The Ford Model C Ten was a car built by Ford UK between 1934 and 1937, its “Ten” name standing for 10 British fiscal horsepower. It was also assembled in Barcelona from 1934 to 1936, and the German version of the same period was sold as the Ford Eifel.
Ford Model C Ten at a glance
| Maker | Ford UK, Dagenham |
|---|---|
| Production | 1934–1937 |
| Also assembled | Barcelona, Spain, 1934–1936 |
| German version | Ford Eifel |
| Engine | 1,172 cc side-valve four, 30 bhp at 4,000 rpm |
| Based on | Ford Model Y engine, bored out |
| Bore and stroke | 63.5 mm x 92.5 mm |
| Suspension | transverse leaf springs, rigid axles |
| Gearbox | three-speed |
| Performance | 70 mph, about 35 miles per imperial gallon |
| Deluxe version | CX, with chromium trim, late 1935 to early 1937 |
| Tourer | four-seat open body, from mid-1935 |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only.
History of the Ford Model C Ten
A bigger engine for the small Ford
The Model C Ten used an enlarged version of the side-valve engine from the Ford Model Y, bored from 56.6 mm to 63.5 mm and keeping the 92.5 mm stroke to reach 1,172 cc. A standard engine produced 30 bhp at 4,000 rpm. The chassis followed Ford practice with transverse leaf springs and rigid axles front and rear, a system little changed since the Model T, and a three-speed gearbox. The car could reach 70 mph and return about 35 miles to an imperial gallon.
Bodies and the CX
The Ten was sold as a saloon, and from mid-1935 a four-seat tourer joined the range; that open car is now much sought after. From late 1935 to early 1937 Ford offered a de-luxe version called the CX with chromium-plated trim. In Australia the Model C was released in 1935 as a roadster, coupe, saloon, van and roadster utility.
An engine that outlived the car
The 1,172 cc side-valve unit became a favourite of engine tuners after the Second World War and gave several sports car makers their start, including Lotus Cars, and it remained in production until 1962. It was also used in the limited-production Ausfod car built in Manchester in 1947 and 1948.
Design and features
- Fiscal horsepower name: the “Ten” refers to British tax ratings.
- Enlarged Model Y engine: 1,172 cc and 30 bhp.
- Old-fashioned chassis: transverse leaf springs and rigid axles.
- CX de luxe: chromium trim from late 1935.
Ford Model C Ten versions
- Model C Ten saloon: the standard closed car.
- Four-seat tourer (1935): the open body, now much sought after.
- CX (1935–1937): the de-luxe version with chromium trim.
- Australian Model C: roadster, coupe, saloon, van and roadster utility.
- Ford Eifel: the German version of the same period.
The Ten used an enlarged engine from the Ford Model Y, and that 1,172 cc unit later went into export versions of the Anglia. More Ford vehicles are in the Ford collection.
Sources
- Ford Model C Ten, English Wikipedia: engine, suspension, bodies, later use
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