Vehicle Description
1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible
In the Mid 1930's, 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 low 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. 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 side view round mirrors on
long vertically curling and reaching perches. 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 spider
hubcaps with the iconic V8 badged centers for the wheel covers
present also in shiny silver 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 black LeBaron Bonney canvas convertible top, all
padded with red stitching accenting piping, 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 deep brown
painted window crank and door handle. More coffee colored vinyl for
the bench seat which has a split back and pads to rival a couch in
your living room. 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 has been
meticulously restored to its original glory. A single 2-barrel
carburetor setup sits atop. The carbs have their original oil bath
cleaner on top. On the back is a 3-speed manual transmission, also
original to this car. 3.78 is the rear axle designation, and all
the wires, wiring, hoses and bolt ons are all excellent.
Undercarriage
Better than showroom, attention to every detail with a like new X
frame supporting the white 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
into the original looking and very clean exhaust system. Hydraulic
drum brakes are all around, the first year for said brakes.
Drive-Ability
The flat headed V8 fired right up, and the carb 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?
Early Ford Dearborn Award, AACA Junior and Senior Awards, Grand
National Junior and Senior Awards, AACA Ford National Award
2007
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.