Many people consider the 1940 Ford to be the finest model that the big blue oval produced before the start of WWII. Here is a chance to own a nice driver-condition 2-door sedan version of this car. Located in Ashland, Nebraska, this car is listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for $12,000. Thank you so much to regular T.J. for sending in this beauty for us to check out!
Many consider the 1932-1940 Ford cars to be some of the best-looking cars designed in the 20th century. This was due to Ford’s first Chief of Design, Eugene T. Gregorie, and Edsel Ford’s vision for Ford in this period. Gregorie was responsible for many of the cars that we desire in this golden age of design. The Lincoln Zephyr and the 1949 Mercury came from Gregorie’s desk, and most of us can agree that these are two of the best designs from their respective periods. All these designs have an understated elegance that never looks outdated.
Unfortunately, this ad does not contain the one piece of information that most of the early Ford guys want to know: what’s under the hood? Does it have the stock flathead V-8, or has something else been swapped in? Based on the video, I would assume it’s the flattie, but it would have been nice to see the pics of the engine compartment. Based on the three pedals, we can assume this Tudor is equipped with a three-on-the-tree manual transmission. It also appears that this is a Standard model, based on the dash and grille, but it does look to have Deluxe headlight rings, which is a common upgrade for these cars. But, I’m sure the true experts will let us know in the comments. Regardless, this car presents as an honest example of a 1940 Ford driver.
For folks wanting to get into a pre-war car, this is an excellent entry point. Or maybe you are looking for an early Ford to cruise around town in, shifting through the gears without worrying about paint nicks or door dings. I personally really enjoy honest cars like this that you can load up the kids and their friends, take them out for some burgers and ice cream, and just plain enjoy driving a car that is 84 years old. I can envision this car with the rear lowered with a reverse-eye spring job, a dropped front axle, straight pipes with the shortest glass packs, and an extra Stromberg on the flattie (if it has one), instantly transporting this Tudor to the high schools of the early 1950s. What is your take on this Tudor? Is this a good price, or would you hold out for a coupe?
The ’40 Fords are good looking in any form. I like the sedans for the clean look, prompting me to buy a ’39 Chevy door sedan to make a street rod out of. Same look, nice and clean. This would make a great restomod.
2 Door…..
I’m out……..not enough doors for the family :>)
Fat fender prewar sedans always pull at my heartstrings. First thing I’d do is get the suspension right then put a big block/auto in it. Get the interior cleaned up and go have some fun.
Agreed but would go small block
Just like the guy in the video, just drive it.
It is a standard. The hood and grille are different between deluxe and standard. Photos don’t show passenger rear but a standard in stock form does not have taillight on that side.
Some do! There were maybe 3 states that required two and any car built to end up there would get two.
This one’s defintely a standard, the headlights are off a Deluxe though. There’s many differences, the instrument cluster is another way.
Dusty, Definitely a standard. You are correct about the headlight rings. Deluxe are chrome, standards are body color. The big difference of course is the hood and grille. Deluxe is totally a new style for 1940. Standards are confusingly similar (but not the same) as a ’39 deluxe. This car has the outer pieces of the grille in body color with a chrome center, just as it came from the factory. Many standards (including mine) have a fully chrome grille. I think that those chrome grilles are aftermarket. Next Wednesday marks the start of my 50th year of ownership. A quick hello to RKS, I’d go small block
Hi Fred!
Thank you!
Stay small block Ford power “302” 4sp. Don’t deface with gm power or auto trany.
I’ll blow your doors off with a 454/turbo 400 lol.
Bob might not get there first but he’ll arrive in style.
It really would have been nice to see engine pics. My ’40 Deluxe Convertible has a 46-48 59 series that was NOS in a Fire Department shop.
Now here’s a story for all to enjoy reading since this car is listed for sale in Ashland, Nebraska.
My late Grandfather owned Ashland Motors (Ford Dealership) during the time that this car was manufactured and sold when new. If this car remained in the area since new, he could have originally sold this car.
I have not contacted the seller to see if there is any known history about this car.
Something else my Grandfather did during the Great Depression was to convince the local farmers to trade in their old “Model T’s” for the much better “Model A’s”. All of the traded in Model T’s ended up in the North Platte River. I remember seeing a few poking out of the river the last time I was visiting Ashland, Nebraska 53 years ago. Boy does time fly by !!
I have had several 40 Fords. One was a Std 2-door just like this, although mine was much nicer. Nice black paint, stock original Mohair interior, Dropped axle, wide whites and a 265 SBC that looked like it was out of a restored 55 and it was. My point is, it was a cool car and I loved it and dove it cross country. When I sold it I found out the best I would do, was break even, 25 K. From experience be it a few years ago, this car at 12 K ,is a bit over priced
Nice Ford, and a really great run-about. Would love to have this one just as it is, but at a quarter of the asking price.
I know where are you going to find another?
Dang