1937 Ford Model 78

The 1937 Fords were heavily influenced by the new Lincoln-Zephyr, introduced in November 1935, highlighted by a pointed brow penned by designer E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie, and teardrop-shaped headlights recessed into the fenders. The overall design theme was more rounded with fine horizontal bars in the convex front and hood-side grilles. The grille had a V-shaped design rather than following the fenders design as on the 1936 model.

The 221 cubic-inch flathead V8 was joined by an entry-level 136 cubic-inch V8 with three main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, a Stromberg two-barrel downdraft carburetor, and delivering 60 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. Like previous years, Ford offered both Standard and DeLuxe models with the 136 CID engine solely offered in the Standard Ford models. The entry-level 136 CID V8 was a refresh of its predecessor, the Model 48 - itself based ont he Model 40A.

The eight-cylinder engine received a higher capaicty water pump and placed at the bottom and the water outlets relocated to the middle of the cylinder heads. The prior rod-operated mechancial brakes were replaced by a cable arrangement. Both the 136 CID and 221 CID V8 engines were backed by a three-speed sliding geartranmsission with a single dry plate, molded asbestos lining clutch, and floor shift controls. Mechanical, internal expanding brakes on four wheels provided the stopping power.

On November 6th of 1936, Sales Manager William C. Cowling introduced the new model at an event where 8,000 dealers were brought in on 41 special trains. Representing all parts of the United States and Canada, they gathered at the Detroit Coliseum, newly decorated by Walter Dorwin Teague. Music was provided by Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians, then at the height of their popularity. After brief presentations by company officials, the lights were dimmed, and then a slim, bright shaft of light appeared, focusing on the center stage. A larger V-8 emblem rose slowly through the stage on a special elevator, followed by a boiling cauldron that rose at center stage, and, one-by-one giant replicas of Ford V-8 parts, each representing some feature of the 1937 models, were exposed to the glare of the spotlight. Each of the parts was thrown into the steaming cauldron. As colored lights continued to illuminate the stage, the fumes vanished and the elves disappeared. A shiny Club Coupe, a newcomer to the Ford line for 1937, rose up, circled the stage, and made its way down a ramp to the main floor.

Ford needed a flashy presentation for its 1937 model, as Ford slipped behind Chevrolet in 1936, with sales declining behind those of Chevy by over 23 percent.

Both Standard and Deluxe models rested on a 112-inch wheelbase with a height of 68 inches and an overall length of 179.5-inches. The overall length of the 1937 models was slightly less than the 1936 and 1936 models. The 221 CID V8 engine continued to deliver 85 horsepower as it had done since 1934.

The standard coupe was priced at $585 and the Deluxe version was priced at $660. The Fordor Touring Sedan was $695 and the Deluxe version at $760. The Tudor Touring Sedan was $635 and the Deluxe Tudor Touring Sedan at $700. Additional body styles included a roadster, phaeton, cabriolet, club cabriolet, convertible sedan, coupe, club coupe, and station wagon, with prices that ranged from $585 to $860 for the Deluxe Convertible Sedan. The convertible sedan had been introduced in 1935 as the top-line model offering luxurious amenities such as four doors, roll-up windows, and collapsible center posts. While the 1920s had favored open coachwork, the evolving trends had shifted by the 1930s, embracing more comfortable all-weather motoring. The convertible sedan represented an appropriate response to the modern expectations of owners and families. Ford had gotten the formula correct, as sales quickly eclipsed the phaeton's production numbers. Offered only in deluxe trim, the convertible sedan was the premier model in Ford's 1937 lineup, costing a full $100 more than the next most expensive model. Outfitted with many of the common options such as a heater, clock, dual windshield wipers, and a radio, prices often eclipsed $900, quickly creeping into Lincoln-Zephyr territory.

Ford was the first manufacturer to produce and assembly their own station wagon, beginning in 1937. Station Wagons had been part of their catalog for years (since 1929), including 1935 when a redesign moved the engine forward to between the front wheels, allowing for the passenger compartment to be lengthened, and various other changes that complemented the four-door station wagon. Ford had acquired larger timber holdings in Iron Mountain in Northern Michigan that was originally required for framing the steel panel bodies of the Model T and Model A. By the mid-1930s, the use of wood in passenger car bodies had nearly disappeared. Ford's station wagons were originally outsourced to Mengel Body in Kentucky who produced the wood paneling and frames using Iron Mountain's large supply of old-growth hardwood. The high-quality saw and planning mill shaped and assembled the panels before shipping them to Ford's assembly plants where they met up with Murray's special stampings for final assembly.

The Ford woodie was a combination of utilitarian design and high-quality lumber. Michigan's long winters produced slow-growing trees with dense rings and frequent flashes of brilliant color and unusual grain. The Iron Mountain workers took special pride in selecting the wood that made every Ford Woodie Wagon unique, with intricately-shaped pieces and brilliant colors.

Wagons received a bench seat in place of the individual seats in the second row, positioned to the left allowing easier passenger access to the third seat via the right side. The third seat was placed on a raised platform that was rounded at the front corner, also for easier passenger access. In the back, a lift-gate with a glass window was added, another first for the Ford wagon.

Ford produced 848,608 vehicles for 1937 with 765,933 registered sales during the calendar year. This was an increase over 1937 figures of 791,812 calendar year production and 748,544 registrations. Its registrations were slightly higher than the 826,519 units registered in 1935, but production was lower than the 942,439 units constructed.

Ford's 1937 figures brought it very close to Chevrolet's production of 868,250 vehicles during the calendar year and 768,040 registrations. Chevrolet was America's best-selling automobile in 1937, followed closely by Ford.

by Dan Vaughan

Station Wagon

Ford became the first manufacturer to produce and assemble their own station wagon. The year was 1937 and was the same year that Ford began putting their headlights in the front fenders. The front grille had horizontal bars and a center vertical bar which came to a point in both sides of the hood. Located on the side of the hood were cooling vents. Under the hood was a eight-cylinder engine which produced 85 horsepower. It was mated to a three-speed manual gearbox which sent power to the rear wheels. Fender, radio, heater, clock, cigar lighter, radio antenna, sat covers, and more were offered as optional equipment. White sidewall tires were also offered at an additional cost.

This station wagon was found in a barn in New England after sitting for 30 plus years. The restoration took over two years.

There were 9,304 produced, about half of them had the plastic side curtains. Glass was an option for the rear doors and quarters for $20. The wood frame parts are made from hard maple, the panels are made from birch and the roof slats are made from basswood.

Deluxe Cabriolet

The big styling changes at Ford for 1937 were headlights mounted in the front fenders and an all-steel top. And the redesigned grille featured a sharper vee.

One of the more attractive body styles for 1937 was this two-door cabriolet, which cost $850 new. The model shown here features an unusual color, turquoise blue, which became available in Spring 1937.

Both Standard and Deluxe models were available from Ford in 1937. Although this car was restored more than 16 years ago, it still shows well.

Station Wagon
Chassis number: 183519459

Ford redesigned their Woodie wagons in 1935 by moving the engine forward to between the front wheels. The passenger compartment was lengthened and several other changes were implemented to complement the four-door station wagon. Ford's vertical integration had led to the acquisition and maintenance of large timber holdings in Iron Mountain in Northern Michigan. The timber was originally used for framing the steel panel bodies of the Model T and Model A. By the mid-1930s, the use of wood in passenger car bodies had basically disappeared. The work had been outsourced to Mengel Body in Kentucky, however in 1935, production of all the wood panels and frames for Ford's station wagons was brought in-house at Iron Mountain. Iron Mountain's had a large supply of old growth hardwood and a high quality saw and planing mill. The assembled panels were then shipped to Ford's assembly plants where they met up with Murray's special stampings for final assembly.

Once completed, the wagons featured high quality lumber and a nicely styled utilitarian design. The long winters of Michigan's Iron Mountain region produced slow-growing trees with dense rings and brilliant color and unusual grain.

The 1937 Ford Woodie was given the same landmark revisions that the entire range received for that year. Updates included forward thinking aerodynamic styling distinguished by its 'bull nose', split windshield and teardrop headlights faired into the wing tops. All of these changes were inspired by the upmarket Lincoln Zephyr.

This black Deluxe Station Wagon was ordered new with dual windscreen wipers, dual side-view mirrors, fog lamps, Deluxe-model-only banjo-spike steering wheel, Deluxe dash, and wide-whitewall tires. It was given a comprehensive restoration in 2008 where every effort was made to preserve the maple and birch wood. A few tasteful upgrades were carried out including dual-tip exhaust, period correct alloy heads, and an all-wood rear hatch in place of the original metal- framed unit.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $85,100 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Station Wagon
Chassis number: 184005090

The Lincoln-Zephyr and the designer E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie had influence on the 1937 Fords. The pointed front-ends and the teardrop-shaped headlights recessed into the fenders were examples of this influence. This would be the first Ford with an 'alligator' hood, and be remembered as having its battery in the engine compartment. The 221 cubic-inch Flathead V8 engine was revised for bettering cooling. The water pumps were placed at the bottom and the water outlets were moved to the middle of the cylinder heads. A cable arrangement was added, replacing the rod-operated mechanical brakes.

Station wagons were given a bench seat in the place of the individual seats in the second row. They were positioned to the left to allow easier passenger access to the third seat via the right side. The third seat rested on a raised platform that was rounded at the front corner, also for passenger access. Ford added a lift-gate with a glass window at the rear, another first for the Ford wagon.

By this point in history, Fords Deluxe Accessory Group had become so popular that a separate series of body numbers, signified by 'B', was adopted.

This 1937 Ford was purchased in 1997 after just emerging from long-time storage. It is an original car except for refinishing of the wood and reupholstering of the front seat cushion. The brown imitation leather roof is original and shows some signs of age. There are flaws throughout the vehicle but the sheet metal is straight and the doors shut well with even gaps.

In 2009, this Ford Deluxe Station Wagon was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $75,000-$100,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $121,000 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Deluxe Phaeton
Chassis number: A183820126

This 1937 Ford DeLuxe Phaeton finished in Washington Blue over a deep Brown LeBarron Bonney leather interior was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It was expected to fetch between $50,000-$70,000. It has a wood grain dash, tonneau cover for the rear, wheel trim rings, chrome exterior trim, AM radio, fog lights, and a 221 cubic-inch engine. For 1937 there were only 3,723 examples built of the Phaeton four-door, five person body-style. At the conclusion of the auction, this vehicle found a new owner for the price of $45,700.

by Dan Vaughan

Deluxe Tudor Sedan

This car was pulled out of a barn in 1982 after being stored for decades. Originally bought by a Ford factory worker, it was stored during World War II after being 'undercoated' with gallons of black paint. It was used infrequently Post War then stored until purchased by the present owner who drove it for about a year. He then disassembled it completely to turn it into a street rod in style classed 'Restorod.' Resembling a restoration, it has a modern engine, disc brakes, automatic transmission, sway bars, gas shocks and radial tires but maintains an original color and mohair style upholstery. All work, from body work and paint to mechanicals, wood graining, and upholstery was done by the owner. The car has been driven to car events throughout the country, recently to Pomona, CA, as well as exhibited at Autorama in Detroit.

Although over 250,000 of this body style were made in 1937 with a total production of almost a million overall, many thousands of them were used in the 1950's in demolition derbies and 'jalopy' races.

In 1937 Ford introduced an all-steel top, in-the-fender headlights and styling reminiscent of the previous year's Lincoln Zephyr, thus dubbing this car the Baby Lincoln.

Deluxe Phaeton

The 1937 Ford featured a more rounded look with fine horizontal bars in the convex front and hood-side grilles. The front grille was V-shaped, rather than following the fenders into a pentagon shape, as on the 1936 model. Faired-in headlights were a major modernization found on both the Standard and Deluxe trim versions, though much of the rest of the design was shared between Ford's two lines. A larger water pump was used to help aid in cooling. 'Slantback' sedans gained a rear trunk door, though space was limited, and 'Trunkback' versions continued gaining sales. The station wagon had seating for eight passengers. A 4-door 'convertible sedan' with roll-up windows was offered in small numbers in the Deluxe series.

Station Wagon
Chassis number: 18-3910718

This 1937 Ford DeLuxe Station Wagon is a well-preserved example with an older repaint and powered by a Ford flathead V8 engine producing 85 horsepower. It is one of 9,304 examples produced for 1937.

All-new styling was introduced for the 1937 Ford models which had been introduced in early November of 1936. It had streamlined styling and Deluxe examples received chrome windshield moldings and grille, dual horns, and dual (rather than single) windshield wipers. Total Ford production for 1937 was 929,390 units, earning it second place in sales behind rival Chevrolet.

The station wagon was classed as part of Ford's commercial line, although it used the Deluxe trim level of corresponding coupes and sedans. The wagons continued to use the rear fenders of the 1935–1936 models, and the pre-cut wood components were shipped from Ford's Iron Mountain plant to Murray's Detroit facility where wagons were trimmed and final assembly completed. Ford built a total of 9,304 examples of the station wagon for the 1937 model year.

The 1937 station wagon had an artificial brown leather interior and an exterior color of Autumn Brown or Sand Beige. Standard passenger-car colors were not available on wagons, though any commercial color could be ordered at an extra cost.

An optional sliding glass in the rear door and rear quarter windows were optional for the first time on wagons. For an extra $20, the glass panels replaced the side curtains that normally provided weather protection for all but the front windows.

A total of 193 examples of the wagon were built with the 60-horsepower V8 engine. The remainder of the wagons received the 221 cubic-inch V8 with 85 horsepower. Both versions of the engine were paired with a 3-speed manual transmission.

This particular DeLuxe Station Wagon wears a brown exterior over a matching interior. Features include a third-row seat, tailgate-mounted spare tire with locking metal cover, locking glove box, driver's side outside mirror, and blackwall tires.

by Dan Vaughan