1936 Ford Cabriolet Rumble Seat Convertible

The next big change came in 1935 with the Model 48 just seven years after the introduction of the Model A and three years after it was discontinued. With the Model 48, the Ford again gained a slightly longer wheel base and a more powerful engine. The 1936 Ford was also a Model 48.

Ford was lagging behind GM’s Chevrolet in sales because the styling wasn’t changing as fast. The company that had led the way years earlier was doing great in the 1930’s but it was no longer leading the industry in design innovation.

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Background

Although Ransom Olds was the first to develop the assembly line and mass produce his Oldsmobile starting in 1901, it was Henry Ford who made production so efficient that any one with a decent job could afford to buy a car. Between 1908 and 1927 Ford sold 15 million Model T's and opened up the American roadway to the people. There were many other car makers building beautiful hand crafted cars for the rich, but the Ford story, which was emulated by competitors, made America and a nation of automobiles and Detroit the manufacturing center of the world.
Model A Ford by Richard Smith-300

Model A Ford - Photo by Richard Smith

After an 18-year run, the Model T was replaced by the Model A in 1928. The A was a completely redesigned car. It had a heavier and slightly longer wheelbase, a new 4-cylinder engine with twice the horsepower (40), new brakes and transmission, as well as many other redesigned features. Then after four years, the Model A was replaced by the Model B in 1932 with a redesigned body and the Model 18 with a V-8 engine that increased the power to 65 hp.
1934 Ford by Howard Cheng-300

1934 Ford - Photo by Richard Smith