80 Years ago: Something iconic came along.

2014 is another anniversary worth mentioning: The last of the Model B’s, 1934 Ford was introduced, and it was the swan song car of the old Ford days for quite a few reasons: Last of the 4 cylinder B motors (although the vast majority of ’34’s sold were V-8 equipped) , last of the true Victoria bodies, and the last year that the front axle & spring were located directly under the cross member allowing the car to run fenderless and still look damn good. Sure it was primarily a cosmetic update from ’33, but most people unfairly lump the two cars together and assume they are all 1934 Fords (similar to how nobody seems to know a ’28 Roadster, because they all get misidentified as ’29s). For whatever the reasons, 1934 is undoubtedly an icon year of pre-war Fords, along with ’29, ’32, ’36 and ’40… These just seem to be the model years that every hot rod guy knows and collectors really gravitate too. The 1934 Ford was a knock out in every single body style offered that year, and proved extremely popular with hot rodders throughout the 50s and 60s, on the Lakes, on the street and in the car shows. Not to mention there are so many great, drool-worthy traditional hot rods based on the ’34 here on the HAMB (which one is your favorite?). One thing is for sure, it’s hard to fault this old lady, so wish her a happy birthday…