They don’t make them like they used to. That’s a line that we hear so often, and it could refer to almost anything that we find in our daily lives. However, I can’t imagine driving a new car out of the showroom today and finding that it continues to wear its original paint in 2103! This 1939 Ford De Luxe Coupe has achieved the equivalent of that type of feat because it still wears the paint that graced its panels when it first rolled off the production line. The owner took possession of this classic more than 40-years-ago, but he has decided that the time is right to part with it. The Coupe is located in Elk River, Minnesota, and has been listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. The owner has set the sale price at $25,000.

This Ford is finished in Black, and when you consider the age of the paint, the shine that it holds is pretty impressive. There’s no doubt that a cosmetic refresh would have it sparkling like a new penny, but if the buyer chose to drive it unchanged as an original survivor, there would be no shame in that. The rubber running board covers have deteriorated, but the steel beneath is solid. Replacement covers are easy to find, and high-quality sets generally cost under $300. The original paint is only the starting point with this classic because it is also completely rust-free. That means it has no immediate needs, and retaining the car as-is remains a viable proposition for those who feel that a project build is not for them. The owner has removed a few exterior trim pieces, but those are included in the sale. He also includes a significant collection of pieces, including bumpers, trim, and chrome. Some of the pieces are NOS items, and locating them today can be a battle. That is further good news for potential buyers.

The “original survivor” theme continues when we turn our attention to this Ford’s interior. Once again, it has no immediate needs, and the buyer could retain it as is. The upholstery shows some of the wear and marks that can develop in these materials over the years. Still, with no rips or significant holes beyond a couple of small areas of minor edge wear, there’s nothing that would demand immediate attention. As with the exterior, the owner holds a wide selection of interior parts that he includes in the sale. These include a NOS speedometer and gauge set, along with various knobs, switches, and window cranks. There is also a genuine ’39 heater, a rebuilt original 1939 radio, and a wiring harness for the rear lights. As we progress through this listing, the collection of parts becomes more impressive.

Turning our attention to all things mechanical, the Coupe is powered by its original 221ci flathead V8 hooked to a 3-speed manual transmission. With 85hp on tap, the De Luxe was a pretty spritely performer when new, and they remain quite reasonable today. However, the strength of these old flathead V8s didn’t lay in their outright power figures but their impressive flexibility. With 155 ft/lbs of torque on tap, these cars could pull strongly from low revs in high gears. That means drivers weren’t forced to row through the transmission in heavy traffic if they didn’t want to. This old Ford is in sound health and is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. Once again, it comes with a fair collection of mechanical components, including rebuilt carburetors and replacement fuel pumps.

The next owner of this 1939 Ford De Luxe Coupe will have some decisions to make. Thanks to its lack of rust, it has no pressing needs with the body or frame. The significant collection of spares is a bonus, while its unmolested drivetrain and original paint make it a remarkable survivor that the buyer can enjoy immediately. Would you treat it to a cosmetic refresh, or would you allow it to continue wearing its survivor badge with pride?