82-Year Survivor: 1939 Ford Deluxe Sedan
It’s not often we get to see an 80+ year-old car in original condition that is generally rust-free, and runs and drives, but that is the case here! This 1939 Ford Deluxe Sedan is being offered for sale with a claimed 48,000 miles and is in good operating condition. It’s listed for sale here on craigslist in Vinita, Oklahoma, with a sale price of $17,000. Thank you Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the tip!
Ford introduced the term “Deluxe” in 1930 as a trim level. However, from 1938-1940 it was actually a model in its own right, before reverting back to a trim designation in 1941. As a side note, several noteworthy Ford Deluxe examples that can be found in movies (although they are a newer body style) are the 1947 convertible in the Karate Kid, the 1946 convertible in Back to the Future 2, and a 1948 convertible that was used to create Greased Lightning in the movie Grease.
This example isn’t as flashy as the one in Grease, nor is it a convertible. Instead, it is a pretty basic 2-door sedan that has held up well over time. The exterior of the car has plenty of wear and scratches, but no obvious rust issues. The body panels look to be free of major damage, and except for the front trim on the hood/grill, all the panel gaps still look to be straight. The wheels look to be in great shape as well, and the seller tells us new tires, brakes, glass, and suspension have been installed. The small orange lenses on the front bumper guards are probably nice to have but don’t look original to me. Can any pre-war Ford fans confirm if that was a factory option?
The interior is in surprisingly good condition for the age. There is some minor staining on the seat and some wrinkles on the door panels, but other than that nothing really needs to be addressed. Assuming the next owner intends to keep this car as original as possible, there’s really no need to replace anything inside. There is an aftermarket oil gauge that looks very out of place, although it’s useful info to have. Even though the interior is simple, there is some very elegant design in the steering wheel, the wood dash, and the art-deco gauges.
The engine is listed only as a Flathead V8. A quick online search produced somewhat conflicting data on what engine is most likely to be present, but I believe it’s a 221 cubic inch V8 producing around 85hp. It’s mated to a 3-speed floor-mounted manual transmission. The seller says it runs and drives well, which is great news. Apparently, it has been converted to 12V and a new wiring harness has been installed, which is evidenced by the newer alternator atop the engine. The engine and engine compartment look clean and tidy, and it sounds like enough maintenance has been done so that the next owner can just hop in and enjoy it.
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Comments
Still has a 6 volt battery (3 cell)
Still a 6 volt system.
Good eye Bib
6 volt alternator on ebay for a modal a. 60 amp.
I like this car – the location even looks “old”.
I like it. If it was from the southeast US region I’d be looking for the remnants of a moonshine tank, but not on this one.
Nice! I almost wish the original owner had sprung for Offy or Edelbrock heads and three 97s — plus, just maybe, a Columbia rear — but since they didn’t, I wouldn’t either.
Not going to use the Dreaded P-Word, but this looks like a perfect driver. I’m guessing the amber lights on the front bumper are a pretty recent addition, so I’d look for clear lenses or just remove them. Ditto the alternator, though I understand the reasoning.
Otherwise, do whatever it needs to get running and drive it.
Is this a typical price for a decent ’39 these days?
I,
like Ray would order the same equipment for the engine with duals and glass packs thrown in to complete the old school vibe.
The amber lights would be aftermarket turn signals as evidenced by the turn signal stalk on the left of the steering wheel.
I like it! Some go fast bits on the flathead and some steelies and I’d have the perfect cruiser.
It has a 6 volt battery and most likely a 6 volt alternator. Keep this gem as original as possible. Enjoy it on Sunday drives.
Agree with you Mike
And it looks like a sealed beam conversion behind the ’39 lenses, which is the way to go- keeps the streamlined fender treatment and you can see where you are going at night. And keep the aftermarket (by three decades or so) turn signals, better than sticking your arm out and holding it up vertically to signal a right turn – almost no one will know what you mean – they will probably think you are giving them the finger and try to run you off the road.
You are right about hand out the window turn signals. I get some curious looks from folks when I do this in my 1952 Plymouth. I bought an six volt accessory turn signal and flasher as a winter project. Still can’ t decide whether to tie in to existing lights or add lights.
The original voltage regulator is still there and hooked up too?
Not hooked up. Just left in place. Just need the main output wire hooked up to the internally regulated alt. That’s all. Done it to my 49 GMC.
“how to keep everything original + update for safety”, no?
I like it, but my budget would not allow me to spend this much, as there any many other cars I would like to have at this price point. My High School graduation gift in 1974 was a 1951 Ford custom 2 dr sedan, with the V8 flathead / 3 on the tree. I did the 12v conversion, but left the 6 volt starter, bump the starter button for a second and it was running. I would like to find a 46-48 that needs a drivetrain and use a wrecked fifth generation Mustang as a donor. Maybe some day soon, it is nice to dream every now and then.
In the winter, some Eastern Warshington farmers would use hand/arm signals INSIDE the pickup.