I honestly cannot get enough of classic cars, you can’t too right? Well, I got you covered as I’ll be giving you the full gist on the Ford Model B classic. Let’s get right down to it.
Ford Model B (1932) – Origin
Between 1932 and 1934, Ford built three cars: The Model B, Model 18 and Model 46. These were followed by Model A. Model B had an improved four-cylinder engine and was available from 1932 to 1934. The V8 was used in Model 18 in 1932 and Model 46 in 1933 and 1934. The Model 18 was the first Ford to be fitted with a V‐8 flathead.
Ford Model B (1932) – Overview
Instead of merely upgrading the Model A, Ford introduced a brand-new vehicle in 1932. The V8 was branded as the Model 18 in its first year, but was generally referred to as the Ford V‐8 as it had the new V8 flathead engine. The Model 18 was also the first low-priced, mass-market vehicle to have a V8 engine, a significant development in the American automobile industry.
The 221 cu in (3.6 l) V8 was rated at 65 horsepower. However, the power increased dramatically with enhancements to the carburetor and ignition in the years to come. The V8 was much more prominent than the four-cylinder engine which was basically a version of the Model A engine with better balancing and lubrication.
To keep costs down, Model B was derived with few technological modifications as possible. It was practically indistinguishable from the V-8, apart from the engine, and badging on the headlamp support and hubcaps. Its goal was to be a price leader and this should have been a winning strategy, as it offered more than the famous Model A. However, the latest and just slightly pricier V-8 became the center of attraction, and eventually made it outdated.
While sharing few features, Model Bs and Model 18s we’re not only available in regular and deluxe variants, they were also available in a wide range of body types. Some of them were only available as standards, such as the commercial cars listed below, and a few others came only in deluxe design. These included the two-door roadster, four-door phaeton, two-door cabriolet, two-and four-door sedans, a convertible sedan with two doors, just to mention a few.
Ford Model B (1932) – Hot Rodding
Hot rodding was extremely popular with Ford Cars from 1932 to 1934. Model Bs and 18s especially, were rodded regularly during the time following WWII. This continued on a major scale into the 1960s. Today, as these were popular for street rods and hotrods, the roadster and coupe are the most sought-after body types as unaltered versions have become rare.
Ford Model B (1932) – Production
The advent and adoption of the V8 engine by the Ford Motor Company is one of the major reasons the Ford V8 was very successful in the market. Model 18 sold a total of 298647 units in 1932, as well as 124101 units of the two-door sedan and 12597 units for the roadster.
Ford Model B (1932) – Price Range
The 1932 Ford vehicles personified the word classic in their prices today. If you wanted one, you’d have to pay top dollar as they don’t come cheap and are very rare. However, if you do stumble upon one, I’m sure it’ll interest you to know that you could acquire it between $52000 and $320000 depending on the variant. A classic fee for a classic car.
Well, that’s all folks, if you have enjoyed the article, it’ll be greatly appreciated if you smash the like button, and stay tuned for another classic car info.
