Vehicle Description
In a showroom lined with six-figure street rods and octane-fueled
muscle cars, there's something to be said about clean pre-war
metal, like this handsome Ford DeLuxe, that's been preserved to
exact its original purpose. Sure, the car's been professionally
restored and, as a polished representation of Motor City Americana,
continues to prove its place among the coolest antiques in the
country. But as it sits, this Ford, with its reliable Flathead V8,
tough 3-speed transmission and completely unaltered body, was
undoubtedly built to cruise and enjoy. So, if you've been shopping
for a timeless classic to parade up and down Main Street, it looks
like you've found your next car!
BODYWORK/TRIM
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 Ford drop-top, which began life as
an authentic 1940 DeLuxe, has, with the help of a thorough,
frame-off restoration, been transformed into one smooth-driving
show queen. The car's 2010 reboot began with a complete tear down
of its rock-solid fuselage. Once that profile's sinuous panels were
massaged to perfection, Anderson Auto Body of Sturgeon Bay,
Wisconsin laid down a slick coat of single-stage Black. And today,
this sizzling classic 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 an early '40s Ford more
attractive. The car's streamlined styling was a homerun 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 classy drop-top, 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
chrome-trimmed dual-mode headlights above a curved chrome bumper,
which props a "Ford" branded guard behind small bumperettes. Behind
those fenders, polished stainless wipers found like-new glass
between correct mirrors, a Unity spotlight, fresh cloth and an
inverted antenna. At the base of those wipers, streamlined
stainless parallels simple door handles, small "Ford DeLuxe"
scripts and traditional, covered running boards. At the ends of
that trim, a glass backlite reflects a red "Ford V8" emblem, a
vertically oriented trunk handle and a simple fuel filler. And,
opposite that glass, a second curved bumper positions another
"Ford" branded guard and two more bumperettes beneath chevron tail
lamps.
ENGINE
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 tradition, this
stellar Ford drop-top is powered by a familiar 221 cubic inch
flathead that, thanks to relatively tame 6.2 to 1 compression,
makes a solid 84 horsepower. Naturally, the antique engine was
thoroughly rebuilt during the car's restoration, and probably looks
much better today than when it growled off the assembly line.
Aesthetically, the block, which perches a familiar oil bath air
cleaner and reliable Stromberg 2-barrel above correct, 24-stud
heads, has been painted a traditionally dark hue. There are many
accurate pieces like reproduction Ford hoses, a rebuilt generator
and a 6-volt battery. Glossy black fenders, complete with vintage
horns, frame those pieces in a sea of old school bliss. A Mallory
electronic distributor and 6-volt Speedway Motors pusher fan
provide a bit of modern functionality and longevity. And overall,
this convertible's clean engine bay is a charming and 100%
functional step back into a much simpler, and some would say much
better, period in American automotive history.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Speaking of simpler times, take one look under this reliable Ford
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, sand-blasted frame and factory-accurate
suspension have been veiled in a subdued coat of Satin Black paint.
Behind the rebuilt engine, a rebuilt 3-speed transmission spins a
Columbia 2-speed axle. In front of that drivetrain, a sturdy beam
and transverse leaf remain just as they looked back in 1940. And
the same holds true behind that drivetrain, where a second
transverse leaf helps maintain ride height and add a little extra
grip. 4-wheel drum brakes, hydraulically actuated for the 1938
model year, are a welcome addition and big performance upgrade.
There's a fresh, true-dual exhaust system that employs throaty
Dynomax mufflers. And everything rides on color-keyed and
stainless-trimmed steelies, which spin 195/80R16 Yokohama EF1
whitewalls around red-detailed, "FORD DELUXE" branded hub caps.
INTERIOR
The car's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of pre-war
America, complete with simple fabrics, awesome art deco gauges and
tasteful wood graining that was restored by Grain-It Technologies
of Winter Haven, Florida. That cockpit centers on big, heavily
bolstered seats that are supportive and feel soft enough to take a
nap on. At the sides of those seats, simple door panels hang
painted handles below glossy frames. At the bottom of those panels,
traditional, round foot pedals front a heavy duty driver's mat and
requisite passenger carpets. Above those pedals, a stylish and
simplistic dash hangs attractive stainless trim around unique
Bakelite buttons. In front of the driver, a 2-tone steering wheel
frames a chrome turn signal stalk. And behind the passengers, a
fully restored trunk conceals a full-size spare tire inside enough
room to haul a day's worth of necessities.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
Reference book
Restoration photos
Restoration receipts
Extra keys
Cool and classic, this '40 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 anything this nice for the time or money it
takes to drive this car out of our Charlotte showroom. Ready to
step up to something different? This awesome drop-top is ready to
show and go!
SUMMARY
Professional ground-up restoration completed in 2010
221 cubic inch Flathead V8
3-speed manual transmission
2-speed Columbia overdrive rear axle
True-dual exhaust with Dynomax mufflers
Black paint / Tan cloth top
Hydraulic drum brakes
16-inch wheels