Ford Model Y
 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford of Britain Ford SAF Ford Germany |
| Production | 1932–1937 175,000 made |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style(s) | 2 and 4-door saloon, van |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 0.9 L Straight-4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 78 inches (1.98 m) |
| Length | 141 inches (3.58 m) |
| Width | 55 inches (1.405 m) |
| Height | 64 inches (1.635 m) |
| Curb weight | 1540 pounds (670 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Ford 7Y |
Ford Model Y
The Model Y was the first Ford specifically designed for markets outside the United States of America, replacing the Model A in Europe. The car was powered by a 933 cc, 8 (RAC)hp Ford Sidevalve engine, and was in production in England from 1932 until September 1937, in France (where it was known as the Ford 6 CV) from 1932 to 1934 and in Germany as the Ford Köln from 1933 to 1936. Smaller numbers were also assembled in Australia (where even a coupé version was produced), Japan, Latvia (branded as the Ford Junior) and in Spain (branded as the Ford Forito).
The little Ford was available in two and four-door versions. In June 1935 a reduced specifition two-door model was the only fully equipped car ever to sell in Britain for just £100, a price it held until July 1937.
Although of American Design, the Model Y took the British market by storm, and when it was first introduced it made a major dent in the sales figures of Austin, Morris, Singer, and Hillman. It went on to take more than 50 percent of the 8(RAC)HP sales. In Britain it was also known as the Ford 8 reflecting its fiscal horsepower rating.
For the first 14 months the original model with a short radiator grille was produced, this is known as the "short rad". After this in October 1933 the "long rad" model, with its longer radiator grille and front bumper with the characteristic dip was produced. By gradually improving production efficiency and by simplifying the body design the cost of a "Popular" Model Y was reduced to £100, making it the cheapest true 4-seater saloon ever, although most customers were persuaded to pay the extra needed for a less austere version. 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 which, right from the start, featured synchromesh between the top two ratios. The maximum speed was just under 60 mph (95 km/h) and fuel consumption was 32 miles per imperial gallon (8.8 L/100 km; 27 mpg-US).
Even by the standards of the time, the UK-built Ford 8, like its major competitor the Austin 7, was found noteworthy for its "almost unbelievable lack of brakes."
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, but several specialist coach builders produced a range of attractive Model Y tourers.
Some 175,000 Model Ys were produced worldwide (153,117 in England, 11,121 in Germany) and the 'Y' and 'C' Register has knowledge of approximately 1250 survivors.
The larger and faster 10(RAC)hp Model C never sold in such great numbers as the Model Y although there was a very attractive factory produced tourer. In 1935 the styling was enhanced with some small modifications and the model was designated the CX.
