Hot Rod Potential? 1940 Ford DeLuxe Coupe
Here on eBay is a car that should start the hot rodder’s heart thumping – a 1940 Ford DeLuxe coupe, sans motor, bid to $10,400 with no reserve. You’ll need a trailer to retrieve it from Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The 1940 Ford DeLuxe is considered the era’s apex of automotive style. Launched in 1937, Eugene T. Gregorie’s redesign of the Ford product became an icon. Modernized with headlights incorporated into its fenders, a forward tilt to the hood and grille axis, and a radical slope from the roofline down to the tail, this is a car that mimics the way a cartoonist draws a fast-moving car. The new Ford wasn’t just a pretty face: it included a more spacious cabin too. The DeLuxe was slotted just below the Lincoln and Mercury but above the Standard. Indeed, it was a substantially different car than the Standard, with a variety of features from the grille and headlamp lenses, to the interior trim and engine meant to set it apart.
This car is advertised as a possible parts car, but the sheet metal appears straight and the seller notes that the frame number matches the VIN. Rust seems minimal, with the worst of it probably lurking beneath the running board rubber. Looks like someone made a modest effort to replace the floors; that’s probably a re-do. Parts are easy to find for these cars and not wildly expensive.
The seats, interior panels, and door cards have been re-upholstered. Looks like that headliner is new too. Note the two sun visors; the Standard came with only one. The DeLuxe should have armrests on the doors; other differences included the latch mechanism for the hood, steering wheel, door handles, the wheels and hubcaps… The DeLuxe also offered the cabin occupants an ashtray, backlit gauges, a floor-mounted dimmer switch, and a host of other ergonomic features that Standard buyers didn’t receive. The DeLuxe motored along courtesy of Henry’s 221 cu. in. flathead V8; the base Standard received the 135 cu. in. eight with only 60 hp which proved unpopular. Standard buyers could opt for the larger V8 however.
The grille is missing a few ribs, but this photo shows the new design element incorporating side vents wrapping around the nose on either side of the grille. Both bumpers and two wipers are present. Provided an inspection can confirm that the decay of rust has been kept at bay, this Ford coupe seems to be a perfect start on a hot rod, without the guilt of ruining a nice factory original. What engine would you choose for this coupe?
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Comments
Unless mentioned, I believe this was called a “business coupe” and catered to salespeople that did a lot of travel. It also was the car of choice for running illegal moonshine, still prevalent in the south. You can have both a hot rod AND a rum runner here. For maximum zing, it must be authentic. Biggest flathead V8( Lincoln?), 3 deuces, a Columbia O/D, and metal bars for shocks. Since radios had a limited distance then, and cop cars were still 6 cylinder Nashes, one could easily out run the cops. Some NASCAR drivers got their start running ‘shine, but aren’t too proud about it. The last thing we need in the world, is another ’40 Ford gasser, amazing it hasn’t got that yet. Period correct hot rod/rum runner is what the future would like to see.
I agree with Howard A. about this Ford. Keep it period correct hot rod. With that Lincoln flat head I would add a blower to it. I seen some set up like that putting over 200 HP . But the Ford is sold and I hope that the person who bought it reads BF and look at the comments. It would be cool being a rum runner! 😄🐻🇺🇸
Already sold.
Yep…AND it’s been listed a couple of times….hopefully found a home…..
Caddy V8 as an option?
Olds Rocket works too
Yes, the Olds Rocket does work in these cars. Classmate had this exact style Ford with the first generation Rocket Olds in it that he “hired” me to drag race with as he didn’t think he had the talent to do it himself. He bought lunch and I drove the car. Would work for food in those days.
My Dad’s best friend used to drag these outta the hills of KY and completely restore them back to original. I have seen much worse cases than this that he brought back to showroom condition. This is a solid start for whatever the new owner chooses.
Put any engine you want in her. As long as it’s a Ford V-8!
289 / 302 / 4.6 is all she needs.
It is not a bad car or price to start with, if you are realistic about what the final cost will be.
A buddy in H/S had one.
Candy apple red, 327
4-sp. Black button tuck interior, Cragar SS wheels wrapped with BFG radials.
That was the pinnacle of cool in the late 70’s for me.
Keep a flathead in it. 49-53 evolution is a better plan. Body looks to be a solid structure. I would have loved to bring it to my garage to keep my 40 pickup truck company!
I’m sure this one is already sold, and it has Custom build written all over its future. A 302 or 351 would fit perfectly in this Ford coupe. Body looks pretty straight too. Good find
Pretty sure the first time around it had an engine and extra parts…..
I doubt too many guys have a flathead 221 or 239 laying around their shop and if they do they are lucky devils. But their are an abundance of later small block V8s that would work just as well in this iconic Ford 40 coupe. With so many choices of great Ford engines to choose from to pair with this Ford car, why would anyone Frankenstein a GM engine into this classic Ford model car?
Why? Ford owners have been doing that for decades when looking for performance😁
The Lincoln V8 suffers from a lack of speed equipment available. My 1940 coupe has a 1953 Mercury flathead in it, which I think makes it the ultimate 1950s hot rod. With the Columbia rear end, it will go a lot faster than I have nerve to try it. In stock form, these don’t handle nearly as well as we all remember. Today, they are perfect for a nice cruise though.
A 1953 Mercury flat head V8 is a perfect match for that Ford of yours. Hopefully someone has the wisdom to do the something similar in this 40 Ford Coupe.
True Ford enthusiasts would never put anything but a well built Ford small block of some sort in this 1940 Ford Coupe. Not hack it up with something else. Keep it all Ford IMO.
Seeing gasser with a blower, after the races to the car club for fun.
I’d love to put a 300 cid Ford inline 6 in there. 4-bolt mains, runs forever.and there is speed equipment available.
Yes, even a 300 inline Ford 6 cylinder is preferable to a SBC, especially with a manual trans in this Iconic 40 Ford Coupe. A small block Ford V8 would be even better, with a 5 speed.