Ford’s styling shift from 1936 to 1937 set its competition scrambling. Headlights melding into fenders, and the fenders themselves snuggling ever closer to bodies – the new interpretation of the vehicle resonated powerfully with buyers. Briggs Manufacturing, a Detroit coachbuilder working for many automakers, was responsible for the initial design work; by 1940, Bob Gregorie – fresh from working on the Zephyr and Lincoln Continental – was translating the trend down the scale for Everyman. Though the 1940 Ford, like its predecessors, came in a variety of body styles, the coupes were standouts. Here on craigslist is a 1940 Ford Deluxe coupe, formerly belonging to the seller’s father. The asking price is $20,000 and the car is located in Puyallup, Washington. (While you’re there, stop by the LeMay Auto Museum!) Thanks to T.J. for the great tip!
The original 85 hp 221 cu. in. flathead V8 engine has been replaced with a later, larger Mercury V8, backed with a manual transmission. The seller’s father didn’t drive the car much, though it does run well. The frost of corrosion that comes from long storage is evident in the engine bay. The car comes with spare Offy intakes and extra carburetors.
The Deluxe was developed to straddle the gap between the Standard Ford and the Lincoln. Its appearance, trim, and mechanicals were all slight improvements over the Standard. This dichotomy persisted until a couple of years after the Mercury line arrived, in 1939. This interior is looking only slightly worn, with wear visible on the steering wheel, painted dash, and carpets. The trunk could use refinishing. The headliner is nearly pristine, however. The seller notes that the rear seats fold down.
The coupe’s flowing tail, rounded roof, and generous fenders are as sensual as they came back in the 1940s. Simple touches like the chevron tail lamps, well-crafted trim spear, and teardrop headlamps are enough to make enthusiasts swoon. The seller indicates that his car’s paint is not original and isn’t perfect, but overall, the car presents well. Meanwhile, values are steady despite the demographic drift away from ’40s and ’50s cars. The Ford Deluxe is just special enough to hang on to a huge price range from the mid-teens all the way up to six figures for customs. What do you think of the seller’s asking price – yay, or no way?
Boy, if we lived forever this site would be out of business. Another in the long line of dads cars the kids couldn’t care less about. This is such a cool car, from my perspective, and many others too, I’m sure, always liked chrome reverse with moons but 1 more time for the old Ford coupe. Enough of “us” still kickin’ that would love this car, but not so sure when we’re gone.
Message to heaven: don’t worry dad, you can kick your kids aXX for eternity for selling your pride and joy, but hopefully someone will take of it,,,for now.
As a kid building AMT “3-in-1” model kits, I must have built 7 or 8 of these. When I figured out how to fabricate nerf bars from pieces of the sprue, I built modifed stock car versions based on what I saw at the local speedway. Classic, iconic, groundbreaking, say what you will, it’s hard to overstate the impact this car has had on the hot rod culture.
Wow! How I well I remember that first AMT ’40 Ford Coupe kit. It sold for an upscale $1,50 in the spring of 1960. It was how I first connected the picture with the make and vintage. What a sweet daily driver and cruise nite companion this would be when snow and salt was off the streets. Though I prefer bone stock, I wouldn’t change a thing.
If only my dad would have left me a 40 FORD Deluxe coupe, I could promise you it would still be sittin in my garage to this day. In my humble opinion, the 40 Deluxe front clip is the most beautifulest car design EVER! If I could only go out in my garage and set up a lawn chair with my favorite adult beverage, right in front of my 40 Deluxe and just stare at it for hours, my life would be complete. If I had room for another car I could scrape together $20k and head to Washington and make this car mine. And then I woke up…
I’m with you Woofer. I would just sit and stare at this beauty.
’40 Ford Deluxe coupe is one of the most beautiful cars ever.
It has always had my vote too. I wonder how long it lasted at $20k?
I guess you get criticized if you decide sell a car you inherited because you don’t have time or possibly the ability to keep it on the road. You’ll also get criticized if you keep it, but don’t drive it. It’s always nice when random third parties that know nothing about someone’s circumstances create one out of thin air to push a narrative then post it online like they are arbiters of how someone else should run their lives.
This is a nice looking car. Hopefully it goes to someone who enjoys it, the price seems reasonable.
Steve R
Dang Steve, you pushed the bile to the tip of my tongue this time. Look at Woofers post^^^, spot on. The sad fact is, family heirlooms don’t mean squat today, and I’m appalled this doesn’t stay in the family. I’m not creating these scenarios out of thin air, they are becoming universal. If anything, you are in denial as to how our world works today, possibly for your own monetary gain. I’m positive in a similar situation, my kids would be the same, they really don’t care about what I held dear. Oh sure, out of respect, I suppose, they SAY they care, but if in a similar situation, they would have no use for the car. In favor of my position, the car has been listed for over a week, and no takers. On a smaller scale, be like me trying to sell my grandfathers Packard Cormorant, I could get $300 bucks for that. My grandfather loved that Packard, and I can keep a small part of him on the fireplace.
If you compare two scenarios, the first someone can’t do the car justice by not driving the car so he puts it up for sale trying to find a good home. The second lives in an apartment without a garage, is on a fixed income in an area that suffers from harsh winters with significant snowfall where the car will sit outside year around, there is probably no place to adequately work on the car even if they have tools, they can’t get collector car insurance unless the car is garaged, it will only deteriorate over time, but they won’t sell it. Who is doing the better job of honoring their father’s legacy?
Steve R
You’re exactly right. The week you croak, the kids bring in a large dumpster, and toss out all your prize possessions. Keepsakes, don’t mean diddly to them.
At this stage in my life I’m reducing rolling stock and unused equipment. I have no family and most of the friends with shared interests have passed on. It’s not about the money, it’s about finding someone with a need, interest or connection and I have cut people a really good deal to see something used or cared for. It’s a shame most people don’t have the foresight to settle their affairs while they’re still competent. My Dad was a hunter, I’m not, before he died he offered me his guns, I passed and told him to sell them and spend the money anyway he wanted, no hard feelings on either part, that’s the way it should be.
Yep….good points….and they are passing on a really nice running coupe with a rare flathead power at a great price.
Am I dreaming? A 1940 Ford coupe without a small block Chebby stuffed into the engine bay? There’s still hope for humanity.
I thought the same thing!! 😂😂😂
If anybody ever went to the original ad and read it all the way through, you’d get the story! Son would like to keep the car but can’t do it justice, turning it out at a good price so someone else can have some fun with it. 40’s are a favorite of mine and I love that this still has a flathead.
would almost agree with you Woofer but almost a 3-way tie. The 36 grill and front treatment is a top contender and the 41 Buick grill in it’s flag waving design, especially considering the events of 1941, has to be right in there as well. Anyone agree?
I thought the same thing!! 😂😂😂
I’m pretty sure I want this! Beautiful
I have a 40 Deluxe coupe and have told my wife that while I am still alive, I want to make sure it goes to someone who will appreciate it. None of the kids are interested in old cars and it would rot away. This 40 is worth the asking price absolutely even better with obo. If I did not have mine, I would be going after it.
I also remember building the AMT ’40 Ford model kit. It was black and I built it stock. My passion has always been cars as they were built. That’s why both my classics are original survivors. I too am glad there is not a Chevy engine in this car. Love those chevron taillights.
I sold my 41 Chevy business coupe earlier this year, and have had pangs of regret ever since. But what’s a 74 year old guy with a two car garage, two late model Mazda daily drivers (one for her, one for him), a 66 El Camino built for racing, a 37 Intl D2 half ton pickup in the shop getting a new paint job, and a wife who doesn’t like my antique car hobby/infatuation…what’s he going to do? She’s a keeper, that’s a given. And I’m looking at a 56 T-Bird in California with 99K original miles in immaculate condition as we speak! You tell me…
Lookit those fat-fenders, those sensuous curves. Poetry in motion!
Surprised this hasn’t sold! Decent price.
I showed the picture of this car to my 86 year old snowbird neighbor from Wyoming who winters here in AZ.He bought this exact car in 1955 for $ 150.00 and sold it for $ 350.00 in 1961,he is going to buy a lottery ticket today.
I am surprised that all of you have missed the reason for some sales.
It is “I have lost my mind”.
At age 86, I love the old cars, can’t work on them any more, and have no storage space.
I love all of the comments, even the ones that don’t make sense, such as mine.
Have a great day.
I told my kids that I would buy them their first car. I would spend $100. After completely rebuilding the car, they were allowed to have a driver’s license. Both kids (1 boy and 1 girl) went through the program. And I spend many hours with them in the garage teaching and helping. My son ended up totalling his, but my daughter still has hers currently sitting at my place. It has a place in her heart and will never sell it. I have one interesting car (not yet completed) that I will assume my daughter will keep when I’m gone. My son couldn’t care less.
Good for you. I wish my father would have been more like that. I always wanted a dad who would work with me on stuff but mine never would. I wanted a ’57 Chevy for high school graduation (which at the time could have been had for $600 and I was willing to pay for part of it) but he wanted to teach me self reliance and got a ’57 Belvedere that needed an engine rebuild, the bench seat needed a new cover and the tie rod ends were shot instead. His idea of teaching tho was to make me figure it out and get him if I got stuck.. which I never did. It The car ended up with an older Dodge Hemi in it (which took a few mods to make it work) plus the new tie rod ends and a new seat cover that I had an upholstery shop do, and I put chrome wheels and baby moons on it. I was proud of myself when it was done, but I still would’ve rather had a dad beside me like you were with your kids. To my mind whether your son likes cars or not isn’t important, you showed him what it is to be a good father, and you taught him self reliance at the same time.
My fully restored 66′ Mustang will be sold when im gone,my wife hates the gas and exhaust smell,the one boy lives in a high rise condo in Vegas with only one parking spot,the other boy has a 3-car garage with 4 cars,2 of which are a new Electric Mustang and a 14′ Shelby GT 500 conv.
Back in the mid 70’s I was 8 and my uncle owned the garage up the street. His dad made him sell his T-bucket, so he saved the 327 vette motor and bought a coupe. It was a freaking beast. I was pretty sure over all these years it was a 41 Willys, and I was finally able to put together a 41 Willys pickup.
I called him recently and said “remember that old Willys Coupe you had? Well, I got one now.” He is now in his 80’s and there was a long pause before he finally said “I never had a 41 Willys, but I did have a 41 Ford coupe”. My mistake, other than the grilles the cars are similar, especially to a 8 year old!
I grew up with old Fords. I’m lucky to have owned a 1933 deluxe 4dr, a 36 4dr, a 39 pickup and a 40 picķup. I would have any of them back. I moved on to MG Bs. I have a 67 roadster that I will not pass on. Both children (daughter and son) have their own MGBs. Their friends have no understanding why anyone would want old cars. I have created dìnosaurs.
I cant find a buyer for my 86 year old neighbors one owner 77′ MGB with 75k miles for $ 5,000
I’ll start off by saying that for me a 1940 Ford Coupe is truly one of my all time favorites. I still dream of owning one someday but actually making it happen gets a little bit less likely every year. This is a really nice one and fairly priced IMO. That it resides in Washington State is not surprising. We’ve all seen lots of nice iron from the Pacific Northwest in BF. It’s just too far away from me to make an offer. As far as to what will happen to my old Plymouth when I head to the big junkyard in the sky; my wife and/or son will unload it faster than a rotten banana. I would hope it would go to someone who would appreciate it but the reality is that very few young people are interested in these. And that’s okay. Ya like what like.
The seller’s last line says it all. “He loved this car and I hope it can go to a good home..” I love it too and I’d be tempted just for that reason, but I have my eye (and heart) set on a convertible. As a kid I built a model of one, but they weren’t available as a convertible and I wanted it to be so I cut the top off with a hacksaw and made one. It turned out really good too, I got the paint color close to the real thing by mixing two different colors and I used pipe cleaners to emulate tuck and roll seats.. and voila! I had a very cool ’40 Ford hot rod that won “Best of Show” in my high school model competition. Unfortunately my mother totally destroyed it jsut a few days later when she was cleaning my room and saw the box cover on my headboard, not knowing it was there to keep dust off of my pride and joy, and she flung it across the room along with the car, both of which bounced off the far wall. :-(
My father helped me get my first car running after I had it towed to our front yard. It was a 1935 Plymouth sedan I had paid $15 for. The closest I got to one like this ’40 Ford Coupe was my ’40 Ford 2 door sedan, which had a 340 inch Olds V8 and a three speed manual with a Hurst shifter. I installed a set of suspended pedals operating master cylinders for brakes and a hydraulically operated clutch…but I forgot to install a return stop to keep the pedals from swinging back too far and pulling out the pistons from the cylinders. When I pulled into my dad’s driveway, the piston pulled out of the brake cylinder, and I crashed right through his garage door…where he had closed it off and built a machine shop and a darkroom inside. Splattered tools and precision instruments and chemicals all over the shop. His comment was priceless: “Well, looks like you’re going to be busy for quite a while!” I’ve had tons of cars since then, and I miss them, but I miss him even more.
Cool dad.
My Aunt bought my brother one of these in ’57 that was a all original willow green car that was super nice and we moved from Tennessee to Florida just after he got it and his friends told him it would run faster without the fan and he took it off and melted 2 pistons out of it on the way down there. He sold it and bought a Triumph (650 Tiger i think) motorcycle.
Wish I had that ole Ford!
My favorite writer, Michelle, and my favorite car. I finally bought one four years ago. Paid way more than 20k for it too, but it’s much nicer than this one, and has a Merc flathead too. I have a son in law who absolutely drools over it, so no worries about where it will go. Mine is Acadia green, with a Lebaron Bonney leather interior.
Thank you Larry, for the compliment! You are lucky with that ’40, great color combination, and a passageway to long-term ownership via your son.
There’s no denying the demographic vacuum developing for many cars, but many still have appeal, like this one. A small population of desirables will survive. I wasn’t alive when the Model A was made, but I simply had to have one; it’s part of the DNA of our history. It’s almost more than a car.
I was lucky enough to have a 40 ford standard opera coupe back in the day (rare combination), kept it quite a few years, semi restored it with a rebuilt flathead, it was black and most areas still had the original paint. Eventually sold it to get a 69 Camaro SS project. This is a nice coupe
Flathead,no,noway.unless you just want to look at it or drive around the block.hills freeway’s? Come on now.yeah yeah,I can hear it all now.paper weight.