Driveability - A vs Early V8

[chuck stevens]

I'm surprised that someone has come up with this- why not an A V8, upgrade the brakes, and leave those 33-34's in your dust!!

[LazarusLong]

"The mechanical components in the '36 Fords are still a little primitive, however, with not to much effort '40-48 components can be blended into the '36-39 Fords with very little, if any alteration to the basic vehicle."

Bill,my 38 Standard humpback has the 85 hp V-8 that came out in 37,and mechanically is identical to the 39 with the exception of the brakes. The 39 has hydraulic brakes,and the 38 has mechanical brakes that use cables.

Upgrade to hydraulic brakes,and the 37-38 Fords are as good as any Ford made up to 1948. I'm planning on putting a set of 49 Lincoln brakes on mine,but I also have a complete set of 39 brakes that use the wide bolt pattern like the 38,so I might use them instead.

You have been owning and driving a 36 for 62 years now? Bill,you da man! I wish you lived closer because I would be thrilled to meet you and take a ride with you in your 36. 36's are my all-time favorite cars,and if a prettier car than a 36 Ford 3-window coupe has ever been built,i;m not aware of it. The 35 3-window coupes and the 39-40 Ford coupes come close,but the 36 3-window holds the crown in my mind.

[Lawrie]

I disagree about any ford before 36,
Look at my posts,we do thousands of miles in Australia in our 33 towing a caravan that weighs all up about 850 kgs.
The 33 will run all day at 55 mph with the caravan and all day at 60 mph without.
We have just done a 5400 klm trip through three states in Australia both in the cities and outback roads ,we do prefer the country roads though.
We have a modern ford ( fairlane ) but would far rather travel in the 33,I know the fairlane is far safer but nowhere near as enjoyable.
Lawrie

[jim galli]

I think you've approached the question wrong. Let's face it, if it was 1934 and you had to travel from Kansas City to Denver, and you had a Model A Ford in reasonably good shape, a 4 or 5 year old car, you'd throw the kids in and start out.

When some guy with a newer '33 model pulls out and passes you on a hill, heck yeah, you wish you had a V8, but the Model A will get you there fine.

If you're concern is safety, comfort, convenience, good gas mileage, stereo sound, quiet cab, good handling, I'll recommend a Nissan Altima.