The Complete List of Cars Made in 1936

The mid-1930s were a fascinating period for automotive design and engineering. Despite the lingering effects of the Great Depression in many parts of the world, car manufacturers continued to push boundaries, creating vehicles that blended elegance with emerging technologies, setting the stage for future decades of innovation. This era saw a diverse range of models, from high-performance luxury machines to practical family transport.

Diving into this specific year offers a unique snapshot of the global auto industry. Our comprehensive list features an impressive 51 Cars Made in 1936, showcasing the remarkable breadth of production, from the exquisite Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 to the reliable Wolseley 14/56. For each vehicle, you’ll find essential details organized by Manufacturer, Country, and Production (units) in the list below.

What was unique about cars produced in 1936?

Cars from 1936 often featured more streamlined aesthetics than earlier models, moving away from boxier designs towards more integrated fenders and grilles. Technological advancements included improved independent front suspension systems, hydraulic brakes becoming more common, and increased focus on interior comfort and noise reduction. It was a transitional year, bridging pre-war luxury with emerging practicalities.

Which countries were major car manufacturers in 1936?

In 1936, the United States remained the dominant force in automotive production, with giants like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler leading the way. Europe also had significant contributions, with Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy boasting strong domestic industries and renowned luxury brands. Japan was also beginning to establish its presence, though on a much smaller scale compared to Western nations.

Cars Made in 1936

Images and Descriptions

Ford V8

Mass-market V8-powered Ford family car in 1936 that helped popularize affordable V8 performance for American buyers.

Ford Model Y

Compact British Ford sold through the mid-1930s; practical, economical city car popular in Europe.

Chevrolet Master Deluxe

Chevrolet’s comfortable mid-range saloon with updated styling and widespread sales in 1936.

Chevrolet Standard Six

A more basic, affordable six-cylinder Chevrolet offering popular with budget-minded buyers in 1936.

Lincoln-Zephyr

Streamlined luxury car introduced in 1936 that brought aerodynamic styling to the American luxury market.

Dodge Deluxe (1936)

Mainline Dodge family saloon with rugged construction and competitive pricing in the mid-1930s.

Plymouth Deluxe

Reliable and affordable family car that helped Plymouth compete strongly in the 1936 market.

Chrysler Airflow

Boldly aerodynamic full-size car that pioneered wind-tunnel styling but had mixed commercial success.

Packard One-Twenty

Aimed at the affluent middle market, the One-Twenty combined Packard prestige with a more affordable price in 1936.

Buick Special

Mid-priced Buick offering smooth inline-eight power and upscale features for its class.

Hudson Terraplane

Lightweight, sporty-sounding Terraplane that offered solid performance and value in the mid-1930s.

Nash Ambassador

Spacious, well-appointed Nash flagship with comfortable ride and conservative styling.

Studebaker President

Studebaker’s top-line passenger car known for solid engineering and distinctive styling.

Duesenberg Model J

Ultra-luxury performance car with exquisite coachwork and one of the most powerful engines of the era.

Packard Twelve

Ultra-luxury V12 Packard offered to wealthy buyers seeking refinement and smooth power.

Cadillac Series 60

Entry-level Cadillac that brought modern styling and V8 power to luxury buyers in 1936.

Mercedes-Benz 170 V

Compact, rugged Mercedes introduced in 1936 that became a best-seller for prewar Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz 260 D

Historic: one of the world’s first series-production diesel passenger cars, built in 1936.

BMW 326

Solidly engineered four-door saloon introduced in 1936, signalling BMW’s growing presence in executive cars.

Opel Olympia

Modern compact saloon with unitary body construction and popular sales across Europe.

Fiat 500 “Topolino”

Iconic tiny city car introduced in 1936 that made motoring affordable for many European families.

Fiat 508 Balilla

Small, economical car popular across Italy and export markets, representing typical 1930s European mobility.

Lancia Artena

Well-built Italian compact luxury saloon with advanced engineering for its class in the mid-1930s.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2900

Hand-built high-performance sports car and racer prized for advanced chassis and supercharged engines.

Bugatti Type 57

Elegant, hand-built grand tourer and sports car combining advanced engineering with bespoke coachwork.

Delahaye 135

French sporting saloon and chassis popular with coachbuilders for stylish custom bodies and strong engines.

Citroën Traction Avant

Groundbreaking front-wheel-drive family car with unitary body and modern handling, widely sold in 1936.

Peugeot 402

Aerodynamic French saloon with integrated headlights and modern coachwork, emblematic of 1930s styling.

Simca 5

Tiny economy car launched in 1936 under Fiat license, similar in concept to the Topolino for French buyers.

Renault Celtaquatre

Small Renault family car sold in the mid-1930s known for practicality and conservative styling.

Austin Seven

Extremely influential small British car that provided inexpensive mobility throughout the 1930s.

Morris Eight

Popular compact British family car introduced in 1935 and widely available in 1936.

MG TA

Small, two-seat sports car launched in 1936 that revived MG’s affordable sporting tradition.

SS Jaguar 100

Lightweight roadster introduced in 1936 prized by sports-car enthusiasts.

Riley 12/4

Refined British saloon offering sporting character with comfortable appointments for family motoring.

Rolls-Royce Phantom III

Top-tier luxury V12 saloon offering bespoke coachwork and opulent appointments in 1936.

Bentley 4¼ Litre

Traditional British luxury and performance, offered with a selection of coachbuilt bodies.

Sunbeam-Talbot Ten

Compact, stylish family car from the Rootes Group that appealed to middle-class buyers.

Hillman Minx

Popular family car in several body styles, widely sold in Britain and export markets.

Aston Martin Ulster

Lightweight sports racer and road car known for competition pedigree and small production numbers.

Toyota AA

Toyota’s first production passenger car, introduced in 1936 and marking Japan’s early automotive industry growth.

Daihatsu Type 15? (Early compact)

Small passenger cars produced by early Japanese firms in limited numbers and available in 1936.

Simca-Fiat models (Italy/France)

Various small passenger cars built under Fiat license and marketed by Simca starting in 1936.

Graham-Paige 1936 models

American mid-priced cars offering distinctive styling and straight-six engines in 1936.

Studebaker Dictator (and President)

Mainstream Studebaker family cars sold through 1936 offering modern lines and competitive pricing.

Nash Lafayette

Nash’s compact luxury offering known for comfortable ride and economy-oriented engineering.

Pierce-Arrow Model 160

Hand-built luxury car for discerning buyers; one of the traditional American prestige marques still active in 1936.

Humber Snipe

Substantial British saloon offering comfort and durability for family and official use.

Standard Flying Twelve

Well-regarded British midsize car increasingly modernized by the mid-1930s.

Austin 10

Practical and affordable small family car, a backbone of British motoring in the 1930s

Wolseley 14/56

Comfortable British saloon offering light luxury and traditional styling in 1936

Cars Made in Other Years