Engineering:1934-1948 Matford cars
| Matford | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Matford (Ford SAF) |
| Production | 1934-1948 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Large car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 2-door pickup |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Model B |
| Successor | Ford Vedette |
In 1934 Matford started producing their new lineup as a replacement for the Ford Model B that was produced locally by Ford SAF. These vehicles were only produced in sedan and pickup body styles, since the company did not had much investment to produce anymore bodystyles, apart from those considered necessary.
These vehicles were stylistically based on American models, such as the 1935 Ford and 1941 Ford, although they had more economical engines, since when Ford SAF tried marketing the Ford Model B in France, there were considerable problems with fuel economy since its V8 engine could not be much compatible with the country's emissions at the time.
The first model of the bunch was the Alscace V8, which was based on the chassis of the Ford Model 48, although it's engine was slightly tuned down to comply with local regulations, and it's bodywork was slightly different (being styled by the Chausson Plant), being reminiscent of the one from the Ford Anglia of the time. It was assembled in Strasbourg at the Mathis factories.[1]
During the later years, the vehicle received the Alsace V8-62 index, it did not receive many changes compared to the previous model, but it received a crocodile-styled hood, modernized fenders, a more pointed grille, and newer brakes. These body changes were likely made, to make the vehicle compete more with the Citroën Traction Avant sedans. In 1936 the vehicle received the Alsace V8-66 21 HP index, with the new front end grafted with the fenders, but apart from that not many other changes were made.[2] During that time around 70-80 Matford vehicles were assembled daily. By 1938 the vehicle received the V8-F82 index, but some months later it was changed to the V8-F82 index,[3] with the rear end being partly inspired by the Chrysler Airflow.
A station wagon version was also assembled but in limited numbers.[3] In 1939 the vehicle was modernized again and received the V8-F92A index.[4] A convertible version was also built from 1935 to 1939, but it did not received any independent index.[5] Commercial vehicles and trucks based on these vehicles were also built, with the range including the light V8-81 TXP to the heaviest V8-81 TXP trucks. Usually these vehicles were built from independent coachbuilders.[6] After 1940 the Matford name was dropped, and these vehicles were re-badged as Fords, although in 1941, civilian vehicle production stopped to focus on military vehicles.
After the war ended, the vehicle's production re-started in 1946, but ended shortly after in 1948, being replaced by the Ford Vedette.
Gallery
A 1939-1941 Matford convertible
Another Matford convertible vehicle
Some Matford sedan vehicles
A 1936 Matford sedan
References
- ↑ "Alsace V8 1935". http://dvole.free.fr/matford/catalo35.htm.
- ↑ "The Matford 1936". http://dvole.free.fr/matford/catalo36.htm.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "The Matford 1938". http://dvole.free.fr/matford/catalo38.htm.
- ↑ "The Matfords 1939". http://dvole.free.fr/matford/catalo39.htm.
- ↑ "Matford convertibles". http://dvole.free.fr/matford/catalc.htm.
- ↑ "Matford utilities". http://dvole.free.fr/matford/catalu.htm.
 |
