Ford Early V8 History
In late 1929, Henry Ford, considering the production of his own V8 engine, instructed engineer Fred Thoms to acquire as many available eight-cylinder engines as possible. At that time, most of the eight-cylinder engines were found in high-end automobiles such as LaSalle, Cadillac and, acquired by Ford in 1922, Lincoln. Ford intended to study the design of the engines and use his research to develop a cost effective V8 that could be mass-produced.
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Commercial Vehicles Definitions
Hood Measurements & Typical Panels
1932-48 Passenger Car & 1939-48 Mercury Body & Model Style Numbers By Year
Original 1932-48 Ford Engine Specifications
V8 239 Cubic Inches - Specs & Info
V8 221 Cubic Inches - Specs & Info
Distributor Breaker Point Spacing
MAC's DISCLAIMER:
The content MAC's presents on its "Vehicle Identification & Specification" pages & in its catalogs is for information use only and is intended to be used as a guide. While MAC's makes every effort to ensure accurate content, occasionally errors may occur. MAC's does not take responsibility & will not be held liable for any automotive parts purchases, repairs or restoration decisions made as a result of information presented here or anywhere in its catalogs.
Vehicle Identification
1932 
Model B Ford Passenger Car
4 cylinder engine
(106" wheelbase)
1932
Model 18 Ford Passenger Car
8 cylinder engine
(106" wheelbase)
1933 1 hood handle
Model 40 Ford Passenger Car
8 cylinder engine
(112" wheelbase)
4 cylinder engine
(106" wheelbase)
1934 2 hood handles
Model 40 Ford Passenger Car
8 cylinder & 4 cylinder engine
(112" wheelbase)
1935
Model 48 Ford Passenger Car
8 cylinder engine
(112" wheelbase)
1936
Model 68 Ford Passenger Car
8 cylinder engine
(112" wheelbase)
1937
Model 78 Ford Passenger Car
8 cylinder 85 HP engine
(112" wheelbase)
Model 74 Ford Passenger Car
8 cylinder 60 HP engine
(112" wheelbase)
1938
Model 81A Ford Standard
8 cylinder 85 HP engine
Model 82A Ford
8 cylinder 60 HP engine
1938
Model 81A Ford Deluxe
8 cylinder 85 HP engine
1939
Model 91A Ford Standard
8 cylinder 85 HP engine
Model 922A Ford
8 cylinder 60 HP engine
(112" wheelbase)
1939
Model 91A Ford Deluxe
8 cylinder 85 HP engine
(112" wheelbase)
1940
Model 01A Ford Standard
8 cylinder 85 HP engine
Model 022A Ford
8 cylinder 60 HP engine
1940
Model 01A Ford Deluxe
8 cylinder 85 HP engine
1941
Model 11A Ford Deluxe
8 cylinder 90 HP engine
Model 11A Ford Special
8 cylinder 90 HP engine
Model 1GA Ford Deluxe
6 cylinder 90 HP engine
Model 1GA Ford Special
6 cylinder 90 HP engine
1941
Model 11A Ford Super Deluxe
8 cylinder 90 HP engine
1942
Model 21A Ford Deluxe
8 cylinder 90 HP engine
Model 2GA Ford Deluxe
6 cylinder 90 HP engine
1942
Model 21A Ford Super Deluxe
8 cylinder 90 HP engine
(114" wheelbase)
1946
Model 69A Ford Deluxe
or Super Deluxe
8 cylinder 100 HP engine
Model 6GA Ford Deluxe
or Super Deluxe
6 cylinder 90 HP engine
1947 & 1948
or Super Deluxe
8 cylinder 100 HP engine
or Super Deluxe
6 cylinder 90 HP engine
or Super Deluxe
6 cylinder 95 HP engine
(114" wheelbase)
or Super Deluxe
8 cylinder 100 HP engine
or Super Deluxe
6 cylinder 95 HP engine
(114" wheelbase)
1932-48 Passenger Car & 1939-48 Mercury Body
& Model Style Numbers By Year
85 HP
-
* Beginning in 1941, the line expanded to "Special" (6 cylinder), "Deluxe" (formely Standard)
& "Super Deluxe" (formerly Deluxe)
From 1932-1937 all cars were "Standard" models, although most were offered as "Deluxe" models. Deluxe models had added trim & upholstery options, including cowl lamps & dual tail lights. Starting in 1938, "Standard" & "Deluxe" became separate & distinct lines.
V8 Clubs & Publications
The Early V8 Club of America
PO Box 1715
Maple Grove, MN 55311
Early Ford V8 Foundation
PO Box 284
Auburn, IN 46706
Ignition System
Initial Timing (Crankshaft Degrees B.T.C.)
V8 239 Cubic Inches
V8 221 Cubic Inches
Distributor Breaker Point Spacing
Ignition Total Advance
1932-36
1937-48
MAC's DISCLAIMER:
The content MAC's presents on its "Vehicle Identification & Specification" pages & in its catalogs is for information use only and is intended to be used as a guide. While MAC's makes every effort to ensure accurate content, occasionally errors may occur. MAC's does not take responsibility & will not be held liable for any automotive parts purchases, repairs or restoration decisions made as a result of information presented here or anywhere in its catalogs.