1932 Ford V-8 DeLuxe Roadster
Henry Ford’s gamble on an affordable V8 during the Depression proved successful when this revolutionary model launched March 31, 1932.
Styling overseen by Edsel Ford drew inspiration from Lincoln, featuring a distinctive V-shaped radiator shell with vertical bars, fully crowned fenders, and a curved headlight tie-bar.
The DeLuxe Roadster carried rounded body corners, a slanted windshield, and a rumble seat concealed beneath a rear-hinged lid. Wire wheels and dual cowl lights added visual distinction at a base price of $460.
The 221 cubic inch flathead V8 generated 65 horsepower at 3,400 rpm, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. This marked the first mass-produced V8 offered at low cost, quickly outpacing Ford’s four-cylinder Model B in buyer demand.
The 106.5-inch wheelbase supported Ford’s traditional transverse leaf spring suspension at both the front and rear.
Production totaled just 6,893 DeLuxe Roadsters for 1932, making original unmodified examples increasingly scarce. Many were later converted into hot rods, particularly during and after World War II, leaving few survivors in factory configuration.
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