Original price: $515.00; deluxe version, $555.00
On loan from: Craig and Kim Schanbacher, Kearney, NE
Previous owner(s): Bought in Hastings, NE in 1977
Number made: 47,625
Engine, etc.: Small block Chevy 350; automatic transmission; has original interior and bench seat; GM tilt steering wheel
Cars of this era quickly became known simply as V-8 Fords. A relatively light body powered by a strong V-8 engine made this car faster than most cars on the road. The design was more aerodynamic with a shield-shaped grille. All bodies regardless of the color were delivered with black fenders.
Designer Eugene T. Gregorie previously designed yachts and worked for a naval architecture company. He used this background to design the slanted flat windshield and the sloped grille for the 1932 models. Doors had hinged on the back and opened “suicide” fashion. Headlights were mounted directly to the fenders. Sales increased in 1933 to 40% over 1932 sales.
All 1934 models had V-8 engines. The engine was introduced in 1932 when Ford found a way to mass produce them effectively. By 1934, kinks had been worked out and the engine remained in production for 20 years.
The 1934 Ford used one chassis, engine, and drive train for all its cars and had ten Model 40 Deluxe cars to choose from and quite a few options. Ford offered a coupe with three or five windows, with the five-window version having extra space behind the front seat. Sedans included the Tudor and Fordor, which were the most common. The Victoria was the most luxurious and largest. The Roadster and Phaeton were sporty models. The station wagon was essentially a utility truck, and there was a truck available.
Each model had standard and deluxe versions. The standard package included an adjustable driver’s seat and sun visors, dome light, glove box and a choice of interior trim. The deluxe package had those items and cowl lights, dual horns, dual tail lamps, arm rests, cigar lighter and ashtray. The famed rumble seat was an optional extra. A greyhound hood ornament was also an option.
Source: https://www.conceptcarz.com/s10892/ford-model-40.aspx
See also: https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1934%20Ford/1934%20Ford%20Full%20Line%20Brochure/index1.html (Original dealer brochure)