A Page of Australian Auto Information with a Heavy Accent on Vintage Ford V8s, both Stock and Modified.

NOTE: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data contained herein. Should you be aware of a discrepancy, have more to add, or own a vehicle pictured and want it removed please email me at the address below.

ALWAYS willing to talk cars, email me!

Sorry some of the images are black and white or poor quality. These aren't all that common here either and I'm working on obtaining better pics.
Information on early Ford Utilities (Utes), Slopers (Like U.S. Tudor sedan but with sloping roof) and other "Unique to Australia" bodystyles. Dates, VIN codes, pictures, links and more.

THIS IS MY CURRENT PROJECT, A 1938 FORD STANDARD ROADSTER UTILITY.


. These were manufactured by Ford Australia at their Geelong, Victoria plant from 1928 ("A" Model) through to 1938. Exact numbers produced for these vehicles is not known due to a factory fire that burned all records. Around 300 were produced in 1937 and as few as 12 in 1938, making this vehicle a rare one. The V.I.N. number is 81SD9. 81 indicates 1938 year and standard model, SD indicates open, standard sided delivery (WD indicates well sided delivery, these were as wide as the guards (fenders) just above the rear guards and the full length of the tray) and 9 is it's number down the assembly line. As Ford numbered their bodies consecutively when they entered the assembly line, reguardless of body style, this was most likely the first roadster utility produced in 1938.

1934 FORD COUPE UTILITY

Coupe Utilities (Utes)

Coupe utilities commenced production in Australia in 1934 after an alleged comment to their designer (Mr.Lou Bandt) from his wife. She is said to have asked him "Why can't you make a car we can drive to church on Sundays and go to market on Mondays". A loose quote but it carries the gist of what was said. The resulting vehicle in street rod form is shown above. Sadly this very same vehicle, (not pictured) the original ute, was to claim his life some 60 years later in an accident. It has been restored for the family and I believe is on loan to the Ford Motor Company, Australia. Very few survive today, due in part to their wooden skeletons rotting allowing the metal components to rot on the ground. Chevrolet were quick to take up the challenge and also began production in '34 however theirs was a 3 window body as opposed to Ford's 5 windows. Utes are still being produced by both Ford and GM in Australia today. Below are several other year model Coupe Utilities.


1935 FORD UTILITY


1936 FORD UTILITY

1937 FORD UTILITY

1939 ROADSTER


1940 FORD UTILITY

1946 FORD UTILITY

1946 MERCURY UTILITY (SUPER RARE)

1952 FORD UTILITY

1958 FORD MAINLINE UTILITY


ANGLIAS WERE ALSO AVAILABLE IN BOTH OPEN AND CLOSED VERSIONS


. Ford Australia also produced a tudor sedan from 1938 to 1940, these differed from their American counterparts in the roof from the doors to the top of the boot (trunk).The roof was much flatter, or sloped down much quicker, hence the nickname "Slopers" (pronounced Slope-ers). Doors, rear quarter panels and bootlid were interchangeable between the two. The majority were produced in 1939, with a few built in 1940 and even less in 1938.
1939 FORD SLOPER 1940 FORD SLOPER

. Another interesting though non-related fact for all you non-Australian Ford flathead fans was that we (Australia) had the flathead up until, and including 1954 as I believe, did Canada.

. If you can shed any more light on these or other unique Australian vehicles, especially factual information or photographs, I would be pleased to hear from you. Alternately, if you want more information, feel free to ask.

Chevrolet and Mopar pages are on the way, here's a teaser for you!

This is an Australian, factory 1937 Chevrolet businessman's coupe usually referred to as a sloper in general conversation.

© 1997 rcfield@accsoft.com.au

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