It doesn’t get so much notice today, but the 1937 Ford could boast a number of significant changes and improvements. Let’s check it out.
Among the classic early Ford V8s of 1932 through 1940, the 1937 model year dwells in the shadows—relatively speaking. The ’32, ’36, and ’40 Fords have always held more favor among enthusiasts and collectors. But actually, 1937 was a busy year for Henry Ford’s car company, and it brought a number of noteworthy changes and advances. Here are a few.
+ In 1937, Ford eliminated the wood-and-fabric roof insert construction and adopted an all-steel top, following the lead of General Motors in 1935. And with the last scrap of inner structural wood eliminated, Ford could now boast a truly all-steel body.
+ There was new styling with a modern clamshell hood that opened at the front, and headlamps integrated into the front fenders—a step ahead of GM. While the wheelbase remained unchanged at 112 inches, the new body was 3.5 inches longer.
+ After a tryout in Europe, a smaller 60 horsepower V8 with 136 cubic inches joined the original 221 CID flathead V8 for ’37. While the V8-60 fell out of favor with consumers by 1940 due to its lack of torque, the initial interest was brisk, as 39 percent of the buyers in 1937 opted for the smaller and more economical V8. (See our feature here.)
+ The Roadster body style, a staple in the Ford lineup since forever, was discontinued, and a new body style was introduced, the Club Coupe (lead photo and above). Styled like a coupe but with a longer and taller roofline to make room for a small rear seat, the Club Coupe sported De Luxe trim. However, the traditional coupe and sedan body styles continued to dominate sales.
Two trim levels were offered, Standard and De Luxe, with the Standard distinguished by a black grille instead of chrome and a single windshield wiper and tail lamp rather than two of each. In offering a choice of two smooth V8s, advanced styling, and a solid and quiet all-steel body, Ford felt empowered to call its new model “the quality car in the low-price field.” Many buyers continued to agree, as Ford and arch-rival Chevrolet fought to another virtual dead heat at the top of the sales charts in 1937.
