What’s better than a sleek looking 1940’s coupe? A 1940’s coupe with a flathead V8 of course! This lovely Ford V8 is said to be running, although it needs some work to be driven, and is in solid shape. The seller says it’s original, but admits it has been repainted. I can live with the respray though as the rest of the car looks to be quite original. You can find this Ford here on eBay in Perkasie, Pennsylvania with bidding already over $10k.
These cars gained quite the following in both the bootlegging and hot rodding worlds. They were one of the cheapest V8 powered cars around, so it makes sense that they would be popular with anyone looking to go fast on a budget. The engine in this one looks to be complete, but could benefit from a tuneup and some detailing.
The interior is quite simple with few components to wear out or go bad. I would want to replace the seat padding and upholstery to make it a nice place to sit.
I really like these Ford V8s and this one looks like a nice example. It would be nice to know more about it and its history. For a classic to simply drive and enjoy though, I don’t think you can go wrong with this one!
I’m pretty sure it was THE cheapest V-8, not “one of” the cheapest. There was no other low priced V-8 competitor that I can think of, and of the mid priced competitors, only Pontiac and Oldsmobile offered 8’s and those were inline of course.
Speaking of Oldsmobile, the short lived sister brand, the Viking actually offered for less than a year, in 1931 I think, a V-8 with a single casting for the block. I only learned this recently and had been thinking the Ford Flathead was the first.
Now that I have looked at all of the pictures on E-bay I have to wonder about rust. The running board undersides look to be pretty rusted yet the floorboards look like they might have been sort of undercoated by a transmission or engine oil leak. But, might that just be hiding rust in the floorboards? Or did the oil leak preserve the floors? Probably need an on-site inspection to be sure.
Neat original old Ford, 40 was always my favorite of the early V8s (okay well maybe a ’36 3 window is cooler) anyhow wish it was mine, i would just drive as is (after fixing safety stuff of course)
You know, I can’t remember the last time I saw a ’40 ( or ’41) 2 door,that wasn’t a hot rod. Like seeing a stock ’49 Mercury. Unbelievable find. I wonder what the story was with THIS car?
That is not a 1940 Grill. It is a 1939 Grille.
Yeah, I noticed that too… funny, my ’39 has a ’40 Deluxe grille on it… geuss it was common practice to change them around!
Agreed, Howard, it’s good to see a stock ’40 Ford coupe still with its flathead V8 and original interior. Every time I see these bodies the same features draw my eye—that beautiful integrated grille, the chevron tail lights, and the coupe body itself. I’m glad that it’s bid to decent money with the reserve not met. Maybe the buyer will think that it’s worth keeping it stock.
Hot rods are fun but I hope there are enough ’39 and ’40 Fords–and other years—that are kept original so that in the future people can see what good looking cars they were.
first thing i would do is shorten the tail pipe a little. then i would make it safe and drive it. i too hope it stays stock or close to it. great find
I would make it safe and do a cross country exploration. Avoiding interstates and towing a teardrop camper
In 1950, I bought a very nice 1940 Ford coupe just like the presented one…It was a special car, red with a sun visor, beautiful interior, and a small V8, which could run like , well you know what….Had to sell it, going to Alaska for duty, from Whidbey Island, Wash…I just loved that car, and still have a pic of it…..Clark Farabaugh
It’s a ’40 Standard but that looks like a ’39 Deluxe grill, which fits. Not that it makes any difference to me; I’d run it until someone made me an offer I can’t refuse. Love these cars, as long as they stay stock. I wish I could compete with the bidding…
Prettiest shaped taillights, headlight rims, front fenders, dash, and steering wheel EVER.!!
I think 17k. Is a bit to much, with all that rust. I love these old coupe models, no matter if its a Ford ,Plymouth chevrolet or whatever.
One of my next projekts, i want a Plymouth or Chevrolet, 1940-41.
Just not for 17k.
Can anybody tell witch is best choice also with parts.
Jesper Germany
I have just finish this Renault Fregate 1956. And at the moment im working on Vauxhall pa, but there after i want a US. Car.
Guten Tag Jesper,
Personally I would prefer a Chevrolet over the Plymouth. I would expect parts availability is very similar.
Can we see a pic of the front of your Renault?
Very nice looking car. Agree with above comments, nice seeing one that is not a hot rod.
The “standard ” coupe had only one tail light and no turn signals.
I dont think any ’40’s had turn signals from the factory. My ’40 tudor Deluxe has an aftermarket setup (signal-stat). Mine is original except for 15″ radial tires and a 12 volt conversion with an alternator. I’m a hot rodder at heart and thought at one time of dropping a 500″ Caddy motor & TH400 (sitting on my garage floor!) along with a independent front suspension and parallel 9″ Ford rear & a bunch of modern conveniences, A/C, Cruise ETC. but so far ,,, after 20 years of owning it it is still basically a stocker.
Nice car but the buyer will need to get on that metal work before it gets worse, followed by driver quality repaint. After that work is done than get the mechanics up to speed. If it were mine I’d have the interior redone in a dark brown leather seats with matching coloured fabrics throughout the rest of the interior. I’d paint it navy blue or forest green with black fenders and running boards. The only thing that I thinks is out of whack hear is the price way to much for a rust bucket 5k or 6k tops.
Good ol pennsyltucky….salted roads and sour shoes.
Chevrolet are also cool from 1940-41
What a great bootleggers car!