Ford Model Y

Infobox Automobile
name = Ford Model Y


manufacturer = Ford of Britain
Ford SAF
Ford Germany
production = 1932–1937
175,000 made.
predecessor =
successor = Ford 7Y
body_style = 2 and 4-door saloon, van.
height =
weight = 1540 pounds (670 kg)
engine = 0.9 L Straight-4
width = 55 inches (1.405 m)
wheelbase = 78 inches (1.98 m)
length = 141 inches (3.58 m)

The Model Y was the first Ford specifically designed for markets outside the United States of America. The car was powered by a 933 cc, 8 (RAC)hp Ford Sidevalve engine, and was in production in England from 1932 until 1937, France from 1932 to 1934 and Germany as the Köln from 1933 to 1936. It was available in two and four door versions. The 1935 two door model was the only fully-equipped car ever to sell for just £100 sterling.

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 thrash them soundly by taking over 50% of the 8(RAC)HP sales.

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 Model 'Y' was reduced to £100, making it the cheapest true 4 seater saloon ever. 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. The maximum speed was just under 60 mph (95 km/h) and fuel consumption was mpg (Imperial)|32.

Also offered was an attractive 5cwt 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, however several specialist coach builders produced a range of attractive Model 'Y' tourers.

Some 175,000 Model 'Y's were produced worldwide 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'.

ee also

Ford Köln

References

*

External links

* http://www.fordyandcmodelregister.co.uk/