The Golden Age of Automotive Design
1935 was a pivotal year in automotive history. The Great Depression was beginning to ease, and automobile manufacturers were pushing boundaries with innovative designs, more powerful engines, and luxurious features. This era marked the transition from purely functional transportation to vehicles that embodied style, comfort, and technological advancement.
The cars of 1935 featured streamlined bodies, improved suspension systems, and the introduction of all-steel construction. This was the age when automobiles truly became works of art.
The pinnacle of American luxury and performance. The Duesenberg SJ was a supercharged masterpiece that represented the absolute finest in automotive engineering.
Engine: 6.9L Supercharged Straight-8
Power: 320 HP
Top Speed: 140 mph
Price: $8,500 - $20,000
Known for its distinctive vertical radiator and stunning coachbuilt bodies, the SJ was the choice of Hollywood stars and industrial magnates.
One of the most beautiful cars ever made, the Auburn 851 Speedster combined stunning Art Deco styling with impressive performance.
Engine: 4.6L Supercharged Straight-8
Power: 150 HP
Top Speed: 100 mph+
Price: $2,245
Featured a distinctive boat-tail design and external exhaust pipes. Every car came with a plaque certifying it had been driven over 100 mph.
Ford's affordable V8 brought performance to the masses. The Model 48 made the powerful flathead V8 engine accessible to average Americans.
Engine: 3.6L Flathead V8
Power: 85 HP
Top Speed: 75 mph
Price: $510 - $780
Revolutionary for offering V8 power at such an affordable price. Henry Ford's commitment to making performance accessible to everyone.
The ultimate expression of British luxury and craftsmanship. Each Phantom II was custom-built to the owner's exact specifications.
Engine: 7.7L Inline-6
Power: 120 HP (estimated)
Top Speed: 90 mph
Price: $15,000+
Featured impeccable build quality, whisper-quiet operation, and coachwork by the world's finest craftsmen. A true automotive icon.
Packard's flagship model featuring a smooth and powerful V12 engine. Represented American luxury at its finest.
Engine: 7.3L V12
Power: 175 HP
Top Speed: 100 mph
Price: $3,850 - $7,000
Known for exceptional refinement and smooth power delivery. The Twelve was Packard's answer to European luxury marques.
German engineering excellence in a stunning grand tourer package. The 500K combined performance with elegant styling.
Engine: 5.0L Supercharged Inline-8
Power: 160 HP
Top Speed: 100 mph
Price: $11,000+
Featured advanced independent suspension and supercharged power. Predecessor to the legendary 540K.
The automotive landscape of 1935 was shaped by several important factors:
This period represented a golden age where craftsmanship, performance, and artistic design converged to create some of the most beautiful automobiles ever built.