Ford’s 1936 models are considered among the most attractive of the era, thanks in part to a redesign of the front end by Holden “Bob” Koto of Briggs Manufacturing Company.

Koto, whose career spanned nearly 40 years, later helped Dick Caleal design the 1949 Ford and worked for Raymond Loewy on the 1953 Studebaker.

Although the 1936 Ford was in most respects a continuation of the best-selling 1935 models, a number of appearance changes made it seem almost completely new.

Koto gave the car a new hood and grille, the latter with simple thin vertical bars, which were much less fussy than the previous design.

Wire wheels were abandoned for a pressed-steel “spider” design with a wider bolt circle.

Under the skin, a larger radiator aided cooling and the transmission gained helical gears for first and reverse.

Despite these welcome improvements, Chevrolet regained first place in sales.

The 1936 Ford’s clout has arguable outshined its rival in the long run, though.

For more than 50 years...