A beautifully executed all-steel hot rod with timeless styling and modern drivability, this 1940 Ford Coupe underwent a frame-off restoration completed in late 2024 in Orange County, California. Since completion, the car has reportedly been driven less than 500 miles and presents as a fresh, professionally built street rod that blends classic pre-war Ford design with tasteful performance upgrades throughout.
Finished in deep Jet Black paint with subtle metallic flake that comes alive in direct sunlight, the body retains the iconic lines that made the 1940 Ford Coupe one of the most recognizable American hot rods of all time. The decked trunk lid cleans up the rear profile beautifully, while the all-steel body construction is an increasingly rare and desirable feature in today’s hot rod market. Chrome, trim, glass, and overall fit and finish reflect the quality of the restoration.
Power comes from a strong-running Ford 351 Cleveland V8 paired to a Ford AOD 4-speed automatic transmission, offering an excellent balance of vintage muscle and comfortable highway cruising. The engine bay has been thoughtfully detailed and features an aluminum radiator with electric fan, HEI distributor, custom headers and exhaust system, and a 7-quart oil pan. The battery has been relocated to the trunk and includes a shut-off switch for storage convenience.
The chassis was built with drivability and reliability in mind. Features include a boxed frame, leaf springs front and rear, adjustable shocks at all four corners, and a 10-bolt posi-traction rear end. Four-wheel slotted disc brakes provide confident stopping power, while staggered BFGoodrich G-Force tires give the coupe an aggressive stance and modern handling characteristics. The front wears 235/40R18 tires while the rear is fitted with 255/35R20 rubber.
Inside, the custom leather interior offers a tasteful blend of vintage style and modern comfort. An adjustable front seat accommodates drivers of varying heights, making the car far more user-friendly than many traditional hot rods. The dashboard incorporates a late-1940s Oldsmobile instrument cluster for a unique art-deco appearance and functioning blinker indicators, complemented by a Ford Racing gauge cluster monitoring the performance of the Cleveland V8. Additional amenities include power windows and a CD AM/FM stereo system with subwoofer mounted in the trunk.
This 1940 Ford Coupe represents the kind of build that is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to replicate—an all-steel, professionally restored California hot rod with fresh mechanicals, modern upgrades, and classic styling that remains true to the spirit of traditional American street rodding. Whether destined for local cruise nights, long-distance highway driving, or addition to a serious collection, this coupe offers outstanding presence, performance, and craftsmanship throughout.
