1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible Coupe 22,206 Miles Bright Red 350 cubic inch V8 3

THIS IS A NO-RESERVE AUCTION, IF YOU BID, YOU ARE BUYING THE CAR!
Flathead Fords have always been a popular way to go fast, but some are more popular than others. For early car guys, the ’32-34 cars are special, but for those who like fat fenders and a bit more of an enclosed feel, the 1940 Ford remains at the very top of the list. A styling home-run with a deep V-shaped grille, teardrop headlights, and proportions that are just about ideal, it should be no surprise why the ’40 Ford remains on many enthusiasts’ must-have list. And if you’re daring to dream, dream big, because a 1940 Ford convertible is arguably the best-looking pre-war FoMoCo ragtop you can own. Traditional hot rod modifications work rather well on the ’40 Fords, but the best are those that leave the styling alone and focus on the hardware underneath, adding comfort and performance without changing the gorgeous look. And that is why we love this 1940 Ford Deluxe convertible so much—all the great looks with modern performance to back it up. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!
First of all, this is a 100% steel car—no ‘glass anywhere. Painting it bright red means nobody’s going to miss this Ford coming or going, and while Ol’ Henry wasn’t terribly fond of expensive red paints, that doesn’t mean it’s not right. Look at this spectacular ragtop from any angle and you’ll be delighted with the things you see. Fit and finish are quite goo, with super straight panels and a deep reflection in the paint, whose shine belies the fact that it’s coming up on 20 years old. All the original Ford styling cues are still in place, including the iconic grille, hood ornament, and stainless side trim, most of which usually gets shaved off by hot rodders who don’t understand the rules about messing with perfection. Heck, this car even has its original bumpers and running boards, which emphasize the pre-war vibe. It has not been chopped or channeled, there are no goofy dated graphics, the original door handles still open the doors easily, and those chevron-shaped taillights are about as iconic as you can get in terms of rear-end illumination. Just about the only thing that gives away the fact that this isn’t your average flathead Ford is the stance and the twin tailpipes peeking out from under the rear valence. If you like the ’40 Ford, this is the rod you need in your garage.
The interior is a mixture of old and new and in-between, which makes it inviting and user-friendly—just get in and go, don’t worry about it. The leatherette seats are probably not original, but they’re not recent, so there’s some wear and tear but the stuff is as tough as iron and should look good for decades to come. There’s a cloth seat cover on the lower cushion just because the leatherette gets a little hot in the sun, and seat belts have been added for safety. New door panels were created and they look right in the upscale Ford’s interior, complete with map pockets and original-style hardware. Ford’s factory dash was retained as well, but there’s a billet insert with custom cream-faced gauges from Classic Instruments and the secondary controls have all been hidden underneath. A modern tilt steering column with a Colorado Custom billet wheel makes it easy to get comfortable without looking too modern and out of place. You’ll note the original radio is still in the dash, but it’s been supplanted by a killer Alpine AM/FM/satellite stereo system cleverly hidden under the dash. Discreet vents handle the A/C and for a traditional touch, there’s a giant Moon accelerator pedal designed for a lakester. The tan canvas top is power actuated and folds itself neatly and hides under a matching tan canvas boot for a trim look. The large trunk is also well finished with carpets and a custom spare tire cover.
Sorry Ford fans, but under the pointy hood is a bulletproof Chevrolet 350 cubic inch V8, the choice of hot rodders since 1955. It’s powerful, reliable, and easy to maintain, and with about 300 horsepower on tap, this Ford is plenty quick and easy to drive. Billet aluminum dress-up parts give it some flash, and there’s a serpentine belt drive system for the accessories to add reliability. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor provides punchy throttle response and the oversized radiator has an electric fan to keep it cool even in traffic. The work is professional, with hidden wiring and plumbing, but it’s not over-done and still looks like a vintage automobile instead of sculpture. Turn the key and it fires easily, idles well, and as I mentioned, pulls the relatively lightweight Ford around with genuine enthusiasm. It’s more a cruiser than a drag racer, but if you want performance that feels right on today’s roads, you can scarcely do better than this.
Underneath you’ll find a chassis that has also been upgraded for the real world, starting with a Fatman Fabrications Mustang II front clip that includes power rack-and-pinion steering and disc brakes. The original frame remains in place, reinforced for the extra horsepower, and painted black for low maintenance. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission snaps through the gears and there’s a Ford rear end with 3.08 gears inside hanging on leaf springs out back. Modern tube shocks all around give it a surprisingly supple ride even with the aggressive rake and the custom exhaust uses a pair of glasspack-style pre-mufflers and larger Flowmaster mufflers to create a great soundtrack that never gets annoying. Auxiliary coolers for the transmission and oil live underneath where they can’t be hurt and the original gas tank was fully restored for use in this rod. Custom steel wheels carry trim rings and hub caps, as well as staggered 15-inch wide whitewall radials.
Extras include a set of fender skirts that really change the look and can be removed or installed in seconds.
This is the kind of rod that gets everything right. The look is pure tradition (but with a bit of a twist), the interior is comfortable and full of comfort and convenience options, and the drivetrain is bulletproof. With 22,206 miles on the build, you know it’s reliable and even though it’s not a trailer queen, it still shows extremely well. If you’re a ’40 Ford fan, you can’t afford to overlook this one. Call today!