1937 FORD DELUXE FORDOR TOURING SEDAN

1937 was a milestone year for Ford: the firm built its 25-millionth vehicle, and introduced many innovations. One of them was a new engine: the 85 bhp V8 engine, in production since March 9, 1932, was joined by its smaller sister, the economical 60 bhp small V8. Another of Ford’s 1937 innovations was a steel roof in closed roof models. The two-piece angular design of the windshield and back window and the one-piece alligator mouth-shaped hood were important changes in the body. In response to Henry Ford’s request to make an automobile shorter than the equivalent Chevrolet, Ford’s renowned stylist Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie’s design of 1937 was introduced with a body 3.3 inch shorter than the original design and the 1936 model.

Ford innovated more than the body design in 1937. A new, smaller 136 cu.in. engine for those favoring economy had the same design as the 85 bhp engine. It had lower cooling capacity and a smaller clutch. This engine was actually a version of Ford’s Eifel engine, which had been assembled in Germany and France since 1925, and now developed for 1937 American production, can run 25 miles with 1 gallon of gas.

With low fuel consumption at any speed, comfortable suspension, strong axles, and comfortable driving, the 1937 model was perfect and became the best-selling Ford since 1930. There were nine solid colors, and this Washington Blue Fordor “Trunkback” is the similar of the automobile used by Dr. Mümtaz Ataman, the father of the founder of our Museum.