Vehicle Description
For the 1940 model year, Ford's new Model 01A and 022A debuted with
handsome styling courtesy of the company's brilliant chief designer
Eugene T. "Bob" Gregorie. The signature of the new Ford lineup was
its V-shaped grille with horizontal bars and pronounced forward
hood that was inspired by the Lincoln Zephyr of 1936. Now firmly in
the modern streamlined age, headlights were fully integrated into
the fenders, and placed in the outboard position on both Deluxe and
Standard models. This gave the new Fords a fresh and decidedly
modern look that would see them into the late 1940s. Mechanically,
the new Ford was a natural evolution of earlier models, with the
venerable "flathead" V8 in 85 horsepower specification fitted to
the majority of cars sold - though this would be the final year the
smaller V8-60 would be available for buyers. Ford offered the cars
in both Standard and Deluxe trim, the latter featuring a more
stylized grille, "Deluxe" emblazoned hubcaps, and a more
comprehensively equipped interior with additional instruments and
signature sand-beige two-tone paint to match the steering wheel. As
before, Ford offered buyers a wide variety of two and four-door
bodies, convertibles, and even a wood bodied station wagon. The
company would continue to accommodate commercial buyers as well,
offering the Panel Delivery in both standard and deluxe trim.
Today, the Panel Delivery is one of the rarest of all Ford Deluxe
body styles of the era. This 1940 Deluxe Sedan Delivery is an
attractive example of this stylish and exceptionally rare pre-war
Ford, wearing a nice quality older restoration in the period
correct shade of Mandarin Maroon. Just over 4,000 of these pretty
Sedan Deliveries were built in 1940 and sadly, most of them were
run into the ground as they served their purpose as hard-working
tools for commercial duty. Furthermore, once they were cast aside,
their V8 engines were often scavenged by hot rodders, so only a
scant few survive today in original condition. Thankfully, this
cherished example was kept for three decades by a family from North
Dakota before moving into two important collections of early Ford
V8 cars, followed by a collector of vintage cars and memorabilia.
Along the way it was treated to a sympathetic restoration and it
remains in largely factory correct condition today. The maroon
paint is very strong, with good bodywork and factory appropriate
panel fitment all around. Chrome bumpers, wheel trims and other
bright work such as the headlight trims and grille are all in very
good condition. Steel wheels wear correct Deluxe-script hubcaps and
wide whitewall tires. Along with the body, the interior was well
restored and it presents in excellent condition, with high quality
grained leatherette upholstery as original on the seats and door
panels. It also features matching upholstered side panels and
load-floor carpeting in the cargo area. This being a commercial
car, the equipment is limited, but it does include its original
radio, as well as the correct Deluxe-trim steering wheel, switches,
window winders, clock and gauges. Under hood presentation is
excellent with the 85 horsepower flathead V8 appearing extremely
well-detailed with correct branded radiator hoses, correct type
clamps and hardware, original oil-bath air cleaner and the proper
dark green paint on the block and heads. Overall, this handsome
Ford Delivery remains in tidy and attractive condition, ready for
use as a head-turning promotional vehicle or simply for enjoyment
at your local cruise night. The Sedan Delivery may have been
intended as a humble commercial vehicle, but thanks to the efforts
and unique vision of both Edsel Ford and his chief stylist Bob
Gregorie, the Sedan Delivery was every bit as beautiful as its
passenger car stablemates.
