Original Motor: 1940 Ford DeLuxe Coupe
When a classic car has over eight decades under its belt, it is fair to expect it to feature some non-original drivetrain components. However, that isn’t the case with this 1940 Ford DeLuxe Coupe. Its engine bay houses the flathead V8 it received at the factory, and its cosmetic needs are minor. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Blackstone, Virginia. They set their auction to open at $24,000 but have received no bids. It appears to be a No Reserve listing, raising the possibility that someone could become its new owner by submitting a single bid.
The 1940 model year marked the final facelift for a Ford model introduced to an eager buying public in 1937. The world had nearly recovered from the Great Depression, with 367,364 buyers happily handing over their cash in 1940 to own a Ford DeLuxe across its various derivatives. Of those, 27,919 selected the Coupe version. Our feature car is one of those vehicles and presents well as a driver-grade classic. The seller indicates it underwent a repaint in its original Yosemite Green in the 1960s, but they feel it would benefit from a repeat performance. However, its overall shine and lack of glaring faults mean that the buyer could commit to that task at their leisure. They supply limited underside shots that reveal nothing nastier than the occasional spot of dry surface corrosion. That makes this classic rust-free, removing any potential nightmares for potential buyers. The glass, exterior trim, and chrome are well above average for a vehicle of this vintage. The spotless hubcaps, trim rings, and whitewall tires add a classy finishing touch.
Although buyers could order their new 1940 DeLuxe with a choice of two flathead V8 engines, this car’s original owner selected the more powerful 239ci unit producing 100hp. That power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Although performance figures may seem largely irrelevant in a vehicle of this age, the Coupe should be a surprisingly sprightly performer. It should dispatch the ¼-mile in 21.1 seconds before winding its way to 81mph. However, the greatest strength of these motors is their incredible flexibility. With peak torque and more than 75% of the power available below 2,000rpm, the DeLuxe will pull from low speeds in higher gears than most might expect. That means the driver doesn’t need to “row” the shifter to make good progress. The seller states this classic’s drivetrain is original and, apart from an aftermarket air cleaner and an upgraded radiator, it is unmolested. For those craving originality, the seller includes the factory radiator, while finding the correct air cleaner via any of the online auction sites shouldn’t be challenging. For potential buyers, this Ford is a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives incredibly well and is ready to head down the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
If this Ford has a genuine highlight, I feel that honor falls to its interior. Scrutinizing the photos reveals no faults or flaws that would cause its new owner shame. It features its original handpainted dash that presents superbly. The seats show no evidence of wear, and the headliner and carpet are spotless. Aftermarket turning signals are a wise addition, as are seatbelts for improved safety. The seller indicates the interior features a radio to provide tunes on the move, but the photos aren’t clear enough to confirm whether it is a factory unit or an aftermarket addition.
I really like this 1940 Ford DeLuxe Coupe, which offers much to its potential new owner. Refreshing its paint would be straightforward, lifting its presentation to a higher level. However, this is not essential for those wishing to retain the vehicle as a driver-grade classic. Its interior is an undoubted highlight, and its healthy drivetrain means a new owner can immediately revel in the classic motoring experience. I’m surprised there are no bids because recent sales results suggest the opening figure is competitive. Would you consider making a play for this gem? You never know, but today could be your lucky day.
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Comments
I could be wrong on this but I don’t think you could get a 239 in a Ford till 46. Mercury started the 239 in 39. I think this would have come with a 221.
Correct. The 1940 V8s were either 60 or 85 hp and the 85-horse was the 221.
Here’s the problem. Some BF writers lean too heavily on just one online source for the info they put in their posts here. In this case it’s automobile-catalog.com, which only goes back to 1945 but is this writer’s go-to. So what we have here is data for the 1946 models, not the ’40 models. Maybe that computer-simulated 1/4 mile time should be adjusted to reflect the lower hp of the ’40 since it’s actually for the ’46. Or maybe drop those simulated times altogether.
Thank you !
The writer should also not assume all cars were special ordered , especially with items that would have come with the car anyway
I’d be very interested in the 1940 Ford Coupe.
I would be willing to trade a 1966 Thunderbird convertible. for the coupe.
T-Bird is Forest Green needing new paint and a new top.
Please call for details, I live in Sarasota , Fl. and this car is rust free!
My name is Rich
What’s the thingy poking out of the top center of the firewall?
Looks like carb linkage.
I think it is the cold air intake for a Southwind heater. It looks like it has the lid from a can of black spray to cap off the hole. I’ve seen a lot of ’40 firewalls over the years, (including mine), and they usually have the hole in that area covered.
Pretty sure we’ve met Fred. You ever come to Family Affair in Chilliwack back in the day?
I’ve been to Family Affair many times. I’ve kept my nickname even though I no longer live in B’ham.
My dads handle was Skinny. We had a 41 Plymouth sedan with a 440.
RKS, yes, I remember your dad and mom, as well as the “41 Plymouth.
In my 40 Ford that’s the linkage for the choke.
I’m referring to the larger item in the middle with the black lid on it.
This is a cool ride. My idea is build the motor with a super charger twin carbs leave the outside alone. This would be a nice sleeper. 🐻🇺🇸🐻
I don’t blame the author, they may not have had “rumrunners” where he’s from, but to not mention that fact with a 1940 Ford coupe, well, it should be. I believe, this is what’s called a “Business Coupe”, as evidenced by the 2 fold up seats in the back and I believe the back panel to the trunk folds down( or up) too. They were popular with sales people, or travelers, but the biggest draw was it made an excellent illegal booze hauler. The famed race car driver, Junior Johnson claimed, he got his driving skills by driving a modified ’40 Ford Business Coupe to run moonshine. Modified included , 3, 2 barrels, overdrive, and metal bars in the suspension, for extra capacity. With radios in their infancy, it made the cops look silly, as they had nothing that was that fast. All that aside, the 39-41 Fords were the most beautiful, and most of these were raced in the 50’s and 60s. With such a glorious past, it’s amazing this car exists at all.
37s and 38s as well were raced ; at one time, the teardrop headlights were not desirable , and the cars could be had for a lot less money
I had a 40 Ford coupe back in the day, it was a standard with factory radio and hot air heater, it had those 2 seats in the back which I believe were called opera seats. Therefore it was called a opera coupe, a business coupe had a package tray behind the front seat. Nice car!
Hi John, according to “The Ford Barn”, there were only 2 “coupes” in 1940, a “business coupe” and just a “coupe”. The “Opera” part was merely coined that by the public. They claim, the coupe with the 2 jump seats shown here, was the business coupe, and the package tray was just a coupe.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82033
Man, this thing is in REALLY good condition and looks pretty stock, HOW could there be NO bids at all??!!
I REALLY like that style coupe. Only 5 hours North of me in Virginny…..Looks in good enough shape for a fly in and a leisurely drive home! Hmmmmm…….
Gorgeous Car, I wouldn’t mind owning it. Unfortunately my budget doesn’t go that high. I am surprised no one has bid on it. They may wait to the last minute to try for it.
That interior has to have been redone. An 82 year old interior can’t look that good even if it was never used.
Twenty-four grand seems like a good deal for a coupe as nice as this.
Maybe the serious bidders are holding back to “snipe” at the last minute.
But I’m wondering if the market for these prewar cars has aged-out.
There are two old guys (like me) in my car club who have restored ’40 Ford coupes. I don’t see them at the shows anymore. I know one of them has physical issues and will probably quit driving soon.
I called the seller, his name and number is in the fleabay add.
Sounds like a straight shooter.
He told me he bought the car a few years ago frim the original owners family auction and it was handed down to various family members.
He’s 69 himself.
The buyer or owner should paint that voltage regulator cover flat black, would match better. I’m not sure you could restore one of these at today’s prices for 24k, seems like a decent deal.
I bought my coupe a year ago and it could almost be a twin to this one. I was told the color is Acadia Green. Mine has a 1953 Mercury flathead and a Columbia two speed differential, and a LeBaron Bonney leather interior. It’s also been nut and bolt restored.
The posters above are right. This would have come with the 59A 221 ci motor with 85 hp.
This isn’t quite in the class mine is, but the price is also a lot lower. In fact, it’s quite a bargain at th ask.
BTW, I’m 73 and drive mine anytime I can. Also, you have to actually DRIVE these old cars. Gawk around or look at your phone and you could wind up in the ditch.
I love the looks of a 40 Ford Deluxe. I could stand there and look at that grill and hood and fenders for hours. I wish I had the room for it. Five cars is the limit in my HOA. Owner is not asking too much for this car.