The early 1930s were a turning point for car makers adapting to tougher economies and new engineering ideas; roads, tastes and technology all nudged designs in fresh directions. Looking back at models from that year shows a mix of small, efficient runabouts and early luxury machines that hint at later trends.
There are 12 Cars Made in 1932, ranging from Austin Seven to SS 1. The list is arranged so you can quickly compare entries by Manufacturer,Country,Engine (L / cylinders) and spot differences in origin and power at a glance — you’ll find below.
How practical is it to drive a car built in 1932 today?
Surviving 1932 cars can be driven but expect compromises: brakes, steering and suspension are primitive by modern standards and many vehicles need sympathetic restoration and regular maintenance; they’re best for short, careful drives, club events or shows rather than daily use.
How can I confirm a 1932 car’s authenticity and production details?
Start with the chassis and engine numbers, consult marque clubs and factory archives where available, check period paperwork and expert appraisals, and compare features against contemporary catalogs or registries to verify production year and original specification.
Cars Made in 1932
| Model | Manufacturer | Country | Engine (L / cylinders) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Model 18 V8 | Ford | USA | 3.6 L V8 |
| Ford Model B | Ford | USA | 3.3 L I4 |
| Austin Seven | Austin | UK | 0.75 L I4 |
| MG J2 | MG | UK | 0.85 L I4 |
| Rolls-Royce Phantom II | Rolls-Royce | UK | 7.7 L I6 |
| Bentley 8 Litre | Bentley | UK | 8.0 L I6 |
| Peugeot 201 | Peugeot | France | 1.1 L I4 |
| Renault Monaquatre | Renault | France | 1.1 L I4 |
| Citroën Rosalie 10CV | Citroën | France | 1.5 L I4 |
| Packard Standard Eight | Packard | USA | 5.3 L I8 |
| Cadillac V-16 | Cadillac | USA | 7.4 L V16 |
| SS 1 | SS Cars | UK | 2.5 L I6 |
Images and Descriptions
Ford Model 18 V8
Introduced in 1932 as Ford’s affordable flathead V8, the Model 18 was built at multiple U.S. plants; it brought mass-market V8 power to buyers and became the iconic “’32 Ford” later prized by hot-rodders.
Ford Model B
Launched alongside Ford’s new V8 in 1932, the Model B was produced across Ford’s U.S. factories as the updated four-cylinder offering; it was a cheaper, familiar car and a popular platform for coachbuilt bodies and early hot-rodding.
Austin Seven
The compact Austin Seven was built at Longbridge and remained in production through 1932; its 0.75 L four-cylinder made it Britain’s go-to small car and a foundation for many sports-car derivatives and cyclecars.
MG J2
The MG J2 Midget debuted in 1932 as an affordable two-seater built at Abingdon; its 0.85 L engine and light chassis delivered lively performance, making it popular with club racers and sporting motorists.
Rolls-Royce Phantom II
Hand-built in Derby and sold through coachbuilders, the Phantom II was produced in 1932 as Rolls‑Royce’s flagship luxury car; its smooth 7.7 L straight-six and refined chassis exemplified pre-war British luxury motoring.
Bentley 8 Litre
Manufactured at Cricklewood and produced through 1932, the Bentley 8 Litre was a large, opulent grand tourer with an 8.0 L engine, aimed at the ultra-luxury market and noted for its presence and engineering ambition.
Peugeot 201
Built at Sochaux and sold during 1932, the Peugeot 201 was a compact, affordable family car that helped standardize Peugeot’s numeric naming; its 1.1 L engine made it economical and widely popular across France.
Renault Monaquatre
Made by Renault and available in 1932, the Monaquatre was a small, practical saloon; its 1.1 L engine and straightforward construction appealed to buyers seeking economy and solid French engineering.
Citroën Rosalie 10CV
Introduced late in 1932 and built in Paris, the Rosalie series featured modern coachwork and overhead-valve engines; the 10CV 1.5 L variant signaled Citroën’s move toward more contemporary, mass-produced family cars.
Packard Standard Eight
Produced in Detroit and shipped worldwide in 1932, Packard’s Standard Eight combined large-displacement straight-eight power with upscale appointments, making it a desirable U.S. luxury car for affluent buyers between the wars.
Cadillac V-16
Cadillac’s hand-assembled V‑16 models were still produced in 1932 in Detroit; their 7.4 L V16 engines and coachbuilt bodies represented the zenith of American luxury and engineering extravagance of the era.
SS 1
Produced by SS Cars in 1932, the SS 1 was a stylish sporting saloon and tourer with a 2.5 L six-cylinder; its elegant 1930s styling and sporting character later fed into the origins of the Jaguar marque.
