Vehicle Description
1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe
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. Our 1939 example is beautifully
restored and runs to perfection. The power plant has been modified
for extra performance, but the car retains its original look right
out of 1939.
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 Henry
Ford metal car is bathed in Dartmouth Green which is nearly
flawless with panels that have well minded gaps. As we scan to the
back of the long hood, it 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 a trunk lid which gracefully travels downward
matching the rear fender and framed by a small thin chromed bumper
at the bottom. On either side are teardrop taillights. All
beautifully restored and utilizing moon cap 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. Blackwall
radial tires are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Ultra smooth and tight tan colored mohair and carpeting door panels
with some piping delineating the various panels and providing a
background for the nice shiny chromed actuator and window crank.
Tan colored corduroy for the bench seat which has a solid back and
is padded 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 beautifully curved shift lever reached out to the
driver and is topped with a white knob. This interior is dripping
with an aged look, but like new in its presentation. Even right
down to the wind-up clock for the passenger glove box still works,
like well...a clock!
Drivetrain
Some old school hot rod mods have been performed on this power
plant. Starting with the 239ci Ford Flathead V8. Added on is a dual
Offenhauser intake manifold supporting dual Edelbrock 94 2-barrel
carbs. On the back is a 3-speed manual transmission which pushes
the power rearward to a 3.78 rear axle. Seen on the Edelbrock carbs
are nicely polished mini scoops to aid the airflow. All this
polished metal and Navy blue/gray engine block and heads sits
within a beautifully restored engine bay.
Undercarriage
Nearly better than showroom, attention to every detail with a like
new X frame supporting the black shiny stamped floor pans, body
hangers, and under running boards. Transverse leaf springs provide
the all around suspension, and coming from the engine are the
original exhaust manifolds which have pipes that snake rearward
through Cherrybomb exhaust. Hydraulic disc brakes are now upfront,
and the drums are still reserved for the rear.
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. So
smooth and steering seemed so light it could have been powered. A
beautiful driver with effortless shifting and good solid hydraulic
braking.
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 2-door coupe and just what the
doctor ordered as to lucious design and line. A winner gracing our
hallowed halls.
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.