In late 1929 Ford started development of the V8 engine. By the end of 1930 several
prototype V8 engines had been hand-fabricated and installed and tested in Model A
cars. By late 1931, final design and final approval had not yet occurred. However,
a "new" chassis and frame had been designed that would accept the planned V8, as
well as a "new refined" four cylinder engine. As the last 1931 Model A came off
the line the decisions and approvals still were not made.
Finally, on November 29, 1931, production of the "new refined" 4 cylinder
Model B began. Its production was short-lived because on December 7, 1931,
Henry and Edsel decided to go ahead with the production of the V8. The planned
introduction day was March 30, 1932. V8 engine production for 1932 was very
low, and encountered many problems and delays. The "new refined" 4 cylinder
engine was readily available and installed on many cars, resulting in 4
cylinder 1932 and V8 1932 cars.
1932 vehicles were available in 14 body styles. The first V8 engines were
called Model 18 engines and V8 engines after March 9, 1932 were called Model 40
engines. 1933 vehicles were available in 18 body styles. 1934 vehicles were
available in 17 body styles. 1935 was a great year for Ford, and an entirely
new body was introduced, and 18 body styles were available. 1936 vehicles were
available in 23 body styles. 1937 vehicles were available in 23 body styles.
1938 vehicles were available in 15 body styles. 1939 introduced the use of
hydraulic brakes on all cars, and use of all-welded construction. For 1939
there were 12 body styles. 1940 Fords were available in 15 body styles, and
included new features such as fingertip gearshift, controlled ventilation, and
sealed-beam headlamps. The 1941 Ford was the longest, roomiest, widest,
softest-riding Ford built to date. Shock absorbers were improved, and many
accessories were available. For 1941 there were 18 models. In October of 1941
the 1942 Ford was introduced. Two engines were offered. 13 body styles were
offered. By April 1942, Ford had stopped producing civilian cars, and was in
the process of converting to military production including aircraft engines,
gliders, armored vehicles, tank engines, jeeps, and civilian trucks. In July
1945, Ford again was getting ready to produce cars and trucks for civilians.
On October 26, 1945, Ford introduced the 1946 Ford, which was really an
updated and modified version of the 1942. 11 body styles were available. The
1947-1948 cars were quite similar to the 1946 model. The $2,000.00 cost
barrier was broken by the Super Deluxe V8 Sportsman, with a cost of $2,282.00.
All cars produced after November 1, 1947 were designated 1948 models. 23 body
styles were offered for 1947-1948. The Sportsman model was not offered for
1948. The Early V8 era ended when the all new Ford for 1949 was introduced to
the public on June 10, 1948. PARTS FOR 1949 ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS CATALOG,
BUT ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR 1949 - 1959 FORD & MERCURY CATALOG.
If you are contemplating the restoration of one of these Early V8 Fords, or
are already deep into a restoration, or are proudly driving your completed
restoration, MAC's can help you. MAC's has been supplying a complete line of
parts, accessories, supplies, manuals, and literature for Ford restorers since
1977. Our current 1932-1948 Early Ford parts catalog
lists over 6,300 parts. It is fully illustrated and contains part numbers,
prices, descriptions, number of each parts required, and the years of
application. The catalog is free if you have a 1932-1948 Early V8 Ford. Outside
the U.S. we do require a payment of $5.00 U.S. to cover the cost of postage.