The V8 engine was not a novelty when Henry Ford introduced the Ford V8 in 1932. However, what set it apart was its unprecedented success in mass production and affordability. While the styling closely resembled the outgoing Model A, the new V8 brought a significant boost in performance, boasting an extra 25bhp, placing it in a class of its own. Over the next few years, Ford made rapid strides in engine development, resolving initial issues and increasing the V8’s power to 85bhp by 1936. Additionally, Ford introduced a smaller 136ci (2,227cc) version with 60bhp in 1936.

In contrast to the limited body styles available for the long-serving Model T chassis, the introduction of the Model A in 1928 ushered in an era of greater variety and choice. The 1929 lineup introduced new body styles, including the wood-bodied Station Wagon, colloquially known as the ‘Woodie.’ This trend continued with models like the Sportsman two-door convertible.

In 1947, Ford exclusively offered convertibles on the top-of-the-line Super Deluxe chassis, equipped with the 239ci (3.9-liter) V8 engine, delivering 100 horsepower. The V8 engine gained widespread acclaim for its performance and reliability, with a million units exported to China to serve as stationary engines for electricity production in Chiang Kai-shek’s army.

In the autumn of 1945, after the unexpected end of the war, Henry Ford II tasked his design team to create a remarkable model, capitalizing on the company’s expertise in working with wood, thanks to their Iron Mountain factory nestled in Michigan’s forests. This artisanal construction method relied on their extensive experience in crafting both mahogany and ash, showcasing their mastery of this specialized craftsmanship.