1940 Ford Deluxe

This 1940 Ford DeLuxe convertible underwent a full overhaul of its 221ci flathead V8 which included the installation of Offenhauser aluminum heads and intake, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, an aluminum radiator, and an MSD ignition system. The body received a frame-off restoration and a full repaint in Dark Maroon which is accented by amber-colored front fog lamps, chrome and stainless-steel trim, and whitewall tires. A 3-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear, and recent mechanical work includes the replacement of the ignition system and an upgrade to a 12-volt electrical system. Finished in Dark Maroon with a tan cloth top with a reupholstered two-tone tan and ivory vinyl interior, this DeLuxe is now offered with a clear Texas title in the seller’s name.

The DeLuxe lineup launched in 1938 as a mid-range offering between the Ford brand’s entry-level Standard models and Lincoln models on the upper end. This convertible from the final year of the DeLuxe being a standalone model was the recipient of a frame-off restoration and a respray in Dark Maroon, complemented by a replacement manually retractable tan cloth soft top and amber fog lamps. Brightwork includes a three-part grille with horizontal bars, front and rear bumpers with guards, headlight rings, side moldings, mirrors, and badging.

Steel color-matched 15” wheels with Ford Deluxe bright covers are wrapped in newer radial wide whitewall tires, and the braking system features front discs.

The interior conveys reupholstered two-tone tan and ivory vinyl bench seating both front and rear, with a fold-down center armrest up front and color-keyed materials for the door panels, dash, and carpeting. An analog clock is installed at the passenger side of the dash, and additional amenities include an AM/FM stereo, wing windows, sun visors, and a fully carpeted trunk.

Instrumentation is housed within a chrome-rimmed rectangular bezel of white-faced aftermarket gauges, comprised of a 120-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, a digital clock, and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, voltage, and oil pressure. A replacement digital odometer is part of the cluster, and true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The rebuilt 221ci flathead V8 has a “59A” block and was rated at 85 horsepower when new. The list of upgraded equipment includes Offenhauser aluminum heads, an Offenhauser aluminum intake, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, an MSD ignition system, Fenton short-tube headers, and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan. A stainless-steel exhaust system has been added with an under-dash control for a cutout. Additionally, the electrical system has been upgraded to a 12-volt setup, and the ignition was replaced. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a 3-speed manual transmission and a column-mounted shift lever.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.