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1940 Ford Deluxe news, pictures, and information
| Deluxe Convertible Coupe |
![]() | ![]() | View more photos Convertible Coupe Chassis Num: 5392938 |
The first versions of the V8 were not without their faults. It took a few years to iron out the vehicles problems such as overheating and poor lubrication. Within a short amount of time, the problems were resolved and the V8 quickly etched their way into the market place as a dominant and low cost vehicle that offered more standard horsepower at a lower price than the competition.
In 1933 the horsepower was boosted by 10 and now registered at an impressive 75. That figure was increased by another 10 in the following year.
Throughout the mid 1930's, the styling of the V8 Ford gradually changed, thanks in part to the new president of the Ford Motor Company, Edsel Ford. The most obvious and appreciated change was the grille which became more curvaceous and modern.
In 1939 the cars were reluctantly given Lockheed Hydraulic brakes. The slow adaptation of this technology was due to Henry Ford's reluctance to change. With these new brakes the car was able to stop as well as they were able to accelerate.
This 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible Coupe was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. It was estimated to sell for $90,000-$120,000 and offered without reserve. Many of the pre-war Ford V8 vehicles have been heavily modified in modern times by hot rodders. This is one of the few that have escaped their grips and has remained in original conditions. It has been restored to its factory specifications and is equipped with its original engine and transmission. It is finished in Maize yellow and trimmed with a brown leather interior and brown convertible top. The car has its original heater and a working clock and radio.
This car was offered for sale but was left unsold.
![]() | ![]() | View more photos Convertible Coupe Chassis Num: 5691271 |
At auction, the car was sold, selling just under the estimated value, fetching $60,500.
![]() | Deluxe Station Wagon Chassis Num: 99A-240265 |
The first 'in-house' wagons built by Ford did not appear until 1929 when they were listed in their commercial line. They proved to be very popular and by 1947, Ford had become the leader in wood-bodied station wagons with 16,000 units being produced annually. Most automakers commissioned outside builders and suppliers like Cantrell or US Body and Forging to build their wagons. Henry Ford's obsession with efficiency led him to bring the task in-house.
Assembly of complete wagon bodies was moved to a newly created Ford plat at Iron Mountain in the summer of 1939. The initial intent was to produce 75 station wagons per day. Within a short period of time, the number escalated to 100 units per day and exceeding quality standards.
The role of the wood-bodied station wagons began to change during the 1930s. They became popular on the estates of wealthy customers which helped in gaining distinction. They could often be seen driven by the gardener, chauffeur or tradesman.
By 1939, Ford was offering the wagon as either a Standard or Deluxe model. When Ford introduced their new line of 1940 models on October 6th of 1939, they advertised them as 'the style leader in its price class.' The designs were courtesy of designer E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie who created the elegant streamlined look on the Fords.
Ford offered two powerplants in the 1940 station wagon line. Most of the Deluxe wagons were given the 221 cubic-inch v8 horsepower which had 85 horsepower on tap. This was a necessary unit as the wagons tipped the scale at 3,260 pounds making them the heaviest vehicle available in the Ford catalog. With additional payload and all eight seats filled, the V8 engine would get a very good workout.
A few cars were given a larger, 239 cubic-inch Mercury V8 engine which had slightly more horsepower, at 95 bhp. It is believed that just over 350 examples were outfitted with this powerplant. This 1950 Ford Deluxe Station wagon is one of those examples. It has a black body with varnished mahogany paneling. The inter features leather seats and plenty of room for up to eight passengers. It has an older restoration that still shows well today.
In 2007 it was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California and estimated to sell for $140,000 - $190,000. Those estimates proved nearly accurate, as the lot was sold for $132,000 including buyer's premium.
![]() | Deluxe Station Wagon Chassis Num: 18H5880295 |
The 'woodie' wagons became a status symbol as the cost of wooden bodies soon exceeded those of metal construction. The DeLuxe station wagon remained the priciest Ford offering at $950. A mere 8730 examples were built.
This woodie wagon was the recipient of an extensive two-year restoration that was completed by Alan Vivanco Restorations between 1999 and 2001. It is painted in a deep maroon finish with a correct long grain leather top. The woodwork was restored by Doug Carr of the Wood N' Carr, and was again refreshed in 2007 by David Hawks of Jupiter, Florida. This vehicle is equipped with a chrome grille guard, bumper extensions and a windscreen-mounted radio antenna. There are wide whitewall tires, body color steel wheels, and chrome DeLuxe hubcaps and trim rings.
The interior of this car is light brown leather upholster and rubber floor mats with a two-tone dash, steering wheel, and Art Deco-inspired instruments and controls. There is a standard dash-mounted clock and an optional radio.
In 2008 this 1940 Ford Deluxe Station Wagon was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $100,000-$125,000. Bidding exceeded those expectations, settling at $143,000 including buyer's premium. The lot was sold.
![]() | ![]() | Deluxe Station Wagon Chassis Num: 185851889 |
In 2004, the car was treated to a body-on refurbishing which included a new varnish, new paint, new running boards, and new top material. Much of the interior was left unchanged. The engine compartment has been restored to factory-new conditions and shows about 5,000 miles on the engine. A Columbia two-speed axle, vacuum brake booster, and a 12-volt system were aftermarket upgrades that have been fitted to make the car even more enjoyable. Options on this car include a radio, antenna, dealer-applied hood under-seal, and extendable side-view mirrors.
In 2008, this vehicle was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions where it had an estimated value of $110,000 - $130,000. It was sold for a high bid of $136,400 including buyer's premium.
![]() | Deluxe Station Wagon Chassis Num: 718535978 |
The engine is a Flathead V8 displacing 221 cubic-inches and producing 85 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
In 2009, this car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $200,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $170,500, including buyer's premium.
The Ford DeLuxe was produced from 1937 through 1940. The styling was influenced by Edsel Ford and borrowed many cues from the Lincoln Zephyr. One of the more noticeable Zephyr influences was the oval headlights that were incorporated into the front fenders. Other front-end features were V-shaped grille and vertical bars. The 221 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine was carefully hidden under the sweeping bonnet. The 85 horsepower that was produced was sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission. The four-wheel hydraulic brakes brought the vehicle to a stop.
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