Ford Model 48

The Model 48 was an update on Ford's V8-powered Model 40A, the company's main product. Introduced in 1935, the Model 48 was given a cosmetic refresh annually, begetting the 1937 Ford before being thoroughly redesigned for 1941. The 1935 Ford's combination of price, practicality, and looks vaulted the company ahead of rival Chevrolet for the sales crown that year, with 820,000 sold.

Ford Model 48
Overview
ManufacturerFord
Also called
  • Ford Model 68
  • Ford V8
Production1935–1936
AssemblyAtlanta, Georgia
Chester, Pennsylvania
Chicago, Illinois
Long Beach, California
Dearborn, Michigan
Bucharest, Romania
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size Ford
Body style2-door roadster
2-door coupe
4-door sedan
4-door convertible
4-door station wagon
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine221 CID (3.6 L) Flathead V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase112 in (2,845 mm)
Length4,642 mm (182.8 in) (3-Window Coupé)[1]
Width1,765 mm (69.5 in) (3-Window Coupé)[2]
Height1,642 mm (64.6 in) (3-Window Coupé)[3]
Chronology
PredecessorFord Model 18
Ford Model 40A
Successor1937 Ford

1935
1935 Model B Woodie

The 1935 Ford was a thorough refresh on the popular V8-powered Ford. The four-cylinder Model A engine was no longer offered, leaving just the 221 CID (3.6 L) V8 to power every Ford car and truck. The transverse leaf spring suspension remained, but the front spring was relocated ahead of the axle to allow more interior volume. The body was lowered and new "Center-Poise" seating improved comfort.

Visually, the 1935 Ford was much more modern with the grille pushed forward and made more prominent by de-emphasized and more-integrated fenders. A major advance was a true integrated trunk on "trunkback" sedans, though the traditional "flatback" was also offered. Outdated body styles like the Victoria were also deleted for the year. The wooden panels were manufactured at the Ford Iron Mountain Plant in the Michigan Upper Peninsula from Ford owned lumber.

Two trim lines were offered, standard and DeLuxe, across a number of body styles including a base roadster, five-window coupe, three-window coupe, Tudor and Fordor sedans in flatback or trunkback versions, a convertible sedan, a woody station wagon, and new Model 51 truck. Rumble seats were optional on coupe model. An oil pressure gauge (costing $4) and two windshield wipers were optional.[4] If one got the optional radio, it replaced the ash tray.[5]

1936
1936 Ford Model 48 convertible
1936 Ford Model 67 pickup truck

Chevrolet regained the sales lead at the end of 1936, but the Ford still sold extremely well. A new club cabriolet model was introduced with a fully framed windshield and weatherproof top, and the convertible sedan gained the popular integrated trunkback design.

The look was updated with an inverted pentagonal grille with all-vertical bars beneath a prominent hood and three horizontal chrome side strips (on DeLuxe models). The V8 DeLuxe was called Model 68. A concealed horn, long a prominent part of the Ford's design, also brought the car into modern times. The new trucks continued with the old grille. Other major changes for 1936 were the use of pressed steel "artillery" solid wheels instead of wire wheels.

1936 Ford V8 DeLuxe Convertible Sedan (Model 68)

1938

In 1938, Ford announced new styling for its cars.[6] Only a V8 was offered, either a 60 hp (45 kW) V8 or an 85 hp (63 kW) V8.[7] A new dash was used, with recessed controls for safety.[7]

Sources
  1. "1935 Ford Model 48 3-Window Coupé". Carsized.com. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  2. "1935 Ford Model 48 3-Window Coupé". Carsized.com. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  3. "1935 Ford Model 48 3-Window Coupé". Carsized.com. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  4. "Directory Index: Ford/1935_Ford/1935_Ford_Accessories". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-05-31.
  5. "Directory Index: Ford/1935_Ford/1935_Ford_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2012-05-31.
  6. "Directory Index: Ford/1938_Ford/1938_Ford_Folder". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
  7. "Directory Index: Ford/1938_Ford/1938_Ford_Folder". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
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  • Carsized Website for comparing car dimensions featuring early Ford vehicles incl. Model 48
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