horsepower rating, the model’s 221-cubic-inch engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission. It was rumored that notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde and John Dillinger wrote to Henry Ford, expressing their satisfaction with the car’s speed and durability, which made it perfect for their line of work. Weighing in at just 2,461 pounds, the early V8 Ford boasted exceptional performance and was competitively priced at $575 (equivalent to about $12,805 in 2023 dollars). Ford continued using this engine design until the 1953 model year.
While the new V8 engine was quite exciting, Henry Ford recognized that the four-cylinder Model A had also enjoyed significant popularity and reliability. Understanding the fickleness of the public, Ford produced two models for 1932 – the conventional four-cylinder Model B and the V8 model called Model 18. Apart from the engines, they were identical.
For the 1933-34 model years, minor styling changes were implemented. The introduction of a flatter and slanted grill, along with curved fenders, brought a fresh look. Car manufacturers discovered that modern styling played a crucial role in selling cars, even during the challenging times of the Great Depression. As a result, Ford saw an improvement in sales between 1932 and 1934, with roughly a million units sold during that period.
After World War II, the Ford V8 became a sought-after engine for hot rodders. Having manufactured millions of cars and trucks equipped with the reliable and durable flathead V8 engine, Ford creations became a popular choice for modification and enhancing performance. With an ample supply of parts available, modifying a Ford V8 engine became both affordable and relatively straightforward.
In this issue, we showcase what appears to be a 1934 Ford roadster, but is it truly an original? San Ramon owner Kyle Madison acquired the car about a year ago from the person who had built the kit car. Madison expressed his admiration for the car’s meticulous detailing, stating, “He did a fantastic job on it.” Unlike his prior car purchases, Madison specifically sought a complete car without the need for restoration. Apart from some minor work on the door panels, he has only had to do routine maintenance such as washing and waxing. Madison purchased the car for $30,000 with the current value estimated at approximately $40,000.
The attention-grabbing color of the vehicle is a Honda shade known as Del Sol Pearl Green. Its exterior features chrome Foose wheels, slightly larger at the back than at the front. While some may consider this car a “hot rod,” it more accurately fits the category of a “street rod.” Equipped with a 350-cubic-inch Chevy V8 engine, which has only accumulated about 2,000 miles since its rebuild, the car runs on a Chevy turbo 400 automatic transmission. Though the car has no top, it offers several sought-after modern conveniences like heated leather seats, power steering, and power windows. Madison noted that the side windows help reduce airflow into the car, allowing occupants to enjoy the heat and air conditioning. He prefers to drive the car on pleasant days, relishing the feeling of the wind in his hair. The car attracts significant attention when Madison takes it to car shows, as spectators appreciate the well-restored classic.
Though it may not be evident, this car provides the owner with ample pleasure. Do you own an interesting vehicle? Feel free to email Dave at MOBopoly@yahoo.com. To read more of his columns or view additional photographs of this and other vehicles featured in previous issues, visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz.