The Ford V8-60 Cabriolet was one of the more refined and stylish offerings from Ford in the late 1930s, designed to blend the flair of an open car with the practicality of a fully enclosed model. Introduced in 1937, the V8-60 range was powered by a smaller version of Ford’s famous flathead V8 engine, aimed at providing good economy while still delivering the smoothness and character of a V8. The Cabriolet body style gave this model an especially elegant presence, appealing to buyers who wanted the prestige of a convertible at a more affordable price point.
The Cabriolet was a two-door convertible with a folding soft top and roll-up glass windows, setting it apart from the sportier Roadster, which lacked side windows and was intended more for fair-weather motoring. With its glass windows and snug-fitting roof, the Cabriolet could be driven year-round, offering both open-air enjoyment and closed-car comfort. Many examples also featured a rumble seat at the rear, providing extra passenger space in a way that emphasized the car’s youthful and sporting character.
Styling in the V8-60 Cabriolet reflected the streamlined design language of the late 1930s. The body was lower and smoother than earlier Ford convertibles, with faired-in fenders, a gently sloping grille, and integrated headlamps. Chrome trim, brightwork, and the option of two-tone paint further enhanced its appeal. The DeLuxe trim versions were especially attractive, with better upholstery, additional chrome detailing, and small refinements that elevated the car’s appearance.
At its heart was the 136 cubic inch (2.2-liter) flathead V8 engine, producing 60 horsepower. While modest compared to the standard 221 cubic inch, 85-horsepower Ford V8, the smaller engine was designed for buyers seeking lower running costs and improved fuel economy, particularly in export markets and for drivers in regions where smaller engines were taxed less heavily. Performance was adequate for everyday motoring, with the Cabriolet able to cruise comfortably at 60 mph, though it lacked the stronger acceleration of the larger V8 models.
The chassis carried Ford’s traditional transverse leaf spring suspension and mechanical robustness, while hydraulic brakes—introduced on Fords in 1939—later improved stopping power. The car retained a three-speed manual gearbox, delivering smooth and simple operation.
The Ford V8-60 Cabriolet was priced competitively, making convertible motoring accessible to a broad audience. While it did not sell in the same numbers as the Tudors and Fordors, it carved out a niche among younger buyers and professionals who wanted a stylish car without the cost of the larger and more powerful models.
Today, the Ford V8-60 Cabriolet is a rare and cherished collector’s car, valued for both its elegance and its place in the history of Ford’s flathead V8 program. Surviving examples highlight the balance it struck between practicality and glamour, offering open-air motoring in a package that was affordable, stylish, and uniquely tied to the late 1930s era of streamlined design.