- Genuine “real deal” car with period modifications
- Sleek and stylish body lines of the Coupe
- Base version was most desirable with hot rodders
The Coupe was a real looker
The ’40 Ford DeLuxe Coupe sat on a 112-inch wheelbase, had a shipping weight of 2,791 pounds and cost $721 brand new, as a three-passenger version with no back seat, but a large package shelf instead. There was also a slightly more expensive model with a flip-up rear seat, but the base version was most desirable with hot rodders. With their clean lines they were attractive automobiles even stock, and when given some custom touches, such as a simple addition of full hubcaps and whitewall tires., the 1940 Ford Coupe was a real looker, becoming a highly popular vehicle with car enthusiasts all through the 1940s and ‘50s, as well as today.
They used these cars for transporting illegally distilled alcohol in their huge trunks, with more jugs hidden away in the rear seat area and passenger’s side floorboard.
The story behind this DeLuxe Coupe started back in the late 1940s, when teenaged Paul, would hang out by the “Sweet Shoppe” Candy Store and admire with great interest a certain Bright Orange DeLuxe Coupe parked there. The car was legendary in and around the area and Paul would find himself totally mesmerized while viewing this Ford, and with good reason as it was the genuine “real deal” car with period modifications, including custom paint, custom upholstery, a pair of spotlights and a hot-rodded Flathead V-8 mill. The sleek and stylish body lines of the Coupe combined with the flashy orange hue made it—along with its modifications—the talk of the town with hot rod lovers.
Paul was now relocated to the Southwest and he was helping a pal gather metal tubing to build some car show-type stanchions, and while at a warehouse a group of old cars was discovered. Low and behold one of them was a 1939 Ford DeLuxe Coupe! Well, after some inquiries the answer came that the car was not for sale, however, a new lead came from that shop that there was another 1940 Ford DeLuxe Coupe, that was being offered for sale by a guy that just didn’t have the time for it anymore.
The body was brought down to bare metal and expertly prepared for painting by a shop that normally specialized in high-end European automobiles, a family operation is highly respected for its quality work. The “QC” man at the shop was the grandfather, and with all his years of experience, coupled with the talents of the son and grandson plus the other employees, they got the panel fit, bodywork and, that happened as a result of “Grandpa” having the crew go over the car four different times to insure top quality. It isn’t easy to find a shop with that much dedication, and one walk around the car, day or night, shows the degree of straightness the various body panels have.
This car was unbelievable, it was straight, never hit, and rust-free inside, outside and underneath. A registration card in the glove box stated it was bought new and registered in Phoenix, Arizona, in March of 1940, and never leaving the area. The paint on the car was still in decent shape and there was just a small ding in the rear panel below the decklid. After charging the battery, the old Ford started right up and with some air added to the tires, it was roadworthy! What would make a better start for a cool hot rod project than this car, and in such great condition?
1956 Olds hubcaps and wide-whites are the rolling stock choice, only done on 15-inch diameter rather than the stock 1940 Ford’s larger 16-inch rollers. H78-15 Broadway “Multi-Mile” tires were sourced. Besides these classic wheel covers, the seller added a set of very valuable 1956 Dodge Lancer wheel covers as well!
These cars are an important part of American automobile history and it’s great to see a good-looking “survivor” like this example, which still gets loads of attention everywhere it goes, from car enthusiasts both young and old.
