For Sale: 1940 Ford Deluxe in Saint Louis, Missouri

In the mid-1930s, Ford recognized an ever-widening gap between its standard, blue-collar models and luxurious Lincoln range. Whereas General Motors and Chrysler each boasted a wide variety of brands and sub models to suit a broad spectrum of buyers, Ford had just two. To address this, first the Lincoln-Zephyr was added as a steppingstone to the full-blown Lincoln range. In turn, Ford added the De Luxe in 1938 as a separate range placed above the Ford Standard, and finally, in November of 1938, Mercury was added between the Ford De Luxe and the entry-level Lincoln. In essence, the De Luxe was a trim package with additional chrome, nicer materials, sometimes a touch more power, and more equipment - though it was officially marketed as a separate line.
For the 1940 model year, Ford Standard and De Luxe models were updated with handsome new styling featuring a more pronounced prow with a lower, deep V radiator grille flanked by teardrop headlamps set wide in the curvaceous pontoon fenders. Looking lower and wider than before, the design was inspired by E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie's gorgeous Lincoln Zephyr - a very intentional connection. As always, an array of bodies was available, including the handsome 8-passenger "woodie" station wagon. For 1940, the station wagon offered increased passenger space, with De Luxe models getting additional trim, and higher quality finish work to the maple and birch body. Intended as hard-working people carriers but with a nod to country-club style, these Fords often lived hard lives, and the high-maintenance woodwork often suffered. Surf culture in the 1950s and 60s saw a resurgence in their popularity (primarily because they were the cheapest cars that could carry a couple of surfboards!), sparking an entire subculture for car enthusiasts.
Combining classic looks with modern convenience, this fabulous 1940 Ford De Luxe station wagon has been exceptionally well restored and discreetly updated to mild hot rod specs. Previously owned by a collector in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, it was restored to a high standard, with extensive updates beautifully integrated in a way that preserve and enhance the car's original charm.
The exquisite black paint contrasts finely restored woodwork, in oak and birch as original, with the finish quality and detailing executed to concours quality standards. The car sits subtly lower than standard, thanks to Mustang II-style independent A-arm front suspension and a late-model Ford rear axle. The wheels wear Ford De Luxe trim rings and hub caps but are widened to hide disc brakes and accommodate chunky wide-whitewall radials that tuck beautifully under the fenders. Outwardly, the car appears largely unmodified and adorned with period-style details like fog lamps and dual swan-neck mirrors.
Of course, the "Go" should match the "Show" and this car does not disappoint. Under the hood sits a Ford 302 (keeping it in the family) paired with an automatic transmission. The engine is fed by a single 4-bbl carburetor topped with a louvered Corvette-style air cleaner, and equipped with a serpentine belt drive, power steering, air conditioning, and MSD ignition. Ceramic coated headers feed a full stainless steel exhaust system.
The cabin continues the subtly modified aesthetic with beautiful heavy-grain natural leather upholstery on all three rows of seats. A custom dash made by Wabbits Woodworks of Texas houses an array of Classic Instruments dials, controls for the Vintage Air system, and LED indicator lights for the transmission, signals, and other functions. Capping it off is an adjustable steering column with a wood and polished alloy "banjo" style steering wheel inspired by the original Ford De Luxe style wheels of the era.
Superbly detailed and finished to a level worthy of a concours lawn, this fabulous Ford is a stylish, versatile, and eminently usable car that delivers the best of modern hot rodding with loads of pre-war era charm.

Offers welcome and trades considered