Ford: Model Y
Note: This is a sub-section of Ford: Cars.
The Model Y (also known as the 'Ford 8' from the horsepower rating) was the first Ford specifically designed for markets outside the USA.
The car was powered by a 933 cc, 8-hp Ford Sidevalve engine, and was in production in England from 1932 until 1937, France from 1932 to 1934 and Germany as the Köln from 1933 to 1936. It was available in two and four door versions.
The 1935 two door model was the only fully-equipped car ever to sell for just £100 sterling.
It went on to take over 50% of the 8-hp sales in the UK.
For the first 14 months the original model with a short radiator grille was produced, this is known as the 'short rad'.
In October 1933 the 'long rad' Model was introduced with its longer radiator grille and front bumper with the characteristic dip. By gradually improving production efficiency and by simplifying the body design the cost of a Model 'Y' was reduced to £100, making it the cheapest true 4 seater saloon ever. Both 4 door (Fordor) and 2 door (Tudor) saloons were produced and these could be had either with a fixed roof, or the slightly more expensive sliding 'sun' roof.
The suspension was by the traditional Ford transverse leaf springs front and rear and the engine drove the rear wheels through a three speed gearbox. The maximum speed was just under 60 mph and fuel consumption was 32 miles per imperial gallon.
Also offered was an attractive 5-cwt van which proved very popular with small businesses.
Ford did not produce an open top car because it was thought that the chassis was too flexible, however several specialist coach builders produced a range of Model 'Y' tourers.
Some 175,000 Model 'Y's were produced worldwide and the 'Y' and 'C' Register has knowledge of approximately 1250 survivors.
The larger and faster 10-hp Model 'C' never sold in such great numbers as the Model 'Y' although there was a factory produced tourer. In 1935 the styling was enhanced with some small modifications and the model was designated the 'CX'.
See Also
Sources of Information
- [1] Wikipedia