Ford Model 48: WWII Era’s Most Powerful Engine

The 1948 Ford Model 48 did not have a creative name, but it had a large impact on the American Automotive scene. There were almost a million of the car sold, and the best way to understand this popular car’s production is by production year.

1936

Ford sold well in this model year. The V8 DeLuxe was branded the Model 68. It had a concealed horn, long a prominent part of the Ford’s design, also brought the car into modern times, like the Carlie Chaplin movie. There were new trucks with the old grille. Other major changes for 1936 were the use of pressed steel “artillery” solid wheels instead of wire wheels. The models were made of stainless steel.

1937

The 1937 Ford had a more rounded streamlined look with fine horizontal bars in the convex front and hood-side grilles. The new look made the car more visually appealing to consumers. Addional changes were that the front grille was V-shaped, rather than following the fenders into a pentagon shape,like in 1936. The headlights were installed into the front fenders. There was also the introduction of a single piece lifting hood panel, and an all steel top for the passenger compartment. The Standard version could be distinguished from the DeLuxe version easily by the body color chrome vs. woodwork. Sedans had a rear trunck door with a spare tire inside.

1938

There was a recession in 1938, which hurt sales. The 1938 recession hurt sales. Also Ford’s continuation of the 1937 cars. 1938 DeLuxe models had a heart-shaped grille, which was a new look, though standard models kept the 1937 look. Only a V8 engine was offered, either a 60 horsepower or an 85 horsepower. A new dashboard was used, it had recesse gauges as car companies now thought those were safer. The 1938 trucks were updated at last, they had the same look from 1935. Changes included a vertical oval grille and substantial fenders and bumpers.

1939

The Ford’s look was modernized again for 1939. Changes included with the Deluxe had a low pointed grille and somewhat heavier vertical slats, while the standard Ford had a higher grille with horizontal dividers. The headlights were moved farther apart. The side grilles and louvers were removed and replaced with chrome strips on Deluxe models. There were three models discontinued. The phaeton, club coupe, and convertible club coupe models were the victims of the downsizing. The engine was also revised for 1939 with downdraft carburetors widening the torque band but leaving power unchanged at 85 horsepower. Hydraulic brakes were standard across the Ford line. The Mercury line also debuted in 1939. It was branded as a luxury car.

1940

1940 was the final year for the Ford model 48. The car looked different than in the past, a high flat-topped hood dominated 1940 model, and the grille spread out to reach the fender with the headlights ever wider. The standard grille of the 1939 model now had a chrome center. In 1941 the car was changed sugnificantly, with a 6-Cylinder engine.

Conclusion

The Ford Model 48 was a very successful American Automobile. As a result there are a lot of those cars remaining. This was unlike some other models of the time, which sold only tens of versions of the car. Alost a million of these were sold, in just five years.