Parked For Years: 1940 Ford Tudor

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Our greatest asset at Barn Finds is undoubtedly our readers. Without you, we simply don’t exist. You read our work, praise our success, and correct us when we make glaring mistakes. We always appreciate your input and enjoy featuring many of the classics that you spot in the market. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for discovering this 1940 Ford Tudor. It has spent well over a decade in storage but appears to be a solid vehicle that a new owner could restore or preserve. It deserves a second chance at life, so why not take a look to see if you are up for that challenge?

The story behind this 1940 Tudor is unclear, with the listing suggesting that the seller inherited it from their father, or is selling it on his behalf. They confirm that it has spent over a decade in its current location with its hibernation potentially as long as fifteen years. The Ford’s Black paint hides beneath a heavy dust layer. The seller states they were tempted to hit this classic with a hose, but felt that potential buyers might appreciate the Tudor in its “as-found” state. Therefore, assessing the condition of the paint is virtually impossible. There are shiny spots visible, suggesting that the presentation might be acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle following a liberal dose of the appropriate cleaning products and polish. There are no visible dings or dents, and the dry location makes the chances that this classic is rust-free very high. So far, this Ford shows promise.

Some engines achieve legendary status because of the power they produce, while others are smooth and refined. Ford’s flathead V8 range joins the list via its twin attributes of longevity and versatility. The company unveiled it in 1932, and it remained in production in various forms and capacities until 1953. It was a favorite with those building hot rods because secondhand examples were typically dirt cheap, and extracting significantly improved performance was easy due to the ready availability of parts. This Ford’s 221ci flathead would have sent 85hp and 155 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, making the Tudor an accomplished long-distance tourer. It has hibernated for over a decade, with the seller’s father suggesting a faulty starter was the catalyst for this. It is unclear whether the engine turns, but the robust nature of these motors means that revival may take little effort if the engine is free.

This Ford’s interior is an undoubted highlight. Its condition is exceptional for its age, although I wouldn’t rule out an older restoration as the primary reason why there is no evidence of wear or physical damage. The cloth is excellent, the painted surfaces shine nicely, and there is no significant wheel wear. It appears that a few days of labor in a home workshop with high-quality cleaners would make it shine like a new penny.

The images and information supplied by the seller suggest that reviving or restoring this 1940 Ford Tudor would be straightforward and rewarding. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Simi Valley, California. Their price of $15,000 seems appropriate, especially considering areas like the interior appear to require nothing beyond a deep clean. Washing away the dust will reveal the truth, but if the paint and panels are reasonable, would you preserve or restore this classic?

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Comments

  1. Mike

    Guess the dust will help increase it’s value and authenticate it’s status as a barn find. Would be nice to see it cleaned up. Not a bad price if everything is good. Always loved this bodystyle. I saw one for sale in my area and the metal below the trunk lid was gone along with the floor pan.

    Like 3
  2. Howard A. Howard A.Member

    Well, as perhaps BarnFinds most, um, colorful commenter, at 3am, at least, thanks Adam, that’s a heck of a nice thing to say. Of all the blogs I’ve been to, rarely does the staff say anything nice. We do have a great group, aside from the inevitable Facebook drifters that happenstance on the site, it’s almost like a club, and we’re among people that share our interests, albeit waning. All the writers do a great job, and a tip of the hat.
    The car here, it’s pretty obvious, what people saved over the years. I see a clear pattern, and ’40 Fords have been featured before, simply because it was one of the most beautiful cars, and worth saving. While the price may be normal for Cal., interest in the real world is slowly fading, and these cars won’t sell for a fraction of the asking price, and the persons last line should be an indicator of who we’re dealing with. They didn’t wash it, so it LOOKS like a Barn Find,,,BINGO!!

    Like 14
    • Solosolo UK Solosolo UKMember

      I totally agree with you on all points Howard. They are a great team and I wait with baited breath for “Barn Finds” to pop up on my laptop. I was born in UK, lived in Africa for over 60 years, returned to UK, but just LOVE American cars. My third ever car was, in what was Southern Rhodesia, a 1941 Chrysler Windsor, fluid drive as well. I enjoyed the gearbox as in those days there was no reason to want to do GP starts, though it was a vast improvement on my first two cars, a 1939 Vauxhall Ten HP followed by a 1939 Morris 8 HP tourer! Great days were the 1950’s. Many Yank tanks followed the Chrysler over the years. all of them more comfortable than the British cars, apart from the Rolls Royce Shadow 2 that is.

      Like 10
  3. bobhess bobhessMember

    Love the ’40 Fords but my interest on any car goes away when I’m shown a dusty car stuffed into a garage with flat tires. Sorry, I’ve found dusty cars in my lifetime but I never bought a dusty one from an owner who is trying to sell me one. Show it as found but clean it up if you want my money.

    Like 19
  4. Todd J. Todd J.Member

    From what I can see, the car looks very intriguing. If I was in the market, the fact it’s not washed wouldn’t deter me, could be a real diamond in the rough. Somebody will snatch this up.

    Like 5
    • Douglas A. Bethune

      I would buy it in a minute if it was closer ( I live in Nova Scotia Canada right on the Atlantic Ocean ) I have been a certified mechanic for 57 years and taught Auto Technology for 30 yrs. If only ……………….. I could afford the shipping this old man would be so happy .

      Like 4
      • RIX260

        Douglas: You might consider a vacation trip to California by car/pickup with a trailer. With your mechanic’s skills and lengthy experience, hauling this nicely preserved ‘40 Ford back home might serve you well. Besides a fun journey, you will likely be the only one in your hometown to own one!

        Like 3
      • Elroythekid

        2 of us from Nova Scotia would bring it home if it was closer.
        I’m actually really looking for a model A pickup project. But these also catch my eye. This one looks like a great project.

        Like 0
  5. Wayne

    When I was 15, soon to turn 16 and ready to get my license, I was offered a 1940 Ford Tudor like this for $50 and my 5 speed bicycle. The owner of the car wanted the bike to give to his son. My parents wouldn’t let me because we didn’t have a place to keep it. When I see one of these, and the asking price, it reminds me of how things have changed.

    Like 8
  6. Johnmloghry johnmloghry

    Born in 1947 I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s in Redding California. In those days these cars were everywhere but hot rodders were into T-buckets and 32 A models. It wasn’t until the 60’s and 70’s that the 40’s became cars for the hot rodder on a low budget. Then in the 80’s and 90’s they started to gain prominence amongst car folk who had moved up in life but still had dreams of building their teenage dream build. By that time you could buy any add on part you wanted to increase engine output and body upgrades. Now in 2024 a lot of those cars made their way to the crusher as desire for them began to wane among younger enthusiasts. For me I still like the old 40 models even in sedan variations, but a convertible is still at the top. Suspensions on these cars was not very good with a converse rear leaf spring and oil shock absorbers they usually had quite a bit of bounce and sway to them. Ball joint front suspension was still a distant thought for most cars in 1940. Gas shocks were still a long way off and coil overs were unheard of. All these cars had a 3 speed standard transmission shifted on the column, I don’t ever remember seeing a 40 with floor shift from the factory. They still were manual steering. We called this model the Turtle back style, as the rear slope suggested a sort of turtle look. Okay that’s it for me. $15 grand if you can drive it away, but not in this condition.

    God Bless America

    Like 6
  7. Blu

    Looks like a solid 40. Would want to get it closer to 10k then have the 5k to get it in shape would have a nice one for around 15.

    Like 4
  8. Doug Bethune

    What a great find . I wouldn’t modify it in any way If I bought it . If it was closer to where I live I would buy it in a minute . I live in Nova Scotia Canada , and yes , right on the Atlantic Ocean. Couldn’t get any further away . The shipping would brake the bank I’m a thinkin . So here Iam California Dreamin, about a 40 Ford .

    Like 1
  9. AzzuraMember

    It’s true, the want for these old 40’s cars is definitely waning. I own a 40 Plymouth in great shape, but I’ve watched the value sink slowly over just the past 5 years. (according to Hagerty and Hemmings). Real shame, but not many of us left that even remember these cars. And not many of us left that are still able to drive. Therefore, the price of this one seems very optimistic, my first thought is that it’s worth about $5K…maybe, to the right person. But being in California may make a big difference, I don’t know. Thanks for the article Mr. Clarke, just reinforces by desire to keep mine. And besides, it’s a great day to drive it. Always makes my day better when I do!

    Like 9
  10. Troy

    Nice car but I think it’s overpriced if you look at the pictures and what is on the ground surrounding the car I’m pretty sure it has some rodent issues that you will have to deal with to get it going again

    Like 1
  11. regg

    Sorry if I missed this does the motor turn free??

    Will got roll?Thnx

    Like 0
  12. mike danna

    I remember years ago that Henry Ford himself was swinging an axe at the trunk of a similar ’40 . It was the soy bean car. I do not think Henry even put a dent in it! How amazing?

    Like 1
  13. Joe Haska

    I have owned two 40 Ford Sedans and I loved them. They both had small block Chevrolet’s, however one was a deluxe the other a standard. The std. had a 265 and stock running gear. The deluxe is a 327 and late running gear. It was like having two kids you loved them both, for different reasons, luckily I didn’t have them at the same time. My take on this B/F 40 deluxe is it is probably a nice car. As to if it is worth the money depends on what you want to do with it. If you want it to basically stock like my std, you will be fine. However,if you want all the bells and whistles like my deluxe was, you might be in trouble. My latest experience was with the std. just a few years ago,I thought it should be 30 K, no one else did. As soon as I agreed to 25 K it was gone. I think a nice car with more bells and whistles could be 35 k +. You could make that easily depending on what you pay for the car. I think at 15 that is about the most you would want to pay, to get out even. The more you put in it the harder it’s going to be to stay ahead.

    Like 3
  14. bob link

    I think this might prove to be a slightly better deal:

    https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/769351418555399/

    Like 1
    • John H.

      Slightly?? 😄 Now that is a gem, Bob! And 1.5K left over for gas, classic insurance, and some lodging to take a short trip in that lovely Ford.

      Like 0
  15. Ron Jordan

    Way overpriced. There is one on Hemmings that has an older restoration for 21k that looks good and runs.

    Like 0
  16. stillrunners stillrunnersMember

    Dang…..just when you think you have the best sedan out there….a better one shows up ! Have fun to the new owner !

    Like 1

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