Vehicle Description
1939 Ford 85 Deluxe Fordor Sedan
Ford Motor Company introduced its De Luxe Ford line in 1938 as an
upscale alternative to bridge the gap between its base model,
(usually called Standard), and luxury Lincoln offerings. The
"Deluxe" name was first used starting in 1930 to specify an upscale
trim starting with the Model 40-B and Model 45-B, then later the De
Luxe Ford line was differentiated as a separate "marque within a
marque" with separate styling and pricing through 1940. During
1939, Ford had five lines of cars: Ford, De Luxe Ford, Mercury,
Lincoln-Zephyr, and Lincoln. After the war, this was simplified to
Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln. The 1941 Ford line included "De Luxe"
and "Super De Luxe" trim, but these vehicles were not marketed as a
separate line. As Mercury Eight sales progressed, the De Luxe
approach was cancelled.
For consignment, fully restored in 1973 and kept in the former
owners collection, we give you this 1939 Fordor 85 sedan sporting a
mere 21,437 title verified miles on the odometer. The options
include an 85hp V8, 3-speed floor mounted shift, and a very clean
interior which possibly is original to this car. We see astounding
originality even with the restoration, and this Fordor would make a
fine addition to any Ford collectors garage.
Exterior
Closely positioned to the V styled grille, teardrop headlights
flank the high bulbous hood which has loads of shiny trimming
accenting in the center and on the sides. A shiny chrome bumper
resides below and is fitted with yellow lensed fog lights.
Beautifully sculpted fenders frame wide whites in front and rear,
with a center dog dish cap, and are connected by a rubber topped
running board. A split glass front window surrounded by chrome is
the first of 7 windows you will encounter on this beautifully
designed in art nouveau automobile. The paint shows some cracking
in a few areas and there is wear on the ribbed black rubber of the
running boards. A wonderfully curved early aero rear of this car
sports a split oval rear window, and a large, chromed trunk handle
with a curved bumper below. Teardrop tail lights are on the backs
of the rounded rear fenders, and I would be remiss not to mention
the undulating trim spear at the beltline of the body.
Interior
A full cloth jacket in tan color and it covers a rounded
overstuffed looking wonderful front bench, which has aged
beautifully. This bench sits within a tan cloth tub and on its back
is a pull strap and obligatory ashtray. In the back, another
rounded bench matches the pattern of the front. Door panels are
draped in tan cloth as well and show nicely with chromed accenting.
Upfront a faux wood grained painted metal dash has the nicely aged
round gauges and some beautifully warmed bakelite cream knobs. The
glove box has its standard issue clock, there is an AM radio in
dash central and overall the dash is in nice condition. A large
steering wheel is fronting this dash. A Stewart Warner branded
South Wind heater resides under the dash and above a mohair
headliner in tan color with a few faded stains and splatters is
still hanging in there tightly above. Rubber flooring is nice up
front and in the rear we note brown low pile carpeting. A long
shifter reaches up for the driver's hand.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is another gem in the form of a 221ci Flathead V8
that puts out 85 hp. It has a 2-barrel carburetor and a 3-speed
manual transmission which is also original to this car. The rear
axle weighs in at 3.78.
Undercarriage
Above a very nice X frame we can see what appears to be the
original floor pan. No rust, just some light patina, a clean
exhaust, solid body hangers and rust free transverse leaf spring
suspension. Drum brakes which in 1939 made their debut as hydraulic
vs mechanical.
Drive-Ability
This car starts and runs as it should, with a good clutch, and 85hp
it actually can cruise at highway speeds with some time to get
there. A straight bias free stopper, and what few functions this
has to offer all work save for the heater not blowing. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
From a collector's collection and picked from the masses as one
that has some great options. Low miles, and a very good looking
well preserved car with beautiful styling and overall nice patina
for the paint and interior coverings.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
