Ford’s 1939 Standard Coupe combined aerodynamic styling with affordability. Its sporty, two-door streamlined body style, with teardrop headlights and an Art Deco front grille, was accentuated by a distinctive 5-window configuration. The 5-window setup got its name from five distinct window openings: two main door windows, two smaller rear quarter windows, and one rear window. This look gave the driver and occupants more visibility. Noted as coming from an estate in the Carolinas, this Ford Coupe is now in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, and is listed on Craigslist for $15,000 OBO.
Ford offered a couple of shades of green in 1939, and this dark green exterior looks like it might be Dartmouth Green. The listing doesn’t mention whether this Ford wears the original paint or has any rust or dents, but the photos suggest the body is in excellent condition with a good shine to the paint. Likewise, the interior looks extremely clean and presentable, with a light brown and gray combination that complements the green exterior.
A plus for this 1939 Ford is its original 221 cu in flathead V8, which produced 85 hp. This particular engine was introduced in late 1938 by Ford and is commonly called the “24 stud” engine because it uses twenty-four studs to hold down each head. The seller lists some upgrades here, including a 12-volt conversion, PerTronix ignition, and a new alternator. The seller also says the rear end has been rebuilt with new bearings and a 3.23 ring and pinion, plus new transmission synchronizers for 2nd and 3rd gear.
Overall, this 1939 Ford looks extremely beautiful, and the seller says they invested $35,000 to get the car to where it is now. However, the asking price is less than half the seller’s investment at $15,000. Could this be a smoking hot deal? Perhaps, but it depends on what the seller admits: a bearing noise that starts at about 45 mph. While he says the Ford is drivable, this will obviously need to be looked into. It could be as simple as a worn wheel bearing, a common issue that gets louder with speed, but it could also be something more involved. Could this be a great deal for a collector looking to get a 5-window classic coupe?
Very nice looking car that appears well done. My gut feeling is the seller knows the sound of a rod bearing noise when he hears one and has adjusted the price accordingly. With that being said, still a pretty decent deal.
Looks very nice. “Bearing noise” could have a number of causes, but my first thought would be a wheel bearing based on it being noted at higher speed. That shouldn’t be difficult to fix.
Not especially enamored of the electrical upgrades, though they are becoming more and more common. I’d be tempted to revert to original, and live with any drawbacks. Wouldn’t be my first six-volt car, by any means.
Like yesterday’s Falcon, this is a relatively simple car that an owner can service if so inclined. Parts availability is pretty good as well. And it’s certainly stylish. Very classy.
One of the most beautiful frontends ever designed. This is a steal when comparing other cars and prices from the same era, plus the original drivetrain. I hope it finds a good home.
I don’t think it would be a rod bearing or anything in the engine. That would be more RPM related, say at 2,000 RPM, or 3,000 RPM. 45 MPH would have to be driveline related from the tranny back to the wheel bearings. A 1939 Standard grill, hood and headlights are the same thing as a 1938 Deluxe. A 1939 Deluxe looks more like a 1940 Standard. Now that I have totally confused everyone, it’s a beautiful car at a good price. I would drive it to church just the way it is.
I didn’t get to welcome Christopher to the group, I hope you have as much fun writing these up, as we get reading your submissions. BTW, it has since been sold.
I know it doesn’t look like much to younger readers, but rest assured, this was one heck of a hot-rod in its day. War clouds were looming, but just before that, it was party time, and no better than in a ’39 Ford coupe. This car was the 1st with hydraulic brakes, and properly equipped, could do an honest 100 mph. It left most cars in the dust, even the cops. While drag racing was just beginning, these had a lot of success on the oval tracks. It’s amazing it even survived that. The styling was without question, some of the most beautiful cars. The war seemed to put an end to that for a long time. I know, the stick, shtick, but I truly think anyone that can’t shift a manual, probably wouldn’t even look at this car. The whine is probably the rear axle, especially if it was reworked. Easy fix. No, this car was bought by a grey( or no) hair, that had a rebellious uncle with one, and a fantastic find for them.
Got to get close to the ’39s as a kid hunting for transmissions for my ’32 5 window Ford coupe. Great looking cars but the trans were weak, especially for a stop light drag kid. Ford really had some design guys before and after WW 2 that turned out good looking cars all the way into the ’70s.