Ford totally redesigned its passenger car line for the 1941 model year, and this sweet little company film records all the changes, from the new, longer chassis to the improved flathead V8 engine. Here’s the grand tour.
REVISED AND EXPANDED — The original Ford V8 passenger car, introduced back in 1932 with Ford’s trademark buggy spring suspension and venerable 221 CID L-head engine, received its last major redesign for 1941. (This basic package would continue largely unchanged through 1948.) A totally revamped frame increased the wheelbase from 112 to 114 inches, while new, longer front and rear springs were kicked out to 125 inches apart to reduce pitch motion and smooth out the ride. Bigger and wider than the previous models, the ’41 was also significantly heavier: nearly 3150 lbs. for the Super DeLuxe Fordor Sedan. “Big car comfort—and big car features!” went the company pitch.
As usual, the most biggest seller in the lineup was the two-door sedan, or Tudor in Ford sales lingo. A new L-head six joined the V8 in the lineup, a historic development for Ford, but for whatever reasons, it’s not included in this presentation. Both the 221 CID V8 and the 225.8 CID six were rated at 90 horsepower.
As the film clicks through the features and models for 1941—including a new body style, the two-door Sedan Coupe—-be sure to check out the scenery. Here are some great views of historic Ford locations, including the Dearborn Proving Ground and Ford Airport, the Henry Ford Museum and grounds, and the Ford Rouge complex. All in all, the film is a wonderful four-minute artifact. Video below.
Wow. Thanks for these!
What a styling difference from the 40 Ford.
Not sure but I think the ’40 Ford Deluxe “Opera Coupe” had/has more lasting popularity with car collectors. I remember when my dad took delivery of ours in June, 1940. It was Folkestone Grey. I learned to drive in that car in 1946…
Personally I think that the ’41 was a step down compared to the ’40, which was a major milestone in automotive styling. The ’41 was still no slouch.
My grandfather bought a new car almost every year and ’41 was no exception. My Dad, who was 16 at the time, always dreamed of travelling 100 mph. One cool summer night Dad and his best friend got in Grandpa’s car and drove out on the only straight stretch of highway west of the city. He put the pedal to the floor and held it there. Dad watched where they were going while Alan watched the speedo. Dad recalled that the car felt like it was going to fly before Alan yelled out: “100!” Dad immediately slowed down and vowed never to drive that fast again. Of course 80 was no problem. I remember Dad driving us kids to school in the ’60 IH Travelall, doing 80 on a gravel road….
39 Deluxe and 40 Standard and Deluxe were two of the best designs ever from Ford. The 41 was kind of a transition car, it still carried the vertical grill, but also had two horizontal grills down low, a peek into the future and the start to the full width horizontal grill used ever since. 42’s dropped the vertical section entirely, going full width across the front. The 41 was part in the past and part looking to the future. One has to wonder if WWII hadn’t of broken out, how much longer it would have been before Ford went to the slab sided body that debuted in 49. They clearly were evolving the designs.
I don’t think Ford tried a vertical grill but once more, on the Edsel, and we all know how that turned out!