Last pre-war Ford



The Ford car was thoroughly updated in 1941, in preparation for a time of unpredictability surrounding World War II. The 1941 design would continue in an aborted 1942 model year and would be restarted in 1946 and produced until 1948. One unique feature was the "ignition key," which was actually used to operate a bolt lock on one end that unlocked the steering column — a feature destined to return, mandated, decades later — and on the other end unblocked the ignition switch, allowing it to be operated. The 1941 Ford was propelled by a choice of two flathead V-8s and an inline 6-cylinder engine. This example of the 1941 Ford was found in retirement in Texas.
(Photo by Peter Hubbard)