Vehicle Description
1940 Ford Standard
VIN: 18570811
Original Henry Ford steel Ford Standard coupe
Edelbrock 350 cubic inch V8 engine with an automatic
transmission
Single 4-barrel carburetor
Custom brown leather interior with memory foam seats
Simple and traditional style hot rod
Long time recent ownership
Ford Motor Company, hitting its design stride, updated its line of
cars in 1937 with a major change - the introduction of two V8
engines. Coming in both the 2.2-liter V8 and the most popular and
recognized 3.6-liter flathead V8 engine, the 1937 Ford was a
refresh of its predecessor. While these cars were redesigned in
1941 and introduced with an inline six, these Ford cars with their
memorable and classic flathead V8s resonated with the public and
made their mark on the hot rod community.
Some of the greatest discoveries are sometimes just complete luck,
and with this Ford Standard luck was just its thing. Discovered in
a paper advertisement, Ed Dwyer was traveling back from a vintage
historic race with his daughter when she read about a Ford Standard
for sale in their car. Driving through the Mojave Desert, the ad
said that the car was stored along their route and the two decided
to pull off and see the Ford. Greeted by a cheery chicken farmer,
the Ford was stored inside of his garage and retained its original
flathead V8 engine. The Ford had been repainted in its current
color, Dwyer bought the car on the spot. What started as a random
advertisement ended up with Dwyer arranging transportation of the
car to his home where the customizing would begin.
With so many hot rods being overdesigned and overmodified, Dwyer
wanted to make a hot rod that was subtle, traditional and
incredibly easy to live with. Once the car arrived, he made plans
of what would need changing. The original flathead V8 engine was
immediately removed and replaced with a more potent 350 Edelbrock
V8 engine fitted to an automatic transmission, complete with a
single 4-barrel carburetor. Air conditioning was required addition
by Dwyer so he could drive in any kind of weather in comfort. With
the emphasis on comfort, he removed the remarkable preserved
factory interior and replaced it with his choice of custom leather.
Dwyer even went the extra distance to make his seats with memory
foam, yielding some of the most comfortable seats that a hot rod
may have ever seen. A set of NOS Desoto bumpers were added. Adding
a set of stealthy black steel wheels with traditional Ford V8
hubcaps and tires that fit perfectly underneath the factory fenders
and giving it a low-slung stance, Dwyer had created his perfect hot
rod. With all of the work put in, Dwyer intended to constantly use
the Standard. While he has said he didn't daily drive the car, he
drove it to endless car shows and to and from work a few times each
week.
When the hot rod arrived at Canepa, the car was inspected from
front to rear and noted that it was in exceptional condition
despite being driven for 10+ years. It was immediately put into
Canepa's system to receive the complete "Canepa Difference"
process, consisting of a full mechanical inspection and complete
detailing. Bruce Canepa took the car out and noted the comfortable
ride and seats along with the mechanicals being in excellent shape.
The car was then moved to the detail department where it received a
full hand washing of its exterior and engine bay and completely
cleaned inside out, along with the entire chassis and drivetrain. A
complete polish to the exterior gave the green paint a luxurious
shine and a new lease on life. All the pieces of brightwork were
given a similar treatment to bring them back to mirror shines. When
done and rolled into the Canepa showroom, the subdued dark green
hot rod looks astounding. With just the right amount of power, good
looks, and a comfortable ride for cruising, this hot rod is a
perfect combination for someone looking to drive their hot rod
often and not having to think twice about it.