1932 Ford V-8 Victoria

Summary

The 1932 Ford was attractive, but its real innovation sat under the hood. Henry Ford insisted on an affordable V-8 engine to upstage Chevrolet's low-priced six. By casting his engine's crankcase and cylinders as a single unit, Ford cut production costs and held his car's starting price under $500. Ford's enduring engine stayed in production until 1953.

The 1932 Ford was attractive, but its real innovation sat under the hood. Henry Ford insisted on an affordable V-8 engine to upstage Chevrolet's low-priced six. By casting his engine's crankcase and cylinders as a single unit, Ford cut production costs and held his car's starting price under $500. Ford's enduring engine stayed in production until 1953.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1932

Creators

Ford Motor Company 

Place of Creation

United States, Michigan, Dearborn 

Creator Notes

Made by Ford Motor Company at the Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Rouge Factory Tour
 On Exhibit

at Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Object ID

2002.167.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Steel (Alloy)
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Wood (Plant material)
Chromium

Color

Maroon
Black (Color)
Red
Yellow

Specifications

Make & Model: 1932 Ford V-8 Victoria

Maker: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan

Engine: V-8, L-head valves, 221 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed manual

Height: 67 inches

Wheelbase: 106 inches

Width: 79 inches

Overall length: 165.5 inches

Weight: 2483 pounds

Horsepower: 65 at 3400 revolutions per minute

Price: $600

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