1936 Ford 10hp CX Deluxe Coupe

Description

Ford developed its first truly small car, the Model Y, for the European market in 1932, becoming the first model built at the massive new Dagenham assembly plant in Essex. Essentially a scaled-down Model A, the side-valve Y proved simple, effective and hugely popular in Britain, on the Continent and beyond. In 1934 Ford released a more powerful version with the now famous 1172cc motor, using a bored out version of the Y’s 933cc unit designed to fall into the RAC’s 10 horsepower bracket. A competitor for Austin’s Ten, the Model C Ford shared the Y’s basic layout, with transverse leaf suspension, mechanical rod-operated drum brakes and worm and nut steering. The four-cylinder engine developed a healthy 30 horsepower at 4100 rpm, considerably more than the Austin, endowing the Ford with lively performance, while the three-speed gearbox had synchromesh on both second and top. Ford introduced an open tourer in June 1935 and rebadged the model as the CX for 1936, by which time sales were comfortably outstripping its rivals. The CX can be identified by the four horizontal ‘chevrons’ on the radiator grille and lack of a starter handle on the front bumper. Contemporary road tests praised the CX for its sports car like performance and road manners, the relatively low weight combined with the willing side-valve engine making for an excellent all-round package. Ford’s Australian arm released its own version of the Model C in 1935 using CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits sent from Britain and sold in saloon, roadster, coupe, van and utility versions. All roadster and coupe CXs sold in Australia were the better-equipped Deluxe model and featured dickie seats.