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BF Exclusive: 1940 Ford DeLuxe Sedan

Finding a classic car that has eight decades under its belt but only had two owners is a rare treat. However, that’s the story behind this 1940 Ford DeLuxe Sedan. It served as reliable transport for its original lady owner before she parked it in the late 1950s. The current owner purchased and revived the car, and after forty years in his care, he has decided to reduce his collection. Therefore, he has listed the DeLuxe for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. It is located in Essex, Connecticut, and the turn-key survivor could be yours for $15,000.

When the original owner decided to pension off this classic in favor of a newer model, it seems that she may have still held a significant soft spot for the car. Rather than consign it to some damp or leaking shed, she left it parked in her garage. That’s where the current owner discovered the DeLuxe, and this strategy helped it remain so nicely preserved. This old Ford is loaded with character and would be the perfect vehicle for someone searching for a genuine survivor. Its Garnet Maroon paint glows, and apart from what appears to be some minor repaint work, it is original. The panels have a few minor marks and bruises, but these are more than acceptable when considering this car’s age and originality. The big news with this classic is its lack of rust. There is evidence of surface corrosion, but nothing that has penetrated the original Ford steel. A couple of glass pieces have begun to cloud around the edges, but the rest is in good order. The chrome sparkles in the sunlight, while the foglights and rear fender spats are nice touches. Rounding out this exterior is a set of whitewall tires that add a further touch of class to what is already a classy vehicle.

This Ford is an eighty-one-year-old unrestored survivor, so it would be fair to expect some wear on its interior trim. There are a few spots that indicate the car’s age, but the trim looks pretty remarkable. There is wear on the carpet and some typical minor marks on the door trims, but the overall impression is extremely positive. If I were to buy this car, I would fit some floormats to protect the carpet from further wear, and then I’d leave it undisturbed. It has survived so incredibly well that I would not want to change it. The mohair and vinyl seat upholstery looks wonderful and inviting. While there are no rips or tears in evidence anywhere inside this car, there is some wear in spots. In this case, I would be inclined to find some high-quality slipcovers for the seats to protect that original upholstery. The floormats and slipcovers would help to preserve this car’s originality for another eight decades. I believe that the trim has the potential to last that long if treated with the same level of respect that it has received from its current owner. The dash is excellent, as is the wheel. The original owner liked her touches of comfort, so the DeLuxe is equipped with a factory radio and heater.

There’s nothing like lifting the hood of an older classic to reveal its original engine. This is especially true when the motor in question is Ford’s iconic 221ci flathead V8. These powerhouses produce 85hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. In today’s world, 85hp might seem a modest figure. In 1940, that number was up there with the best of them. It made these Ford’s some of the most effective long-distance cruisers of the era, and their bulletproof nature means that plenty remain in service today. The engine bay of this old Ford presents well, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. When the seller discovered the car, it had been sitting for many years. He carefully revived it but was mindful of retaining as much originality as possible. He has recently installed a new exhaust, treated the engine to a tune-up, and performed some work on the hydraulic brakes. He slips behind the wheel when this old girl is cold, gives it a touch of choke, and that wonderful flathead roars straight into life. He says that it accelerates quickly and that it will effortlessly cruise at 60mph all day. The brakes feel solid and reassuring, while the car tracks straight and true.

There’s no doubt that if treated to a light cosmetic restoration, this 1940 Ford DeLuxe Sedan could be a stunning vehicle. That would be a tempting path to follow, and I suspect it would be the one that many of our readers would choose. However, there are also many reasons why retaining it as-is would be an attractive proposition because it should still turn heads. If you liken it to a Hollywood celebrity, it has been allowed to age gracefully. It hasn’t been nipped, tucked, and Botoxed within an inch of its life. It carries its original survivor tag like a badge of honor. I would be inclined to treat the surface corrosion to prevent deterioration, but I wouldn’t touch another thing. This classic doesn’t need it.

Comments

  1. Avatar AutoArcheologist Member

    Thanks for the great homage Adam! I’m in the same boat, I’d keep her as she sits. Although I’m sure rather tempting for many to restore her, as she presents a very solid foundation, I’d get in and enjoy her as she is, with, as you mentioned, some minor protective measures. I’d be hard pressed not to change over to a dual exhaust to let that V8 breathe out a little better.. and of course to hear and feel the wonderful rumbles of the flathead V8.. very distinctive.
    I’m representing this car for the owner/collector who is letting her go, so any questions, I’ll jump in as soon as a I can with an answer.
    Thanks!

    Like 17
  2. Avatar bobhess Member

    No logical reason to do anything to this car but I do like the idea of the dual exhausts. Not only do you rarely see the 4 door cars but finding a ’40s car in this condition is even more rare. Nice!

    Like 12
  3. Avatar RKS

    Now here is an actual survivor. Anyone who would treat this to a “light cosmetic refresh” is an idiot. This ol gal tells her stories just the way she looks right now.

    Like 17
  4. Avatar Richard Kirschenbaum

    1940 Ford line. A styling masterpiece, that entire 1940 Ford lineup. Not a detail out of place.

    Like 12
  5. Avatar Stevieg

    I want it! I wouldn’t change a thing with it either. She is gorgeous!

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Merrill Newman

    What a jewel! Loaded with original accessories, too; fog lights appear to be the correct “Unity” brand, possibly Ford script. Cowl mount mirrors, wing tips, grille/deck guards, inner trim rings. Plus an original complete hot air heater! Hard to find, these days. Great buy!!

    Like 7
  7. Avatar John C.

    Really nice original car! well worth the asking price, I had a 40 Coupe so I’m aware of what I’m looking at. Plenty of pictures too, so just buy it and trailer it home. It might have heat but not the 40 hot water heater I had, they are super hard to find.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Joe Haska

    Merrill is right ,he knows from experience. The price of this car is very reasonable in regard to its condition. The Elephant in the room is it is a 4-door and the skirts don’t do it any favors. 40 Fords are just great drivers, I have had stock ones, almost stock with a SBC V-8, to stock running gear and one with a SBC V-8, At, Curie 9 in, A/C and the all had one thing in common even though they all were different. They were all a blast to own and drive, and trust me I drove them allot.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Johnny C.

    I LIKE it! This lil’ gem would receive a polishing and be driven regularly if it were mine. Alas, no room for it prevents me being the next care taker.

    Like 3
  10. Avatar Wayne from Oz

    At first I thought I was looking at a Lincoln Zephyr with a 40 Ford Deluxe grille, because the spats make it look longer.

    Like 3
  11. Avatar AutoArcheologist Member

    Thanks for all the great comments!
    This ad has certainly garnered a LOT of interest for her.

    Like 3
  12. Avatar Rod

    I feel like coming over from Europe to grab her ! 😍 Splendid specimen.

    Like 2
  13. Avatar tony t

    “Skirts”, in the ’50s … not “Spats”.

    Like 1
    • Avatar AutoArcheologist Member

      All depends on what side of the water you’re standing…

      Like 2
  14. Avatar Allen

    This car has so much character intact, I’d had to see any of its originality lost. That interior is beautiful!

    Like 2

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