Ford Model Y
Ford Model Y | ||
---|---|---|
Curb weight 1,540 lb (700 kg) | | |
Chronology | ||
Successor | Ford 7Y Ford Model C Ten |
The Ford Model Y is an
Production locations
It was in production in England, where it is sometimes remembered as the "Ford Eight",[2] reflecting its fiscal horsepower rating, from 1932 until September 1937,[1]
The car was also produced in France (where it was known as the Ford 6 CV, despite actually falling within the 5CV French car tax band)[3] from 1932 to 1934, and in Germany as the Ford Köln from 1933 to 1936.
Smaller numbers were assembled in Australia (where a coupé version was also produced), Ireland (branded as the Baby Ford), Japan, Latvia (branded as the Ford Junior) and in Spain nicknamed as the Ford Forito. Plans to build it in the U.S. were scrubbed when a cost accounting showed that it would only be slightly cheaper to build than the Ford Model B.
The car
The car was powered by a 933 cc (56.9 cu in) 8 (RAC)hp
The suspension was traditional Ford
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."[4]
The Model Y also inspired copying by Morris Motors, with the Eight, and by Singer Motors, with the Bantam.[5]
Evolution
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 extra for a less austere version.[4] 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.
Additional body version
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 Model Y tourers.
Commercial
Market reaction in Britain
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
Volumes
Some 175,000 Model Ys [citation needed] were produced worldwide (including 153,117 in Great Britain and 11,121 in Germany) and the 'Y' and 'C' Register contains approximately 1,250 survivors.
Ford Model C
In Britain 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.
In Germany the position was reversed. The locally produced Ford Model C was branded as the
See also
References
- ^ a b c d "Henry's Old Pop: comparison [of Ford Y] with Youthful Escort". Autocar. Vol. 130, no. 3806). 23 January 1969. pp. 45–47.
- ^ Georgano, Nick (1968). The Complete Encyclopaedia of Motorcars 1885-1968. London: George Rainbird Ltd for Ebury Press Limited. p. 228.
- ^ "Automobilia". Toutes les voitures françaises 1934 (salon 1933) (22). Paris: Histoire & collections: 41. 2002.
- ^ a b "[Ford of Britain] Milestones". Autocar. Vol. 128, no. 3766. 18 April 1968. pp. 117–119.
- ^ Wise, David Burgess. "Singer: A Car for Every Purse and Purpose" in Ward, Ian, Executive Editor. The World of Automobiles (London: Orbis, 1974), Volume 18, p.2071.
Further reading
- Sam Roberts (2001). Ford Model Y. Veloce Publishing PLC. p. 224. ISBN 1-901295-88-5.