Vehicle Description
In a showroom lined with six-figure street rods and octane-fueled
muscle cars, there's something to be said about a clean pre-war
classic, like this handsome '39 Ford, that's been restored to exact
its original purpose. Sure, this drop-top's been to shows and, as a
claimed AACA award winner, proven its place among the best antiques
in the country. But as it sits, the car, with its tweaked flathead,
tweaked 3-speed and Dearborn steel body, is undoubtedly built to
cruise and enjoy. So, if you've been shopping for a cool old hot
rod to parade up and down Main Street, it looks like you've found
your next car!
With its wind-swept design and classic good looks, Ford's DeLuxe
series has always been a rare and highly desirable line of cars.
Not surprisingly, gearheads, customizers and 70 years' worth of
dedicated fans have elevated it to one of hot rodding's greatest
cultural icons. And this awesome convertible has, with the help of
a thorough, frame-off restoration, been transformed into one
smooth-driving show queen. The car's build began when its
mostly-solid fuselage was married to a fresh set of NOS fenders.
Once those old school panels were aligned to near perfection,
glossy Washington Blue base was buried in thick and glossy clear.
And today, this slick special is an era-correct road warrior that,
despite being years out of restoration, still looks better than
pretty much every car at any show its owner chooses to attend!
There really isn't much you can do to make a late '30s Ford more
attractive. The model's streamlined styling was a home-run when
originally introduced; and today, it's a stunning example of some
of the strongest elements of the highly regarded Art Deco movement.
At the front of this razor-sharp DeLuxe, a stainless-trimmed hood,
which serves as the focal point of the car's ornate fa�ade, flows
through a seamless, "V8" branded grille into a prominent, pointed
chin. At the sides of that grille, sculpted fenders center
pristine, chrome-trimmed headlights above a curved chrome bumper
that's complete with a blue accent stripe and small, chrome guards.
Behind those fenders, stainless wipers clear like-new glass that's
seated between correct chrome mirrors, an inverted antenna and a
tan cloth top. At the base of those wipers, streamlined stainless
trim parallels stylized door handles, old school bear claws and
traditional, covered running boards. And at the back of the car, a
"Ford" branded deck rides between small steps, a simple fuel
filler, tinted tail lamps and a second, detail-matched bumper.
As the company's final Henry Ford-fueled innovation, the Ford V8
remains a durable, torque-rich powerplant that, thanks to solid
engineering, has established an unmatched reputation in the classic
and custom car community. And, in keeping with hot rod tradition,
this stellar drop-top is powered by a stroked 239 flathead which,
in its current guise, punches the scale at exactly 304 cubic
inches. At the top of the sturdy iron mill, a duo of finned air
cleaners funnels wind through a duo of Stromberg 97 carbs to a
Sharp aluminum intake. At the sides of that intake, Sharp aluminum
heads seat 48 studs around Autolite plugs and tailored and braided
ignition cables. Below those heads, a traditional green block
centers factory internals between correct exhaust manifolds. Charge
comes courtesy of a converted, reverse-mounted alternator, which
powers the car's correct, 6-volt electrical system. And cooling is
provided by a beefy radiator that's fitted with Ford-branded hoses
and modern screw clamps. As with any expertly restored classic,
this Ford's black and blue engine bay is fully sorted and ready to
go. And the clean motor features many cool details like stainless
fuel lines, a fresh Ford battery and a pliable Ford belt.
Take a look under this vintage rag-top and you'll see just how much
the automotive world has changed when it comes to ride, handling
and structural integrity. The car's clean floors, heavy duty frame
and factory-accurate suspension are all veiled in a subdued coat of
Satin Black skin. A correct 3-speed manual, which makes good use of
Lincoln Zephyr gears, transfers power to an authentic, banjo-style
rear end. In front of that drivetrain, a beam axle and transverse
leaf spring remain just as they looked back in 1939. And the same
holds true behind that drivetrain, where a second leaf and second
solid axle maintain height and add some grip. 4-wheel drum brakes,
hydraulically actuated for the 1938 model year, are a welcome
addition and big performance upgrade. There's a traditional,
true-dual exhaust system which utilizes glasspack-style mufflers to
give the flathead its unmistakable voice. And everything rides on
classy, 16-inch wheels that spin fresh 6.00-16 Firestone Deluxe
Champion whitewalls around chrome, "V8" branded hub caps.
This convertible's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out
of pre-war America, complete with supple leather, tasteful use of
wood graining and awesome Art Deco gauges. The car's plush Saddle
cockpit centers on a big, heavily bolstered seat that feels soft
enough to take a nap on. At the sides of that seat, simple door
panels hang painted handles below ornate window frames. At the
bottom of those panels, traditional, round foot pedals front an old
school shifter, heavy duty floor mats and an optional heater. Above
those pedals, a stylish and purposeful dash founds attractive
stainless trim around unique Bakelite buttons. In front of the
driver, a familiar banjo steering wheel frames a "DeLuxe" branded
column. And behind the cockpit, the aforementioned deck conceals a
sunny day rumble seat.
Cool and classic, this '39 Ford DeLuxe is a vision in pre-war
authenticity. You really can't ask for a more impressive blend of
old school style and solid driving characteristics. And you
certainly can't build this nice of a ride for the time or money it
takes to drive out of our RK Motors Charlotte showroom. Ready to
step up to something different? This awesome drop-top is ready to
show and go!
Specs:
304 cubic inch Ford V8
Sharp performance upgrades
True-dual exhaust system
3-speed manual transmission / Lincoln Zephyr gears
Hydraulic drum brakes
16 inch wheels
Original and NOS body panels
Washington Blue paint
Cloth convertible top / Glass window
Saddle leather interior
Optional heater
