1936 Ford 5-Window Coupe (RHD)

Description

Successor to the legendary Model A, Ford's classic V8 was the favourite getaway car for a generation of crime figures in the 1930s and huge hit with the general public. In the face of worsening economic conditions, Ford's offered up multi-cylinder power and refinement at a price affordable to most Americans for the first time. With the cheapest Roadster model priced at just $460 in 1932, the new Ford developed 65 horsepower in its original guise, good enough for a top speed of 78 mph. Despite early reliability issues, Ford began to claw back market share from rivals Chevrolet and Dodge and the 'Deuce' claimed the top spot in 1934, generating the first profits for the company since 1930. Ford updated the styling in 1935 with a look that was both streamlined and harmonious, incorporating a narrower grille, angled windscreen and integral parking lights. For 1936 the front end was reshaped with a revised grille and new rear wings, along with pressed steel wheels for the first time, replacing the outgoing model's wires. Offered once again in both Standard and DeLuxe versions, the 1936 Fords ran the flathead V8 engine developing 85 horsepower at 3800 rpm, running a Stromberg two-barrel carburettor and with a 6.3:1 compression ratio. Other changes under the bonnet included domed aluminium pistons, new insert main bearings, improved cooling (thanks to a bigger radiator and new bonnet louvers) and helical-type gears on first and reverse (along with second and third gears). Ford remained the number one selling car in America, with production for 1936 totalling 791,812 units. A number of Canadian-built Fords were exported to Australia and assembled locally - these differed from the American cars in minor ways, with some unique body styles like the Coupe Utility. The V-8 Fords earned a reputation for having great performance potential and cleaned up in stock car events during the Thirties. A Ford was even the getaway car of choice for criminals like Bonnie and Clyde, the latter writing a testimonial singing the praises of the V-8.