Vehicle Description
1940 Ford Deluxe Business 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. The beneficiary of a frame off
restoration that has netted this car not only an AACA National Sr
win but also a Governor's Cup award at the New Hope, PA auto show,
a best of show at the Buckingham Concours D'Elegance, and a best of
show win at the Heart of Bucks car show to name a few. This is an
excellent condition meticulouslymaintained show ready car that you
can actually drive to any show, anywhere, and has the provenance to
prove it with its 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 horizontally ribbed grille with a
downward sloping V, and a high bulbous hood above. This all metal
car is bathed in Mandarin Maroon 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
black and 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 sultry long sloping trunk lid that appears to be
stretched from the rear glass down to the rear bumper. The handle
in the middle is to actuate the trunk and follows the Art Deco
styling of the era perfectly. All beautifully restored and
utilizing Ford Deluxe hubcaps within centers for the wheel covers
present with thin trim rings just inside the edge. Wide whites are
wrapping these beautiful wheels as bias ply tires in their thin
form all around. This beauty is all accentuated by more teardrop
design for the optional rear fender skirts and split semi-oval
glass rear window.
Interior
Ultra smooth and tight multi-tan colored broadcloth door panels
with some horizontal stitching is providing a background for the
nicely aged Bakelite cream bezels and knobs for the deep brown
painted window crank and door handle. More tan colored broadcloth
for the bench seat which has a split back and enough pads to rival
a couch in your living room. In keeping with the theme, a metal
painted Mandarin Maroon dash is original and fully restored to its
former glory with nice antique white and maroon gauges and cream
Bakelite bezels with a peppering of horizontal ribbing for the
chrome laden speaker grille. This is all fronted by a cream rimmed
by Bakelite steering wheel with a 2 spoke center all shiny and
nice. The floor is covered with an impervious rubber flooring which
presents in light tan and is very clean and high up on the dash is
the Bakelite dressed factory AM radio. 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 a
showroom fresh look, and provides a veritable trip back in time for
any who enter.
Drivetrain
A lift of the Vee shaped hood shows us this car is porting its
original 221ci flathead V8 mill that has been meticulously restored
to its original glory. This flathead mill has been fully rebuilt by
Schwalm's Babbitted Bearings in Strasburg, PA. A single 2-barrel
carburetor setup sits atop andhas its 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. For ease of starting
and reliability the ignition system has been converted from points
to an electronic ignition module, and all the wires, hoses and bolt
ons are all excellent.
Undercarriage
Better than showroom, attention to every detail with a like new
black X frame supporting the Mandarin Maroon shiny floor pans, body
hangers and under running boards. Transverse leaf springs provide
the all around suspension, and coming from the engine area is a
black finished single piped factory style exhaust system. Hydraulic
drum brakes are all around.
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 a 1940
original.
A wonderful example of the baby Zephyr and the general public never
had it so good, with the 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. Expertly restored and fastidiously
maintained with a rebuilt engine has left this car better than new.
All you need to do is write the check and continue winning
awards.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
