Vehicle Description
1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible
In the Mid 1930s, Ford Motor Company president Edsel Ford was
beginning to worry about the ever-increasing competition from
Oldsmobile and Buick. Ford needed a car that offered style, comfort
and luxury at a mid-market price, one that could bridge the gap
between top of the line Ford models and the ultra-exclusive Lincoln
K series. The DeLuxe line of upmarket Fords was introduced for
1938, alongside the Lincoln-Zephyr. These new DeLuxe Fords featured
different styling from their standard counterparts, as well as
well-equipped cabins with additional luxury features.
For consignment a "baby Zephyr" in response to the competition
offering up very nicely designed cars looking like more high-end
vehicles. Edsel's response was indeed this car. Its grille was the
first hint, and the remainder of the styling gave homage to the
higher end offerings of the time. This would be the last year for
the rumble seat, and the floor shifter, and the introductory year
for hydraulic brakes. The beneficiary of a frame off restoration
with a mere 8,000 miles since that redux. This is an excellent show
ready car that you can actually drive to any show, anywhere, and
has the provenance to prove it with numerous awards.
Exterior
The first clue to this excellent design is right up front with
those teardrop headlights. These are mounted on the rounded fenders
that flank a beautifully restored vertical ribbed grille with a
downward sloping V, and a high bulbous hood above. Our example also
adds dual large fog lights just above the near perfect curved
bumper and curved guards. This all metal car is bathed in tan
paint, which is nearly flawless, with panels that have well minded
gaps. As we scan to the back the long hood eventually runs into the
dual panel windscreen wrapped by chrome trimmings, shiny dual
wipers, and dual searchlights also in chrome. Long doors float
effortlessly above rubber covered running boards that eventually
turn into another curva-licious fender for the rear. This frames
the pop-up rear rumble seat covered nicely in coffee colored vinyl
and flipping up and down as it should. Just below this seat is the
trunk lid almost appearing stretched from the seat down to the rear
bumper. The handle in the middle is to actuate the seat, as this
car has no trunk. All beautifully restored and utilizing ribbed
moon caps with the iconic V8 badged centers for the wheel covers
present also in body matching tan steel wheels and thin trim rings
just inside the edge. Wide whites are wrapping these beautiful
wheels and bias ply tires in their thin form are all around. This
beauty is all topped by a cream canvas convertible top, padded with
a glass rear window.
Interior
Ultra-smooth and tight coffee colored door panels with some piping
delineating the various panels and providing a background for the
nicely aged bakelite cream bezels and knobs for the window crank
and door handle. More coffee colored vinyl for the bench seat which
has a split back and curves like a bomber style seat. In keeping
with the theme, a metal painted faux wood grain dash is original
and fully restored to its former glory with nice cream gauges and
mirror-like bezels with a peppering of horizontal ribbing. This is
all fronted by a cream rimmed by bakelite steering wheel with a
banjo styled center all shiny and nice. The floor is covered with
an impervious rubber flooring which presents in light tan and is
very clean. From this floor a shiny beautifully curved shift lever
reached out to the driver and is topped with a bakelite knob. This
interior is dripping with an aged look, but like new in its
presentation.
Drivetrain
Sporting its original 221ci Flathead V8 the mill now has aluminum
Offenhauser heads and intake. A dual 2-barrel Edmunds carburetor
setup sits atop. The carbs have custom chromed air cleaner
housings. On back is a 3-speed manual transmission, also original
to this car.
Undercarriage
Better than showroom, attention to every detail with a like new X
frame supporting the black shiny floorpans, body hangers and under
running boards. Transverse leaf springs provide the all around
suspension, and coming from the engine are Red's Headers that flow
through Smitty Mufflers in a bluish green color. Hydraulic drum
brakes are all around, the first year for said brakes.
Drive-Ability
The Offey headed V8 fired right up, and the dual carbs fed plenty
of performance from my foot to the power train. This car drives as
nicely as it looks, and all is functioning very well. A great
cruiser with power when you need it, better than 1939 original.
A wonderful example of the baby Zephyr, the general public never
had it so good, with this ability to look like a high roller by
spending little money. Edsel was a genius, and this created sales
that put Ford back on the map. A convertible with extra mother in
law seating, how can you go wrong?
Original 221ci Flathead V8 and transmission with some extra
upgrades gives it a powerful power train. Nice paint and beauty of
an interior, and a good well-preserved convertible, this '39 is
show ready, and showroom quality. Why not get it and show your
friends, or just drive around and show off, and if anyone
challenges you show 'em who's boss!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.