1937 Ford Sedan

Despite the success of the V-8, Ford was sometimes criticized for not offering an “economy” engine. So in 1937, the company responded by adding a radically downsized V-8. Whereas the original (which continued) displaced 221 cubic inches and produced 85 horsepower, the new V-8 was sized at just 136 cid with a rating of 60 hp. While the difference in power between the two didn’t look like much on paper, in reality, the smaller engine was just too small, and like the four-cylinder that preceded it, was soon dropped.

Ford also entered the transit-bus business in 1937 with the introduction of the forward-control chassis, which placed the engine off to one side so the driver could sit next to it rather than behind it. The company also began offering trucks in fancier Deluxe trim.