The Deluxe Phaeton was a four-door, open-top touring car, part of Ford’s revolutionary 1932 lineup—the first to offer the groundbreaking flathead V8 engine. It stood out as a more elegant and upscale variant among the early V8 Fords, offering both roomy comfort and impressive performance. Out of the approximately 2,693 Deluxe Phaetons produced in 1932, it’s estimated that fewer than 1,000 were equipped with the new flathead V8 engine. The exact number of 1932 Ford Phaetons with V8 engines that exist today is not definitively known, but expert estimates from vintage Ford registries, clubs, and collectors suggest that fewer than 300 original V8 Phaetons are known to survive worldwide—possibly even under 200 in fully authentic, restorable, or original condition.
Specifications
- Ford Flathead V8 (first year offered)
- Displacement: 221 cu in (3.6L)
- Horsepower: 65 hp
- Top Speed: ~75 mph
- Smooth, torquey power delivery and a throaty exhaust note—this engine would become a legend in hot rodding
- Inline-4 Cylinder (carryover from Model A)
- Displacement: 200.5 cu in (3.3L)
- Horsepower: 50 hp
- More economical but quickly overshadowed by the new V8
- Transmission: 3-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Suspension: Transverse leaf springs front and rear
- Brakes: Mechanical 4-wheel drum brakes
Interior & Comfort
- Body Style: Four-door open touring with a foldable soft top and side curtains
- Wheelbase: 106 inches
- Deluxe Trim: Chrome accents, cowl lights, dual horns, upgraded upholstery
- Interior: Spacious seating for 5; leather or mohair finishes
- Grille: Iconic upright V-shaped grille that debuted in ’32 and influenced car design for years
