Other manufacturers were slow to catch on to Ford’s trendsetting designs of the 1930s, no doubt discouraged by Chrysler’s unfortunate experience with its advanced but short-lived Airflow. However, Ford’s increasing emphasis on design and its two-pronged attack of Standard and upscale, well-equipped DeLuxe models strongly stimulated sales, even during the long climb out of the Great Depression. The 1936 Ford model lineup is a perfect case in point.

The hood began with a sharp body-colored radiator housing, which was radically V-shaped and highlighted in DeLuxe models by thin vertical chrome bars echoed in a double row of hood side louvers separated by thin chrome spears. The fenders were fully skirted in both the front and back, hiding the car’s chassis completely from view. Finally, gracefully formed bumpers and elegantly raked windshields provided the crowning touches. In short, the 1936 Ford models conferred an unmatched impression of power and speed belying their popular-priced market positioning.

Stylistic considerations aside, 1936 saw Ford reach several milestones, perhaps most notably a robust 17.9-million-dollar profit. The year 1936 also saw the landmark 20 millionth Ford built.

The cabriolet represented the upper end of the Ford model range, skillfully combining the open-air sportiness of a convertible with the crisp lines and practical weather protection of a closed car enhanced by the padded convertible top and Victoria-style blind rear quarters. Just 4,616 cabriolets were produced for 1936, out of a total calendar-year production of nearly 800,000 cars, and today, survivors are far rarer, as exemplified by this multiple national-level award winner.

Handsomely finished in rich Ford Maroon, this 1936 Ford cabriolet clearly continues to benefit from an older, high-quality restoration and remains beautiful in presentation. On the show field, this example earned AACA Senior National First Prize honors and the National Dearborn Award from the Early V-8 Ford Club, with both accolades received in 1991. The cabriolet was acquired by the late Ray Bowersox in 2000 and for the next 12 years resided in his noted collection of the finest American cars ever produced, before joining the current owner’s renowned stable.

This 1936 Ford cabriolet remains a terrific example of the inspired design genius of Edsel Ford and Bob Gregorie during the 1930s.