1934 Ford

Recognizing a 1934 Ford may not be something that comes naturally to most people, but there is little doubt that the classic body design is iconic in its own right. For some, the 1934 Ford conjures images of Bonnie and Clyde. The strength and dependability of the car made it a stylish and reliable choice for bank robbers of that era. In the 1960s, the 1934 Ford experienced a renaissance as many enthusiasts purchased the models and turned them into hotrods and racers. In the present day, a decent model will run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $35,000, a testament to its continued popularity among auto enthusiasts.

Unlike today, when each car make may span half a dozen models in a given year, in the 1930s Ford was producing only one model at a time. These models were not given a special name like today's cars, but rather referred to by their model year. Efficiency was of little concern; the chief concern at the time was style and power. The 1934 Ford had a sturdy steel frame and introduced a V-8 engine with 85 horsepower.

Although there was really only one model of Ford available at the time, there were several variations to choose from. The manufacturer offered a two door roadster, a two door cabriolet, four door phaeton, flatbed truck, two door and four door sedans - just to name a few. The roadster was produced in a run of just 12,500 units, while other variations numbered around 125,000 during the 1934 model year.

The 1934 model was a milestone vehicle for Ford, which hadn't introduced a new model since 1929. Rumor has it that Henry Ford, the man himself, took an interest in promoting the company's new product - and hosted a party with liquor and cigars to launch the 1934 model. In the same year Ford took the new model to the "Century of Progress" World's Fair in Chicago, which drew millions of spectators. The showroom atmosphere helped promote the new product and its various incarnations to a national audience.

What made the 1934 Ford so innovative? The body was "nothing experimental," claimed Ford, but there were some significant changes to the model when compared to Ford's 1929 version. The V-8 engine, three-point suspension, reshaped grill, straight hood vents, and body-colored fenders added something new to the mix, making this classic car instantly recognizable. Today, this car's body style is favored by auto restorers and, along with the 1932 and 1933 Fords, one of the most popular starting points for those building hot rods.

The unique design of the 1934 Ford helped Ford regain its lead over its major competitor, Chevy, and resulted in one of the most iconic cars of the 1930s. The solid, classic body and the engineering innovations helped catapult the car to fame. Starting at a price of 650 dollars, and heavily promoted by Henry Ford and the Ford company, the 1934 Ford remains one of the company's most notable early successes, and many auto enthusiasts' favorite model.