The National Motor Museum Trust

Early Fords manufactured in Britain were slightly modified or identical to those made in the USA. Designed in Dearborn, built in Dagenham, the 8hp Model Y was created for the British market.

Introduced in August 1932, the Model Y was the first full four-seater saloon car to be on sale at only £100. Developed in just five months, Ford desperately needed a small car to compete with Austin and Morris. At 933cc, the engine was bigger than comparable rivals' and the attractively styled Y revived flagging Ford sales. Available with 2 or 4 doors, the basic models were called Popular in 1935 and economy Fords have carried this name ever since.