Description
The Ford 68 Break de Chasse 21 CV was a French-built variation of the 1936 Ford lineup, created by Ford SAF (Ford Société Anonyme Française), the company’s European branch. It represented one of the more distinctive body styles in Ford’s European range of the mid-1930s—a stylish and practical “shooting brake” or station wagon, designed for leisure use as much as for utility. The term Break de Chasse translates to “hunting wagon,” a traditional European designation for a car intended to carry people, dogs, and equipment on country outings.
The Model 68 itself was an evolution of the American 1936 Ford, adapted to European tastes and taxation rules. The “21 CV” designation referred to the French fiscal horsepower rating, which classified cars based on engine size for taxation. Under the hood, the Break de Chasse used Ford’s celebrated flathead V8, but in a larger-displacement form than the American standard. The engine was around 3.6 liters, producing about 90 horsepower, giving the car strong performance for its class and the smooth power delivery that made Ford’s V8s so appealing across Europe.
The Break de Chasse body style was built in relatively small numbers, often by specialist coachbuilders working on Ford-supplied chassis. These bodies featured wooden-framed construction, with large rear doors and seating arrangements that made the car versatile for both passengers and cargo. The style combined the ruggedness of a utility vehicle with a certain elegance, making it well suited to country estates, hunting trips, and touring. Its design was tall and upright, with flowing fenders and the streamlined grille of the 1936 Ford, while the wood paneling added charm and individuality.
Inside, the Break de Chasse could carry four to six passengers depending on seating configuration. The interiors were straightforward but practical, trimmed to a standard above basic commercial vehicles but below luxury sedans. The focus was on versatility—folding seats and a large rear compartment meant the car could be used as both a family vehicle and a load carrier.
As with most European Fords of the time, production numbers were small compared to American models, and the Break de Chasse was built mainly for customers in rural France or wealthier buyers seeking a fashionable utility car. Its blend of practicality, V8 performance, and coachbuilt individuality made it an attractive but exclusive option.
Today, the Ford 68 Break de Chasse 21 CV is extremely rare, with very few surviving examples. Collectors prize it as a fascinating intersection of American engineering and European craftsmanship, as well as an early example of the station wagon concept adapted for lifestyle use. Its wooden bodywork, elegant French styling touches, and flathead V8 power make it a distinctive and historic car that highlights how Ford adapted its products for different markets around the world.