An optional radio in 1935



The 1935 Ford came with a flathead V-8 engine in 1935, being introduced in 1932. It was the first "affordable" V-8 engine on the market. Affordable meant a 1935 sedan started at just $655. Not only did the 1935 have eight cylinders, it could be ordered for the first time with a radio as an option. The dashboard was neatly designed with three round gauge clusters, the speedometer in the middle. To the right, partially hidden by the steering wheel, was the ashtray cutout, which was used to house the radio. Philco, a pioneer in radio production, manufactured the radio for Ford at an option price of $44.50.
(Photo by Ralph Gable)