While there is nothing wrong with owning any classic car in showroom condition, some enthusiasts find imperfect vehicles hard to resist. If you are one of those individuals, this 1941 Ford Deluxe Coupe will undoubtedly turn your head. It is a rock-solid classic that runs and drives well. Some people may be tempted to perform a cosmetic refresh, but its lack of rust and other problems means that the next owner could drive it proudly as a survivor. The Coupe is listed here on eBay in Simi Valley, California. Bidding has rocketed to $15,000 in a No Reserve auction. That’s right; the highest bidder is guaranteed to drive off into the sunset in this beauty. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting another great classic.
It is unclear whether this old Ford has ever undergone any form of restoration, but its condition suggests that if it did, it occurred many years ago. The Black paint continues to shine impressively, although it has worn through to the undercoat in a few places. That doesn’t make this car unattractive, but it endows it with plenty of character. Some potential buyers may consider performing a cosmetic refresh, but with no exposed steel that might start corroding, that isn’t an urgent need. The panels are straight, and there are no hints of rust. The seller provides photos of the floors and frame, revealing that this Coupe is rock-solid and as clean as a whistle. The car retains its original chrome and trim, which is in excellent condition. There is no evidence of cloudiness on the glass, and there’s no doubt that this classic would command attention and respect wherever it goes.
Powering this Coupe is Ford’s legendary 221ci flathead V8, producing 90hp and 156 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed manual transmission that feeds the power to the rear wheels. The power and torque figures may seem modest by modern standards, but both occur low in the flathead’s rev range. That makes these motors remarkably flexible, allowing cars of this generation to pull effectively from low speeds in higher gears than you might expect. The news for potential buyers is nothing but positive. The engine bay presents well for a vehicle of this age, and appearances aren’t deceptive. The seller states the Coupe runs and drives exceptionally well, with no vices or nasty surprises. They refer to the car as an original cruiser, indicating it is ready to hit the road for some classic motoring enjoyment with a new owner behind the wheel.
One aspect of this Coupe that needs little is its interior. The wheel features some wear and marks, but excellent restoration kits are available for around $80, which would return it to as-new condition. Otherwise, it seems to need nothing. The upholstered surfaces are spotless, with no signs of wear, physical damage, or other problems. The dash looks beautiful, and the gauges are crisp and clean. The rubber floor mat looks like it could be pretty new because there is no appreciable wear. Someone has added aftermarket turning signals, and while some purists may not agree, this addition is worthwhile on safety grounds.
It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether a classic captures the imagination of enthusiasts when the owner places it up for sale. This 1941 Ford Deluxe Coupe leaves no doubt because it has already attracted thirty-two bids. There is time left in the listing for that total to climb higher, and I believe it will. Its solid nature and originality will almost certainly see the bidding climb beyond $20,000 before the hammer falls, but how much higher is difficult to determine. It has over eight decades under its belt, and I can’t see why it shouldn’t survive just as long if treated with respect by its next owner. That could make it an excellent family heirloom to hand down from one generation to the next. Is that an approach you might consider?
Car deserves fresh paint and a steering wheel rebuild. Just don’t see cars of this era this nice anymore.
While I agree with you that doing cosmetics would be nice, I would be more tempted to leave it alone and drive it as is. Of course I can say that since there is no way on earth I could afford it!
Seems to me the locations of the worn through paint is in somewhat unusual locations. “Usually” it’s the tops and over the top curve of the fenders, the curve of the hood and the center portion of the trunk. Places that are easily wiped while standing next to the car [usually with a dry cloth- causing the abrasion].
Not calling foul, it just seems like weird spots….
It deserves period correct speed parts.
It deserves care and patience with some minor reverberation in places where it counts. I just might clear coat the car to preserve the originality of the car. You know care for it as you might an aged parent, you take them around so they can see and be seen being proud that they are still with us.
My Father had 3 favorite cars during his life, a 1953 DeSoto Firedome, !969 Mercury Marquis, and this 1941 Ford. He bought this just before the onset of WWII when he was 31. My Father was frozen to his job at US Rubber, now known as Uniroyal. He tried to enlist, but was told he was too critical to the war effort. Tire building was a skilled trade, and he was excellent at his work. He drove this car for 8 years until he bought the DeSoto. Rationing made rubber a tough thing to get, but if you worked there it was not a problem. He told me, that this 1941 Ford served him well and rarely gave
him a problems due to the fact he lived close to work. He loved that car because he could always depend on it. I miss my Father and his stories.
Very nice touch, Vance
My father’s car was stolen during WW2 and they then took just the tires and wheels and left the car a few blocks away. He said he was upset because the tires were probably worth more than the car.
Wow! That’s a really nice original car! very rare find today. I had a 40 Coupe, if that was a 40 the price would be double.
To me it would be an absolute crime to paint this..it wears its history proudly and should continue to do so IMHO. I might add some period speed parts that would not effect originality in the fute..Very nice indeed and a joy to see..thanks
I could see me driving this everyday to the grocery, or hardware store. Flatheads need to run, then they last forever. Really a nice car….very reliable.
I’d leave the car just like it is and enjoy driving it. Always liked these early 40’s Fords. Another amazingly preserved beauty from California. GLWTS!
Are you sure that’s a ’41 ? Our ’41 woody had a different grill, dash and motor and it was total original bought from the first owner.
Yeah, if it’s a deluxe why isn’t there any emblems on it??
My mistake in counting the years my Father had his 1941 Ford, he actually had it 12 years before buying his 1953 DeSoto. It was 5:30 in the morning, and I hadn’t had any coffee. Thank you for the compliment about my Father Chasman, he was a great man who never had an enemy, and always had a story.
Slightly off topic but what are the advantages of Optima batteries?
The biggest advantage is they can be installed in any direction even up side down, they are a dry cell like flash light batteries.
My dad had one of these “business” or “salesman’s” coupes when he was in the Navy serving stateside during the Korean Conflict. Back then, he and his buddies hand-pained the body (with brushes, no less!).