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What cars came out in 1935

Several landmark cars debuted in 1935 across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including the Chevrolet Carryall Suburban, Ford’s 1935 V8 lineup (Model 48), Chrysler and DeSoto Airstreams, Packard One-Twenty, Auburn 851 Speedster, Opel Olympia and P4, Peugeot 402, Delahaye 135, Fiat 1500, BMW 319, Horch 853, Škoda Rapid, Volvo PV36 “Carioca,” Datsun Type 14, and British introductions such as the Morris Eight, MG PB Midget, and the SS 90 sports car. These models marked advances in mass production, streamlining, mid-market luxury, and the early shape of modern family and utility vehicles.

How to interpret “came out in 1935”

Automakers in the 1930s often launched “model year” cars late in the prior calendar year, while others unveiled new nameplates at major motor shows with deliveries following months later. The list below focuses on vehicles first introduced, announced, or placed on sale during the 1935 calendar year (and notes where a model was unveiled in 1935 with deliveries beginning in 1936). It highlights true new nameplates and major series debuts rather than routine trim updates.

United States

America’s 1935 launches mixed breakthrough body concepts with pivotal mainstream models that reshaped their brands’ fortunes.

  • Chevrolet Carryall Suburban (1935) — Early all-metal, truck-based wagon; a template for the modern SUV.
  • Ford V8 (Model 48) (1935) — Heavily restyled range (Tudor, Fordor, Coupe, Roadster, Phaeton) around the flathead V8.
  • Chrysler Airstream (C-6/C-8) (1935) — More conventional companion to the Airflow, crucial to restoring Chrysler sales.
  • DeSoto Airstream (S-1) (1935) — Streamlined styling in a mainstream package, offering a steadier alternative to the Airflow.
  • Packard One-Twenty (120) (1935) — Mid-priced straight‑eight that dramatically expanded Packard’s market.
  • Auburn 851 Speedster (1935) — Iconic boat‑tail performance model, emblematic of 1930s American design.
  • Plymouth PJ (1935) — New series with updated styling and broader body choices in the value segment.

Together these cars signaled a shift toward more aerodynamic styling, broader body standardization, and new price points that kept brands competitive through the decade.

Europe

Germany and Central Europe

German and Central European makers leaned into modern construction and broader market coverage, from budget cars to prestige flagships.

  • Opel Olympia (1935) — Mass‑market unitary (monocoque) body; promoted ahead of the 1936 Olympics.
  • Opel P4 (1935) — Affordable small car that expanded Opel’s reach below the Olympia.
  • BMW 319 and 319/1 (1935) — 1.9‑liter upgrade to the 315, with a sporting roadster variant.
  • Horch 853 (1935) — Grand touring luxury model famed for its elegant cabriolets and coupes.
  • Škoda Rapid (1935) — New mid‑size line sitting above the Popular, offered in multiple body styles.

These introductions spanned the market, from accessible motoring to coachbuilt luxury, and showcased advances in body engineering and straight‑six refinement.

France

French marques emphasized aerodynamics and sporting prowess, with designs that would define the late‑1930s aesthetic.

  • Peugeot 402 (1935) — Streamlined sedan with faired‑in headlamps behind the grille; set the look for Peugeot’s range.
  • Delahaye 135 (1935) — Versatile sporting chassis underpinning both competition (135S) and celebrated coachbuilt tourers.

From mass‑market to haute couture, 1935 French launches combined style-forward design with mechanical credibility.

Italy

Italy’s most consequential 1935 debut modernized family motoring with clean aerodynamics and refined road manners.

  • Fiat 1500 (1935) — Advanced streamlined six‑cylinder with independent front suspension; a technical leap in its class.

The 1500 previewed postwar Italian priorities: efficient aerodynamics, smooth engines, and balanced handling.

United Kingdom

British makers brought out both attainable family cars and focused sports models, while a future brand identity quietly took shape.

  • Morris Eight (Series I) (1935) — New small car aimed at the heart of the UK market.
  • MG PB Midget (1935) — Successor to the PA with a larger 939cc engine; agile, affordable sports motoring.
  • SS 90 (1935) — Limited‑build sports car from SS Cars; precursor to the famed SS 100.
  • SS Jaguar 2.5‑Litre Saloon (unveiled 1935) — The “Jaguar” name first appeared on this new saloon; deliveries followed in 1936.
  • Singer Bantam (1935) — Compact, value‑oriented saloon broadening Singer’s lineup.

These models spanned the UK’s motoring spectrum and, with the first use of “Jaguar” on an SS saloon, foreshadowed a pivotal brand transformation.

Nordics

The Scandinavian take on streamlining arrived with a distinctive luxury‑leaning fastback.

  • Volvo PV36 “Carioca” (1935) — Streamlined executive car inspired by contemporary American design trends.

While produced in modest numbers, the PV36 signaled Volvo’s design and engineering ambitions ahead of its postwar surge.

Asia

Japan’s budding auto industry registered a significant milestone with a new small car that scaled production and exports.

  • Datsun Type 14 (1935) — Updated small car that became one of Japan’s early series‑produced export models.

The Type 14 helped establish Datsun (Nissan) in both domestic and overseas markets, setting a course for rapid growth.

A note on 1935 redesigns versus true debuts

Many cars on sale in 1935 were evolutions of earlier models. Notable 1935‑model updates included Ford’s restyled V8 lineup and GM’s wider adoption of all‑steel “turret‑top” bodies, while Chrysler’s Airstreams provided a conventional counterpoint to 1934’s radical Airflow. Some performance and luxury lines also introduced new series or body styles without constituting entirely new nameplates; where relevant, this article prioritizes first‑time introductions and clearly notes unveilings with later deliveries.

Summary

The 1935 model year saw foundational launches across segments and continents: practical utility (Chevrolet Suburban), mainstream revitalizers (Packard One‑Twenty, Chrysler/DeSoto Airstreams, Ford’s 1935 V8s), aerodynamic family cars (Peugeot 402, Fiat 1500, Opel Olympia), and high‑prestige or sporting icons (Auburn 851 Speedster, Horch 853, Delahaye 135, MG PB, SS 90). Together they mark a turning point where streamlining, new manufacturing methods, and broadened price ladders reshaped prewar motoring.

What was the popular car in 1935?

Model 48
“In 1935, Ford introduced many engineering improvements that enhanced both the performance and durability of its pioneering V-8 engine introduced a few years earlier. The engine would power many of Ford’s models including the Model 48, which became the best-selling car in America in 1935.

Did they have cars in 1935?

Registrations 44 Percent Higher Than in 1934
During the first 6 months of 1935, companies and individuals purchased from motor-vehicle dealers 1,461,940 new passenger cars and 254,063 trucks, paying for these vehicles a sum estimated at approximately $1,460,000,000.

What was a popular car in the 1930s?

The 1932-1935 Graham Blue Streak was a trend setter for the American auto industry during the Depression-era. Its cutting-edge design and performance made the Blue Streak one of the most popular cars at the time.

What did a new car cost in 1935?

A new car in 1935 could cost anywhere from under $500 to over $700, with prices varying significantly by make and model, and some sources reporting the average delivered price around $850. For example, a basic 1935 Ford V-8 Coupe was about $495, while a more expensive 1935 Plymouth P2 Westchester Sedan was $765, with the typical Deluxe Sedan being $680. 
Here are some examples of 1935 car prices: 

  • Ford V-8 Coupe: $495
  • 1935 Plymouth P1 Business Coupe: $510 FOB Detroit
  • 1935 Plymouth P2 Westchester Four Door Sedan: $765
  • 1935 Plymouth P2 Deluxe Four Door Sedan: $680
  • Hudson Eight: $760
  • Average price for a new car: $853.17

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