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1934 Ford Model 40

Despite the Great Depression, the Ford Model 40 was selling rather well. The company was resting on the laurels of the 1933 model and the new-for-1932 flat-head V8 engine, renowned for its reliability and capacity for performance modifications. The notorious bank robber John Dillinger even wrote Henry Ford to give his praise for the engine.

In 1934, Ford vehicles transitioned to a more aerodynamic shape, with a shield-shaped grille. Changes for the 1934 Ford line were modest, the most visual was the shape of the radiator grille, with fewer, bolder bars. Its chrome bezel was deeper and flatter. The V8 ornament on the grille was revised, the headlamps and cowl lamps were made slightly smaller, and the hub caps were slightly revised. Under the hood, the engine received a new Stromberg two-barrel carburetor, replacing the previous Detroit Lubricator single-throat component, and a redesigned air cleaner. The four-cylinder engine remained available but few were ordered.

The wheelbase measured 112-inches, the length of 182.9-inches, and rode on 5.50 x 17 tires. The 221 cubic-inch L-head, V-8 used a two-barrel downdraft carburetor, mechanical valve lifters, and delivered 85 horsepower at 3,800 RPM and 150 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 RPM. The Model B (four-cylinder Model 40) came equipped with a 200.5 cubic-inch L-head, inline four-cylinder engine had mechanical valve lifters, three main bearings, a Zenith or Holley double venturi carburetor, and delivered 50 horsepower. The four-cylinder models (Model B) were priced from $460 to $610 and the eight-cylinder versions listed for $510 to $660. The body styles on the four- and eight-cylinder lines were identified with the eight-cylinders priced $50 higher than their four-cylinder counterparts.

The eight-cylinder phaeton was priced at $510, the Deluxe Roadster at $525, the Deluxe Phaeton at $550, and the cabriolet at $590. The five-window standard coupe cost $515, the deluxe three-window coupe and deluxe five-window coupe at $555, the Tudor at $535, and the Deluxe Turdor at $575. The Fordor listed for $585 and the Deluxe Fordor at $625. The victoria with seating for four listed at $610 and the station wagon topped the list at $660.

The DeLuxe models were easily distinguishable from the standard models, as they had pinstriping, cowl lights, two taillights, and twin horns.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 18-1197607

Henry Ford's new V-8 was introduced in April of 1932. It was a mildly-restyled version of the Model A that it replaced. Initially, the engine experienced some teething problems, but they were quickly sorted and soon earned a reputation for spirited acceleration and sturdy construction.

For 1933, Edsel Ford wanted a more graceful design than the 1932 model. For 1934, the grille was given a crisper leading edge, and new hub caps were fitted. Mechanical changes included a new Stromberg two-barrel carburetor, good for ten more horsepower.

This 1934 Ford DeLuxe Roadster has been given a body-off restoration. It is finished in black with correct Aurora Red wheels and pinstripe. There is a new LeBaron Bonney top and side curtains and correct brown leather interior and rumble seat. Accessories include wheel trim rings and a greyhound mascot. The tires are Firestone wide whitewalls. Power is from a 221 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine rated at 85 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel mechanical brakes.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale by RM Auctions at their Monterey, CA sale. The car was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $150,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $88,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Victoria

The 1934 Ford was essentially a continuation of the 1933 Ford design with some subtle styling changes. The 1933 redesign featured a longer wheelbase chassis (112 inches) which improved the looks of body styles.

Power was supplied by Ford's new V-8 motor, which now featured a Stromberg carburetor instead of the Detroit Lubricator. (The four-cylinder motor was still available.)

Interestingly, fenders were now painted body color but could be painted in black as an option. More than 30 different body styles were available in 1934.

Station Wagon

The wood used in this vehicle was harvested at Ford Motor Company's Iron Mountain, MI forest facility. Henry Ford would not allow the use of 'figured' wood - such as Bird's Eye Maple - until there was enough for a complete vehicle. Mr. Ford himself then selected what dealers would receive these very rare models.

Coupe
Chassis number: 18-814502

The new-for-1932 flat-head V-8 engine received significant public praise and interest for its reliability and performance modifications. The notorious bank robber John Dillinger even wrote Henry Ford praising him for the engine.

For 1934, Ford added a few cosmetic changes with retaining many of the physical features of the 1933 model.

The DeLuxe three-window coupe featured flowing lines and short two-person cabin. The DeLuxe models were easily distinguishable from the standard models, as they had two taillights, pinstriping, cowl lights, and twin horns.

This 1934 Ford Three-Window Coupe is equipped with a 1936 'LB' stamped V-8 with dual carburetors. This specific engines features an upgraded center intake and aluminum heads by noted hot rod specialist Eddie Meyer. The engine is mated to a 1939 three-speed transmission that has been modified with Lincoln gears. The car also features a Colombia two-speed rear axle.

The car is finished black with red pinstirping, and the wheels are wrapped in whitewall tires. This Three-Window Coupe is equipped with 17-inch wheels, a roll-down rear window, mechanical brakes, a rumble seat, and dual gauges that display both fuel gauges and amps, as well as oil pressure and temperature readings. Additional accessories include dual exhausts, bumper guards, dual windshield wipers, and a chrome greyhound hood ornament.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

This 1934 Ford V-8 Roadster was built in the Ford Long Beach, California plant. It was special ordered in Coach Maroon paint for a Texan. In 1944, Charlie Jenkins purchased the car, upon his discharge from the Army. He then drove it from Texas to his home in Indiana. In 1967 - 1968, Charlie restored the automobile, after he had driven it all over the United States from 1944 through the 1950s. The current owner acquired the car in 1989 and left it as is, except for a new top and upholstery in 2004.

Delivery Sedan

Ford's total auto output for 1934 was 563,921, of which only 9,021 were Sedan Deliveries.

This is a bone-stock, properly restored 1934 Sedan Delivery. It was restored several years ago to the highest standards and now resides in a private collection in Michigan. It has never been shown nationally and driven sparingly. This is a true Sedan Delivery, created in 1934 at the Ford factory - not a modern 'tribute' or reproduction. It's all authentic Henry Ford steel and components inside.

The flathead V-8 was completely rebuilt and runs whisper-quiet with plenty of power. All other mechanical components were also rebuilt, including transmission, brakes and drivetrain. The body is laser-straight (particularly impressive considering the amount of metal on the sides of the car). The body has the correct cream triple-pinstripe. It was painted in the correct 1934 Ford 'Medium Maroon' color with 'Medium Cream' wheels. The chrome, bumpers and grille are all beautiful. The undercarriage is as clean as the top-side, showing only minimal use. The interior was correctly restored with varnished wood cargo floor and properly upholstered sidewalls, seats and headliner.

This car includes the rare optional dual-side mounted spare tires, period correct fog lights, dual chromed horns, greyhound radiator ornament and rear window regulator.

The owner researched the advertising of the 1930's and painted this period correct Kodak film ad on the side panels, with his camera store name on the doors.

Deluxe Phaeton

This 1934 Ford Phaeton Deluxe 4-Door Convertible is a four-door open touring car with an unbroken line from front-to-back. Such a car might have a canvas top with side curtains instead of true convertible roll-up windows.

DeLuxe models came equipped with dual cowl lights, horns, and tail lamps, chrome windshield assembly, glove box, cigar lighter and ashtrays.

1934 body styles had an unusual feature, both doors open towards each other, also known as 'suicide doors.'

Phaetons have just the right balance of details which made them a sensation in their day and would assure their place in the hearts of car fans everywhere as one of the classiest Fords of all times.

This vehicle is one of the few remaining examples of the 3128 limited production Ford Phaetons built. When it was initially purchased, the cost was $545.

Roadster

This V-8 Roadster was built in the Ford Long Beach, California plant. It was special ordered in Coach Maroon paint for a Texan.

In 1944, Charlie Jenkins purchased the car, upon his discharge from the Army. He then drove it from Texas to his home in Indiana. In 1967-1968, Charlie restored the automobile, after he had driven it all over the United States from 1944 through the 1950s. The current owners acquired it in 1990 and left it as is, except for a new top and upholstery in 2004.

Deluxe Tudor
Chassis number: 18651736

This subtle hotrod was Willy Glass personal car. It remains just the way Glass built it. The 231 cubic-inch flathead V8 was fitted by Glass, with a set of Edmunds heads and intake manifold that he topped with a set of Stromberg carburetors.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

This 1934 rumble-seat Roadster wears its totally authentic original parts and body. This car survived, but most of these Roadsters were converted to hot rods in the 1950s. Options include a Columbia rear end, a rear luggage rack, and a radio - this was, in fact, the first year Ford equipped a car with a radio.

2-Door Cabriolet by Deutsch of Koln

This car was personally ordered by Mr. Edsel Ford, President of Ford Motor Co., in June of 1934 for his own personal use. It was garaged at Edsel's estate in Grosse Point Shores, Michigan.

The custom 'one-off' body was built by the coachbuilder of Cologne, Germany. It was shipped to America in August of 1934 and was mated to a standard 1934 chassis.

This was Edsel's 'concept car' and the precursor to the legendary Lincoln Continental that was to arrive a few years later. It is one of only two known Edsel Ford-owned cars surviving today.

Station Wagon
Chassis number: 18-588184

When Henry Ford acquired the town of Pequaming in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, it included the half-million acres of forest surrounding it. These forests became the source for the framing and paneling for Ford's new station wagon. Ford opened his own Iron Mountain sawmills around 1922 under the Michigan Land, Lumber, and Iron Company in the Menominee River Valley, and no longer had to buy lumber from the mills on the peninsula for the framing of his Model Ts.

The 1934 Ford V-8 Station Wagon, designated Type 860, was the company's most expensive car, priced at $660. It was constructed of maple, birch, and basswod sourced from Iron Mountain with final finishing at the Murray Corporation. The 221 cubic-inch 'Flathead' V8 engine produced 85 reliable horsepower and was backed by a three-speed sliding gear transmission. All wagons rested on a 112-inch wheelbase and used rod-actuated mechanical brakes on all four wheels. The suspension was simple yet effective, with a solid front axle and a 3/4 floating rear axle along with transverse front and rear leaf springs. Among the improvements for the 1934 model year were a Stromberg carburetor and a newly designed A.C. air cleaner for easier breathing. Combined with a redesigned intake manifold, horsepower rose by 10 over 1933.

This Ford Station has resided in a private collection for over 35 years. It was given a restoration and resided in a climate-controlled facility.

by Dan Vaughan

The Ford Model 40 V8 rode on a 112-inch wheelbase and rode on 17-inch wire spoke wheels. Power was from a 90-degree L-head V-8 engine that displaced 221 cubic-inches and produced 75 horsepower. The engine was mated to a three-speed sliding gear transmission with floor shift controls. They had an X-member double-drop frame and mechanical internal expanding brakes at all four corners.

The design was curveacous with a one-piece bumper and streamlined appearance. All bodies, regardless of the bodystyle or the color, were delivered with black fenders.

The V-8 engine was well received. When first introduced in 1932, there were over 200,000 examples sold during that year. It outsold the four-cylinder Model B cars, which reached 185,000 units. Evolutionary upgrades were made to the engine throughout its production run. Earlier improvements included an improved ignition and cooling system, with a new aluminum head that had a compression ratio of 6.3:1, giving horsepower a boost to 75.

The new design was influenced by British styles. The Ford Motor Company, Ltd, had been operating in Britain since 1911 and the Model T proved popular there.

Ford enlisted the help of Eugene Turenne Gregorie , called 'Bob' by his friends, to help in the design. 'Bob' had designed yachts for the Elco Corporation and at Cox and Stevens, a New York naval architecture firm. He had also worked at coachbuilders Brewster & Company. His work at Brewster brought him to the automobile industry and soon became well-regarded for his talents.

Gregorie used his nautical background to create a slanted flat windshield back, and employed a similarly sloped grille whose silhouette suggested a heart shape. The doors were hinged at the rear and opened in 'suicide fashion. The headlamps were mounted directly to the fenders.

This new design was introduced as the Model Y in February 1932. The Model Y was well received and quickly put into production. For the 1933 American Ford, Edsel wanted a more graceful design than the 1932 style.

For the 1933 model year, and with the longer wheelbase, the design of the Model Y was simply scaled up. The Model Y's proportions were mechanically scaled.

The public responded, with sales for 1933 models increasing some 40 percent over dismal 1932 sales.

by Dan Vaughan