One of the most satisfying tasks that an owner can undertake when they uncover a classic barn find is to slosh away years of accumulated dust to reveal the treasure hiding beneath. For the next owner of this 1941 Ford Super Deluxe Business Coupe, they will be washing away more than six decades’ worth. The previous owner parked the car in a barn in 1959, and it hasn’t seen the light of day since. It appears to be a solid and complete vehicle that carries the hallmarks of a satisfying restoration project. Located in Sandown, New Hampshire, the owner has listed the Ford for sale here on eBay. He has set the auction to open at $5,000, but there have been no bids at the time of writing.

The seller’s grandfather purchased this Ford from its original owner in 1959 and proceeded to park it in his barn immediately. It has only recently emerged, and below that heavy layer of dust, the news seems mainly positive. The car wears its original Mayfair Maroon paint, although this demonstrates enough deterioration to warrant a refresh. The Ford appears to be complete, with no missing trim or glass. The panels have accumulated some bruises over the years, with the worst visible on the driver’s side rear fender. The tin worm has hit both rockers, but it isn’t clear whether the buyer will merely need to replace the center section. If they wish to err on the side of caution, a complete set of rocker boxes will cost around $420 per side. That doesn’t make them the cheapest rust repair panels, but installing these would eliminate most of this classic’s problems. There is a small spot on the driver’s side just behind the door, but a basic patch should consign it to a distant memory. The underside shots are inconclusive, but apart from heavy surface corrosion, the floors and frame look structurally sound. The chrome trim is restorable, and although the dust makes it difficult to be certain, there’s no evidence of clouding or cracks in the glass.

Apart from rust, one of the greatest enemies of the enthusiast uncovering classics like this is the physical damage and unmistakeable odor that signal rodent infestation. Anyone who has opened the door of a car that has been sitting for decades and has suffered this fate can confirm how unpleasant the experience can be. It is hard to convey the impact adequately, but you can be sure that nobody will produce an aftershave with that scent! Thankfully, Mickey Mouse and his friends have given this Coupe a wide berth, so it has none of those issues. Once again, the interior is complete, and it remains serviceable. The buyer could elect to clean everything and utilize it as a survivor without feeling shame. Returning it to its original glory is an option, but it’s worth noting that it isn’t a cheap one. Complete kits in the correct materials and colors are readily available, but they leave no change from $3,700. If you or someone you know is reasonable with a sewing machine, the existing upholstery could work perfectly as a template for whipping up new trim for a fraction of the cost. With the correct cloth available off the roll by the yard, it may be an option worth considering for those on a budget.

While this Coupe hasn’t fired a shot since 1959, the news isn’t all bad on the mechanical front. The Ford rolled off the line equipped with a 239ci flathead V8 that produced 100hp. The power found its way to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, and while it may lag behind many modern offerings, its ¼ mile ET of 21.1 seconds and a top speed of 83mph both looked good in 1941. The owner indicates that the motor turns freely, and given that these flatheads are as tough as old nails, reviving it without significant work may be possible. If I were to buy this car and plan a high-grade restoration, I would consider treating the drivetrain to a rebuild. The vehicle is 81-years-old, and that course of action should ensure it survives in good health for a similar period before requiring major attention. Another possibility I haven’t raised is a custom build. The buyer could retain the existing motor and add a few period-correct improvements like a different intake, carburetor, and other components. If they did that and kept its factory exterior appearance, it could be a bit of a sleeper. Alternatively, they could go the whole hog on the panels, paint, wheels, interior, and drivetrain to create a classic hot rod that would guarantee turned heads.

This 1941 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe offers a world of possibilities for its next owner. Taken at face value, it looks like it could be a relatively straightforward and satisfying restoration project. However, if someone longed to create a cool custom, its styling lends itself perfectly to that role. I’m surprised there have been no bids, but that could prove to the advantage of one of our Barn Finds readers. If there isn’t frantic action as the auction winds down, somebody could score this classic with a single, well-timed bid. If this classic ticks the right boxes for you, perhaps it would be worth monitoring the listing to see where it goes. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.