Vehicle Description
1939 Ford Standard 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 has an
interesting backstory as it was purchased as a graduation gift for
a Mr. Harris. Instead of Mr. Harris driving it daily; he purchased
a second model and this example stayed in his possession until his
passing in 2006. During Mr. Harris' ownership a mere 59,980 miles
were logged on the odometer and now is being offered to you on
consignment by the second owner with a paltry 60,006 title verified
actual miles. Unrestored, mostly original paint, original interior,
and all functions work. This one won't last!
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 beautiful vertical ribbed grille with a downward
sloping V and a high bulbous hood above. This all Henry Ford metal
car is bathed in the original black paint, (except for one fender),
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 and shiny dual wipers. 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. A
single teardrop taillight resides on the driver's rear fender. All
of the chrome is original to the car and presents with a mix of
shine, rust and some delamination. All original and utilizing moon
cap hubcaps with the iconic V8 badged centers for the wheel covers
present also in black for the steel wheels and thin trim rings just
inside the edge. Wide whitewall tires are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Original and smooth 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. These panels present with some overall wear and water
staining, but hey, they're 83 years old. Tan colored broadcloth 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 with nice cream gauges
and mirror-like bezels with a peppering of horizontal ribbing. This
is all fronted by a cream 3 spoke by Bakelite steering wheel with
another V8 badge in the center. The floor is covered with an
impervious rubber flooring which presents in light tan and is the
only non original part of the interior. From this floor a
beautifully curved shift lever reached out to the driver and is
topped with a brown knob. This interior is dripping with an aged
look and is a trip back in time. We rarely see 83 year old original
interiors and this one sure does impress.
Drivetrain
Opening the rear hinged alligator mouth style hood we are met with
somewhat of a rarity. A V8 in 135ci flathead format making 60hp.
All regular maintenance has been completed along with the water
pumps being replaced and the distributor set up. Bolted to the back
of this mighty mini V8 is a 3-speed manual transmission and
handling the power at the tail end is a 4.44 geared axle.
Undercarriage
Patina abounds but no invasive rust is seen, just a smattering of
surface rust on the X frame supporting the black 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 merge to a single
pipe system with a stock style muffler. New for 1939 hydraulic drum
brakes are upfront, and hydraulic drums are also on 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
nicely, and all is functioning very well. A great cruiser with
power when you need it, an original time capsule right out of 1939.
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 its luscious design and line. This nearly all
original winner is gracing our hallowed halls.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
