Vehicle Description
1942 Ford Super Deluxe
The Ford car was thoroughly updated in 1941, in preparation for a
time of unpredictability surrounding World War II. The 1941 design
would continue in an aborted 1942 model year and would be restarted
in 1946 and produced until 1948 when the more modern 1949 Fords
were ready. During the initial year of this car, it evolved
considerably. The front fenders came in three pieces, the theory
being that small damages could be replaced easily. During the year,
it evolved into two pieces with the lower front and back sections
being joined. The hood risers changed, the early ones being the
same as 1940 Fords, changing during the year to the better later
version.
The 1942 model year lasted only four months before the government
ordered a halt to civilian automobile production starting on
February 10, 1942. So for consignment, an original 1942 Pre War
shutdown Super Deluxe which has gone through the restoration mill
about 10 years ago, the decision was made to stick with the 6 volt
system to retain originality, which this car has aplenty. An award
winning head turner with a Flathead V8 nice paint and new bumpers
it's a nice presentation and a pre war numbers car, which means
there are not a lot of these left.
Exterior
The "electric shaver" grille, 3 part fenders for easier repairs in
case of a mishap, and no running boards are just a few of the
traits that came with this new design. Our example is bathed in
Robin's Egg Blue, has well minded gaps, no rust and fender skirts
and a metal windshield visor with searchlights. Snappy lines all
curves were coming of age and this car is the definition of this
design trend of the early 40's. Plenty of chrome trimmings which
would be done away with during war production, (Ford solved this
problem by using silver paint!), however this car has the chrome
appearing in various areas like the beltline spear, rocker trim,
and mid fender accenting spears. The line of the back of this car
is nothing short of spectacular with its long sloping trundled and
rear glass on either side for the rear passengers emulating the
line of the C pillar. It just has the 40's look that has become
very desirable and even hints at aerodynamic thought, although it
was not a concern in 1942. All finishes are excellent and body
matching wheels wrapped in wide whites and covered in the middle
with the dog dish caps all chromed and we can now say Hee Haw!
Interior
With a swing of the doors we can see efforts were made to retain
its original charm with light blue broadcloth in a dot pattern over
gray broadcloth over gray carpeting for the door panels. Gray
bakelite bezels for all the knobs and levers and shiny levers are
seen. Inside we see the original chairs in a split bench for the
front, and a solid bench on the rear form. Fabric is slightly
soiled but presents well with light blue broadcloth with the dot
pattern in lighter blue inserts and solid light blue bolsters with
piping. All this floating in a sea of gray carpeting. The original
chromed art deco inspired dash in gray metal and lots of chrome
trimming is in front of the large steering wheel with complete
circular horn ring and cloisonne Ford center badge. Nice
presentation for this dash which retains its originality. A gray
felted headliner is above and is nice with no stains and just a few
wrinkles as we get to the bottom of the C pillar near the rear
window and on edges around the doors and windows. A shout out to
the trunk which has also been restored with nice finishing
coverings and a like new spare tire and wheel covering.
Drivetrain
Under the long bulbous hood within the fully restored engine bay in
Robins Egg Blue is a dark blue painted flat head V8 showing 221
cubes with a single 2-barrel carburetor under an original oil bath
air cleaner. A 3-speed manual transmission is on back with a 3.78
rear axle installed in this model. All looking good in chromed
metal hose extensions and black shiny restored bolt ons for this
healthy mill.
Undercarriage
Some light surface rust on the X frame and floorpans as well as
plenty of patina, but solid as a rock underneath on the structural
end. We note some new components for the fuel delivery to the
engine, and a glass pack style exhaust. Transverse leaf springs for
the suspension are on as also are drum brakes on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
Just a solid car and looking great as we were off for the test
drive. This car started right up and ran smoothly, great
acceleration from the Flathead V8, and good cornering. Braking
requires a bit of planning but overall bias free and they work! I
noticed the radio was not working as well as the large clock in the
round in front of the passenger side.
A head turner, nice finish and good job on the restoration of this
vehicle. Pre war car just before the cut off in 1942, you will have
all chromed trimmings, a Flathead V8, fender skirts and 40's design
that drips aerodynamic looks. Time to back in time and enjoy the
simpler things in life, all in Robin Egg Blue glory!
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.
