1932 Ford Model 18 'Golden Deuce' Coupe

The Ford Model 18 'Golden Deuce' Coupe of 1932 was a remarkable vehicle that brought new design concepts and technical improvements that set the standard for future generations of automobiles. This car was the first mass-produced V8-powered vehicle, featuring a powerful engine that produced 65 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque, which allowed it to reach top speeds of 75 miles per hour with ease. The 'Golden Deuce' moniker refers to the car's popular nickname due to its shining appearance and advanced engineering.

Under the hood, this 1932 Coupe featured an 85-horsepower, 221 cubic inch flathead V8 engine with a bore of 3.0625 inches and a stroke of 3.75 inches. It was made of lightweight materials and high-quality steel, which ensured the car's durability and strength. This engine was coupled to a three-speed manual transmission that offered smooth and precise gear changes, with a shifter mounted on the floor, which was a new feature compared to the earlier designs that had the shifter on the steering wheel.

The Coupe's chassis was a robust X-member frame with crossmembers, which provided more stiffness and stability while reducing flex and vibrations. The front suspension featured double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers with coil springs that gave the front wheels adequate cushioning, while the rear had a robust live-axle suspension with a transverse leaf spring and hydraulic shock absorbers. The brakes were hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes that offered reliable stopping power.

The 'Golden Deuce' had a sleek and aerodynamic body design, which was a significant departure from the year's boxy and utilitarian designs. It featured sweeping fenders that flared from the front wheels and wrapped around the rear, a streamlined grille with a V-shaped emblem, and a stylish two-tone paint job that gave it a luxurious look. The car's interior featured plush bucket seats, a stylish dashboard with speedometer, oil pressure gauge, and ammeter, with a centrally mounted radio which could be tuned from the driver's seat.

All these technical details made the Ford Model 18 'Golden Deuce' Coupe of 1932 one of the most advanced cars of its time, with innovations such as hydraulic breaks, shock absorbers, bucket seats, and sporty body styling making it an icon, a status symbol and a car that has set standards for future generations. The car's remarkable engineering, speed, and style have made it a popular choice among collectors, and its legacy lives on as a symbol of American automobile innovation and excellence.