Edsel Ford's Restored 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster Returns to Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

February 27, 2012 by Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

It has been 13 years since Edsel Ford's 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster first made headlines when it rolled onto the field at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. The elegant roadster, which was rediscovered in 1999 by the show's founder and Chairman Bill Warner, will return again on Sunday, March 11 to the 17 the annual Concours; this time as part of the collection of the historic Edsel Eleanor Ford House (Ford House) and completely restored to its timeless elegance.

The Speedster's grace, style and somewhat mysterious 78-year history has intrigued automotive collectors, enthusiasts and writers worldwide with its story of a decades-long journey.

Its extensive restoration by award-winning RM Auto Restoration in Ontario, Canada, revealed the stunning, custom made 'one off' as it originally looked in 1940 after its final redesign by Edsel and designer E. T. Gregorie. The revelations uncovered during a year-long restoration have resolved many long-held assumptions about the illustrious vehicle's journey over time. But more than a story of restoration, the vehicle provides a glimpse into the early years of Edsel Ford's design and automotive styling as President of Ford Motor Company.

The Speedster celebrates Edsel's eye for design that began when as a small boy he would take pen to paper to sketch cars as well as everyday objects. 'My grandfather was an early believer that everyday objects - including automobiles - could be seen as works of art,' said Edsel B. Ford II, who along with son Henry Ford III, unveiled the restored Speedster in August 2011. 'While he wasn't a designer in the traditional sense, his eye for styling and influence was apparent as he initiated and built the design department at Ford Motor Company.'

For those that saw the Speedster in 1999 at 'The Amelia,' or when it appeared again in 2001, the return of this roadster is eagerly anticipated as its intriguing journey brings it back to familiar ground.

'I am very pleased to see the Speedster back with the Ford House where it once resided and where it belongs. The restoration of this stunning automobile is outstanding,' said Warner. 'Having known E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie, I know he would be justifiably proud to see it as it was when it was built nearly 80 years ago. It is truly one of the most beautiful and significant cars ever built.'

The Speedster Story

In 1932, upon returning from a European trip, Edsel asked Gregorie, who had previously worked at Harley Earl's GM Art and Color studio, to design and supervise the construction of a personal roadster similar to those he'd seen on the European continent.

---

Trending News

• 68th Annual Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance To Honor Mustang, Miata, Ferrari Challenge and Packard Special Anniversaries on June 23
• The new BMW 5 Series Touring
• BMW Motorrad presents the BMW R20 concept
• Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale: American Glynn Bloomquist Finalizes His Unique Spec
• Stellantis North America Names Thompson as Head of US Retail Sales

---

The first design reportedly disappointed Edsel, who wanted something lower and racier. Gregorie created a more dramatic, streamlined design. This 'continental' roadster may have started with a stock 1934 Ford (aka Model 40) frame, but its subsequent chassis was radically altered. The Model 40 Special Speedster was unlike anything Ford Motor Company had built up to that time.

After Edsel's death in 1943, the Speedster crisscrossed the U.S. and in 1958 was purchased by a U.S. Navy sailor in Florida for $603 ... then it disappeared.

Forty years later Warner discovered the Speedster was still in Florida and purchased it. He conducted minor restoration on the car and displayed it at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 1999 and 2001.

In 2008, Warner sold it to a Texas car collector. Following the collector's untimely death in 2010, the Speedster was acquired by Ford House, the nonprofit historic estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, located in Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich.

Ford House engaged RM Auto Restoration (RM) in Ontario, Canada, to completely rebuild and restore the vehicle, which over the years had alterations made to its grille, engine, paint and interior. During the restoration process RM revealed the stunning, custom-made 'one off' as it originally looked in 1940 after its final redesign by Edsel and Gregorie. The restoration resolved many long-held assumptions about the illustrious vehicle's journey over time.

Since its restoration, the Speedster has appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, Calif, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and in the Lincoln display at the Los Angeles and North American International Auto Shows.

After the Amelia show, the Speedster will continue its journey with appearances at car shows and museums, ultimately returning home to permanent view at Ford House. To follow the Speedster's travels, and view the restoration process, visit www.fordhouse.org.

About The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich., is a place of inspiration and discovery where visitors explore connections to art, design, history and the environment while celebrating Ford Family traditions. The 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster is part of its permanent collection. For more information, visit www.fordhouse.org.

About The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Now in its second decade, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Always held the second full weekend in March, 'The Amelia' draws nearly 250 rare vehicles from collections around the world to The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a celebration of the automobile like no other. Since 1996, the show's Foundation has donated nearly $1.8 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. and other deserving charities on Florida's First Coast. The 17th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is scheduled for March 9-11, 2012. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call 904-636-0027.