1940 Ford Coupe

Description

In a showroom lined with six-figure street rods and octane-fueled muscle cars, there's something to be said about a clean pre-war classic, like this handsome '40 Ford, that's been restored to exact its original purpose. Sure, this coupe's been to big shows and, according to its current owner, proven its place among the best in the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Early Ford V8 Club of America. But as it sits, the car, with its reliable Flathead V8, tough 3-speed transmission and completely unaltered body, was undoubtedly built to cruise and enjoy. So, if you've been shopping for a cool old hot rod to parade up and down Main Street next summer, it looks like you've found your next classic!

FINE SHINE

With their wind-swept design and classic good looks, Ford's early 1940s offerings have always been coveted and highly desirable. Not surprisingly, gearheads, customizers and 80 years' worth of dedicated fans have elevated these cars to some of hot rodding's greatest cultural icons. And this awesome Ford Business Coupe has, with the help of a detailed, frame-off restoration, been transformed into one smooth-driving show queen. At the front of the car's Lyon Blue paint, a stainless-trimmed hood, which serves as the focal point of an ornate façade, flows through a seamless, “V8” branded grille into a prominent, pointed chin. At the sides of that grille, sculpted fenders center blue-trimmed headlights above a curved chrome bumper that's complete with a full outfit of Art Deco guards. Behind those fenders, small stainless wipers clear like-new glass that rides between correct mirrors, a small, roof-mounted antenna and flowing “Ford” scripts. At the base of those wipers, streamlined stainless parallels simple door handles, covered running boards and factory fender skirts. And at the back of that trim, a vertical trunk handle locates a simple fuel filler, cool chevron taillights and a second chrome bumper that's detailed with a second round of Art Deco guards.

FLATTY OUT

As the company's final Henry Ford-fueled innovation, the Ford V8 remains a durable, torque-rich powerplant that, thanks to solid engineering, has established an unmatched reputation in the kustom and collector car community. And, in keeping with tradition, this stellar classic is powered by a correct, 221 cubic inch flathead V8 that, thanks to relatively tame 6.12 to 1 compression, makes roughly 90 horsepower. The antique engine has undoubtedly been rebuilt, and probably looks much better today than when it growled off the assembly line. Aesthetically, the block, which perches a familiar oiled air cleaner and a Ford downdraft carburetor above correct, 24-stud heads, has been painted a traditionally dark hue. There are many accurate pieces like reproduction Ford hoses, a rebuilt 6-volt generator, and a “Ford” branded oil filter. Those pieces are framed in clean, Satin Black fenders. And overall, this coupe's tidy engine bay is a charming and 100% functional step back into a much simpler, and some would say much better, period in American automotive history.

FACTORY SPEC

Speaking of simpler times, take one look under this reliable Ford and you'll see just how much the automotive world has changed when it comes to ride, handling and structural integrity. The car's clean floors, heavy duty frame and factory-accurate suspension are all veiled in slick Gloss Black paint. A correct 3-speed manual still lives behind the rock-solid engine, proving 'simple is good' by doing an excellent job of twisting an authentic, banjo-style rear end. Steering is, of course, manual. Four drum brakes, hydraulically actuated for the 1938 model year, are a welcome addition and a big performance upgrade. There's a fresh, single-pipe exhaust system to give the flathead its unmistakable voice. And everything rides on stainless-trimmed steelies, which spin fresh 6.00-16 Coker Classic whitewalls around gorgeous, “V8” branded hub caps.

FORD FEELS

This classic's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of pre-war America complete with simple fabrics, tasteful use of wood graining and awesome Art Deco gauges. The cockpit centers on a big, heavily bolstered seat that, like the car's side panels, is wrapped in crisp red vinyl. A stylish Briarwood Brown dash hangs attractive stainless trim around unique Bakelite buttons and simple telemetry. In front of the driver, a large-diameter steering wheel frames a “V8” branded column. And behind the cockpit, a fully restored trunk conceals a full-size spare tire beside enough room to haul a week's worth of necessities.

Cool and classic, this retro-chic Ford is a vision in pre-war authenticity. You really can't ask for a more impressive blend of old school style and solid driving characteristics. And you certainly can't build anything this nice for the time or money it takes to drive this car out of our Charlotte showroom. Ready to step up to something different? This awesome coupe is ready to show and go!

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Timeless Ford Business Coupe that's benefitted from a detailed, ground-up restoration
• 221 cubic inch Flathead Ford V8
• 3-speed manual transmission
• Red vinyl interior
• Lyon Blue paint
• Factory heater
• 16-inch steel wheels
• New wide white wall tires
• Bumper guards front and rear
• Fender skirts
• All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
• We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world