Ford Cabriolet Convertible Classic Cars

Picture Of 1933 Ford Cabriolet Convertible Classic Cars

Four-cylinder Fords made their final appearance in 1933, but V8 models got all the attention, and none moreso than the 1933 Ford Cabriolet.

Picture Of 1933 Ford Cabriolet Convertible Classic Cars

Ford's "flathead" V8 engine had debuted in '32, shoving aside the popular four-cylinder Model A and reaching past Chevrolet's six-cylinder cars.

Picture Of 1933 Ford Cabriolet Convertible Classic Cars

Now, stylists -- directed by Edsel Ford, Henry's only son -- tucked that V8 into a more stylish machine, with a jauntily slanted grille and windshield. Sharp corners were rounded, and the hood mated with the windshield. Wheels shrunk to 17-inch size for a lower stance. Streamlining was in vogue, and Ford determinedly followed the trend.

Picture Of 1933 Ford Cabriolet Convertible Classic Cars

Engineers redesigned the Ford's frame and injected an extra 10 horsepower into the V8, for a total of 75. Hot rodders later grew to love that flathead engine, praised for its power by none other than bank-robber John Dillinger.

Picture Of 1933 Ford Cabriolet Convertible Classic Cars

One of 16 V8 models, the Cabriolet cost $585. A total of 7852 were built, plus 24 that used the four-cylinder engine. Model-year volume rose by 100,000 cars, but Ford trailed Chevrolet in total sales.

Picture Of 1933 Ford Cabriolet Convertible Classic Cars

In its second season with V8 power, Ford offered a long list of body styles and trim levels -- none more appealing than the Cabriolet, flaunting a rakish new profile.

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