The Model T may have put America on wheels, but it was not its looks that turned it into a best-seller: Henry Ford was concerned about practicality, ease of manufacture, and above all, economy.

The runaway success of the T demonstrated the wisdom of the elder Ford’s approach—at least for a time.

His son Edsel, however, realized that design would be an increasingly important differentiator for manufacturers as the industry matured.

Edsel’s efforts were apparent across the Model A range, but it was with the subsequent Ford V-8s that his vision was fully realized: By essentially scaling up the attractive lines of E.T.

Gregorie’s British Ford Model Y, the automaker was able to offer a range of affordable, yet truly elegant cars (that also benefitted from a modern eight-cylinder powerplant).

This DeLuxe Phaeton is an example of a particularly graceful part of the 1934 Ford catalogue.

Lacking proper side windows and the corresponding all-weather protection, it was destined to have a li...