Description
The Ford V8 Model 48 Roadster 100 HP, introduced in 1935, was one of the most exciting and sporting body styles available in Ford’s lineup. As part of the Model 48 range, it combined the elegance of an open two-seater body with the power of Ford’s flathead V8, in this case tuned to deliver 100 horsepower. At a time when most affordable cars produced far less power, the 100 HP Roadster gave buyers the thrill of performance motoring without stepping into luxury-car territory.
The Roadster was a two-passenger open car with a folding fabric top and detachable side curtains. With no roll-up windows and minimal weather protection, it was designed primarily for fair-weather driving, giving it a distinctly sporty character compared to the more practical Coupés and Sedans. Many examples also came with a rumble seat behind the main cabin, allowing one or two extra passengers to ride in the open air, which added to the car’s appeal. Its styling was clean and modern, with the 1935 grille’s fine vertical bars, integrated headlamps set into the fenders, and flowing lines that reflected the streamlined design trends of the mid-1930s.
Inside, the Roadster was simple but stylish. The cabin seated two comfortably, with upholstered bench seating and a neatly finished dashboard featuring gauges and chrome accents. In DeLuxe trim, the car received better upholstery, brightwork, and small refinements that elevated it above the Standard version. It was never intended to be luxurious—its appeal lay in its light, open character and its emphasis on driving enjoyment.
The highlight of this model was its 221 cubic inch (3.6-liter) flathead V8 engine, tuned to produce 100 horsepower. This was a higher-output version of Ford’s standard 85-horsepower unit, achieved through higher compression and improved carburetion. The result was one of the most powerful engines available in a mass-market car of the time, giving the Roadster excellent acceleration and a top speed of around 80 mph. Paired with a three-speed manual gearbox, the lightweight Roadster offered spirited performance that rivaled far more expensive automobiles.
Chassis design was shared with the rest of the Model 48 line, featuring a robust ladder frame, transverse leaf spring suspension front and rear, and mechanical brakes on all four wheels. Though the brakes required frequent adjustment, the combination of light weight and strong V8 performance made the Roadster a driver’s car, admired for its agility and liveliness.
Priced higher than the standard models due to its performance and styling, the 100 HP Roadster was a niche vehicle, produced in smaller numbers than the family-oriented sedans. Its strongest appeal was to younger drivers and enthusiasts who valued speed, style, and the freedom of open motoring.
Today, the Ford V8 Model 48 Roadster 100 HP is an exceptionally rare and highly prized collector’s item. Surviving examples highlight Ford’s bold move to bring true performance to the mass market, long before most competitors could match it. It remains a symbol of the mid-1930s blend of style and power, embodying the moment when the flathead V8 helped turn Ford cars into both practical transport and genuine performance machines.