Some cars create barely a ripple when they appear in public, while others are so inherently cool they can’t help but attract attention. This 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe fits into the second category. It is a classic that drips with character, but its defining attributes hide below the surface. It is an old-school hot rod powered by a Chevrolet small-block and is a turnkey proposition needing nothing but a new home. The seller has listed the Coupe here on eBay in Palmetto, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $9,100, but there is a BIN option of $38,995 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Ford introduced its Deluxe range in 1938 to bridge the gap between its more basic models and the Lincoln range. The scope of body styles was broad, providing something for every taste or need. The seller describes this 1940 Coupe as a genuine barn find but doesn’t elaborate on its history. Its exterior wears Acadia Green paint that is faded and oxidized. I believe some careful work with a high-quality polish might yield positive results, but I suspect the new owner won’t pursue that path. Its solid nature and the presence of only dry surface corrosion could make preservation viable. Treating the corrosion to prevent deterioration and applying a clear coat would accentuate its visual impact and guarantee attention at a Cars & Coffee. Alternatively, throwing caution to the wind and performing a repaint is another idea that some may pursue. The process should be straightforward because there are no appreciable dings or dents, and the underside shots confirm it is rock-solid. It is the small details that help this Ford to stand out. The bumpers and headlight bezels have had a trip to the platers, and the rear features blue-dot taillights. However, the raked stance and red 15″ steel wheels with hubcaps and beauty rings suggest there is more to this Coupe than meets the eye.
We have recently seen a few classic Fords cross our desks at Barn Finds that have received small-block Chevrolet transplants, and such is the case with this Coupe. The car’s original 221ci flathead has made way for a 350ci V8, which should significantly increase performance. Its power feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission, while the drop axle improves the car’s appearance and handling. The seller doesn’t elaborate on the small-block’s specifications, but it inhales through a Holley four-barrel carburetor and Edelbrock intake. Spent gases exit via headers and a dual exhaust with Glasspacks that give the car a wonderful bass rumble. Potential buyers can consider the Coupe a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly. The seller includes this YouTube video in their listing. It provides an excellent walkaround, allowing us to see and hear the car in action. The engine sounds as sweet as a nut, and the transmission shifts smoothly. However, it is the absence of squeaks and rattles that impresses me. It emphasizes how structurally sound this classic is.
This Coupe’s interior leaves me divided. It is unquestionably serviceable, and the bucket seats should be significantly more comfortable than the original bench. However, the upholstery mismatch between the seats and door trims is my sticking point. Rectifying the problem would be easy and inexpensive, and the lack of wear on the seats would probably motivate most potential buyers to utilize the same material on the doors. The carpet is another item that doesn’t tick boxes for me, but spending $220 on a new carpet set would make a significant difference. Otherwise, there is nothing that screams for attention. The painted surfaces are tidy, the Ford retains its original wheel, and the Sunpro Supertach II and under-dash gauges help the driver to monitor the health of the sweet small-block under the hood.
This 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe won’t appeal to everyone, and there will undoubtedly be purists who decry the mechanical changes. However, it is a classic that will turn heads, regardless of which path the new owner decides to take with future changes. If it were parked in my garage, I would probably preserve the exterior and address the perceived interior shortcomings, but your vision may be different from mine. The big question is whether you are willing to turn the dream into reality. What do you think?
Boooo, hisssss, Junior Johnson is spinning in his grave. One of our great commenters, was upset about the use of the words “old school”. I felt his pain, and now my turn, of sorts. By putting a GM motor in one of the most famous Fords, the rum runner, and most beautiful, I might add,, is pure blasphemy. That alone shows how far we’ve strayed from what we held dear. I feel, not much is gained by a sbc, detracts from the original, and a host of great Ford V8s that can be used, including Hanks pride and joy, the flattie V8. Keep it in the family, I always say. I’ve softened a bit on this patina fad, but motor swaps like this, to me, are unacceptable. That’s it,,,thanks for listening.
I am with you.WHY must people put Chevy mtrs in Fords or anything not a Chevy??
I think maybe the reasonably priced and availability, plus the massive amount after market and original reproduced parts. Just an observation! Also it’s your car, your choice, that simple, yes?
A Chevy motor in a Ford just takes the heart right out of it! Henry Ford is probably spinning in his grave faster than anyone.
I gave you a thumbs up for knowing about how much Junior Johnson loved his 40 Fords, But, years back I watched a video with Johnson walking through a dimly lit old shop with several.40’s sitting with various engines while he pointed at one and talked about how Caddies were a favorite to transplant engines from. Now mind you, they were still period correct, also for what it’s worth, I’ve seen Don Garlets drive his 40 Ford around town, guess what he powers his hotrods with?
Hint; They’re not Ford engines!
A buddy of mines uncle built one, he first built a 429 but when he found out how much power a Small Block Cleveland could make, built a stroker Cleveland.
Also, I know some of you don’t know better, will say the Cleveland is a Big Block! You couldn’t be more wrong. A Cleveland has a small block transmission bolt pattern, they also have small block motor mounts and the deck is the same height as the Windsor, the 400 & 351M have BB bolt patterns on the trans and motor mounts plus are 1″ taller deck height so that argument doesn’t pass the sniff test.
I know, I know, Chevy Guys and some Mopar guys HATE that the Cleveland is the most powerful small block ever built, live with it. As for the Asshat who installed a SBC in an Iconic 40 Ford, idiotic move that is holding the price down. If he’d have put, even a first gen Coyote in it, he’d have hit his BIN well before now. My buddy sold his for far more a decade ago, but it had the Cleveland in it.
Regardless, if it was priced as if it had the original engine, be it a flat head 6 or 8 it’d sell far quicker. The money spent on that abomination engine is wasted, consider that case and time gone, cut your losses or put a ford in it. Now mind you, I’m not a ford nut, not a Chevy hater, I’ve built a 70 and 71 Nova, one a BBC the 70 a Stroker, I’ve had a 70 Chevelle I put a 366 HP Pontiac 400 in it. But an iconic car like the 40, let’s say it’s be like putting a Ford in a Tri 5 Shoebox, yeah a 55 with a ford will Not get the price a “pure” 55 would get
I don’t usually enter the engine transplant discussion, but this time I will. I agree with Howard. I’ve heard the reasoning: the sbc is (allegedly) cheaper/ more available/ makes more power/ whatever. As if candidate Ford powerplants are inferior, which they are not. To me, doing this dismisses concepts such as history or tradition or heritage.
I’m trying to think of another example…. maybe: the next coat of paint for the Golden Gate Bridge will be chartreuse, because the paint was on sale at Home Depot.
Sadly, said car would not be welcome at our local Mustang/Ford show.
That’s it… thanks for listening.
Hi Bob, another wacky example might be a Ford motor in a Chevy,,heaven forbid. Not sure about not being welcome, there is some tolerance in the hobby, but purism(?) is fading, fast, and a “350” GM, is a buzz word, like hemi, or turbo, and a flathead V8 is considered an antique, and it’s just a hot rod with a modern motor. It probably never occurs to them to keep it in the family. It’s all about what will sell in the future.
Surely someone out there has swam upstream and put a Ford motor in a Chevy.
Anyone?
Thanks for letting us know you and your buds are a bunch of snobs that discourage people from the hobby, your way is not the only way!!!
Well there are certain cars you don’t screw with concerning cross breeds.
It’s a 40 Ford, maybe you just don’t understand. I’ll be straight up honest,he did this to help it sell and did the opposite. If he’d have left the factory engine in it and just made sure it charges and stops, put seat covers on it, itd sell but hes priced it LIKE people ate lining up to buy Chevy powered 40 Ford’s, THEY ARE NOT!
He’s not produced marketable hotrod.
He could’ve put a caddie engine in it and it’d sell far better because that’s what people did back in the 40’s and 50’s. But a cheap ass SBC in an iconic 40 Ford? He has to expect people to treat it just like he did, put the cheapest Small Block I cars that sell extremely well, with factory power plants. There’s too many wrecked Ford Trucks and Mustangs with Coyotes sitting around. Then the builder would’ve seen it sell quickly and for what he wanted out of it, but no, he took the cheap route and his car’s bids are telling the story. Bash us but look at the bids, the bidders agree with us
George Barris and Big Daddy Roth would have to get their coffee at Starbucks 😂
Oh, haven’t you heard, it’s because the sbc is so abundant in the junk yards and they are dirt cheap. We can’t afford the extra 200-300 bucks to buy a nice 289 or 302, and trying to find parts? We might have to search on eBay or go walk around a swap meet. Not the big time hot rod builder me! I just want to whip out my credit card and order from a catalog and have parts shipped to my door. And everyone (almost) will love me with my cheebie engine in my beautiful 1940 FORD Deluxe coupe. Makes me sick to my stomach.
And also the small block Chevy parts are by far more abundant than the Ford engine parts..And the thing guys found out in the fifties..is that the small block was lighter in weight and more reliable ..
Overall I like it. Mis matched interior aside,and poor choice of power plant. That being said, if purchased for the right price, I would swap out the engine with a Ford supercharged, flathead or quite possibly an early Chrysler hemi.
It’s got a lot of potential, but not for a $38k BIN sticker price.
I’d get rid of the engine chrome, paint eng, flathead color, big black air cleaner etc. And don’t open the hood. Love the color and patina.
Lost interest after the engine pic.
OK, I’ll join the “don’t like it group”. Don’t like the blue dot taillight lenses.
PS…I love this car!
That patina ain’t going to “rub out” on this poor Ford. And, after desecrating this thing with that oil slick Chevy? You might as well paint it metallic pink, with a bright green interior. Sad.
I’d go for that. It would be different for sure!
Oil slick Chevy? I’ve had lots of small block Chevy engines , definitely ran them hundredS of thousands of miles and never had a leaker. I did have one that smoked but I remedied that with new valve seals.
the best engine and the best bodywork.
It’s not for display.
I like.
I can tell a lot of you never tried swapping a newer engine in an older car. Sometimes it’s about what fits easiest, not what is available. The SMB Windsor Ford will fit, but it is about 4” longer, which creates interference with the radiator. Nowadays, there are shorter water pumps to help that situation, but back when the SMB Ford and Chevy were new in the wrecking yards, it was determined the Chevy was easier to fit, the tape measure didn’t lie. Also, if you wanted to go fast, there were a lot more Chevy parts out there, new and used. Ford caught up in the 80’s with the 5.0 Mustangs, but the pattern was set. Another thing is the rear sump oil pan on the Chevy, same as the flathead. To make a SMB Ford fit, you had to find or make a rear sump pan, not easy back then. That being said, I’d rather have the Windsor in one myself, even if it is more work.
As to the body, a car this nice deserves a great paint job. I’ve seen too many rusty clear coated cars, it takes just a little more effort to put a shiny paint on one over slapping some clear coat over rust. Keep the rust for the clapped out rat rods, a car with the dignity this one has deserves better.
Thousands of sbc swapped into early Fords because fit and make abundant power. The cost in today’s market is very similar. I also agree this 40 Ford deserves excellent paint
Small block Chevy engines weren’t just used because they were plentiful; the big reason was that everything fit everything else. The bell housings and transmissions were interchangeable, making it a much easier swap. 283, 350, 348, 409, 396, 454, four speed, three speed PG, Turbo 350, 400, 200R4 700R4, they worked together. Ford products weren’t that way.
Amazingly. Ford also made automatic transmissions, that fit their Ford engines as well!
Some do, some don’t. Have you done any Ford engine/transmission swaps? I have. Here are a few examples of incompatibility. Try bolting a C6 transmission to a Y block. Maybe you’d like to swap your 351 to a 460. What about bolting an AOD to a 390FE?
I guess you have to know your Fords, eh?
Old Beach Guy, You are so correct. If you had 351 you better know if it was a Windsor, Cleveland, or a third one I think they called it “E” block.
For the Ford N A Ford fans. I built 9 cars after retirement in 12 -13 years. Seven were street rods and two of them were Ford powered. Those two were by far the hardest to sell. Back then they were cheaper to build than buy. It’s not the case any longer. Which makes it a little harder to find exactly what you want.
Buy it. Do what you want with it. It is cool as it is but a flathead would be cooler.
Not just Chevy engines, but Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Buick, and more than a few early Hemi’s and an occasional Lincoln were found under the hood of early Ford’s , because they were better performers, that’s a Hot Rod! None of these sniveler’s would object to this car dropped off in their driveway for weeks worth drive like you stole it.
You’re wrong V12. I would object to this car being dropped off at my house. I do not allow any cheebie parked in front of my house. Don’t make my get my baseball bat out. If I had to drive it like I stole it, let’s see if that sbc could handle 10,000-12,000 RPMs until the pistons fall out on the street. That would be fun!
Plus you have an intolerant HOA
I had a friend of the family, who offered me his ’50 Ford, for fairly cheap. When I arrived to look at it, he proudly opened the hood, and boasted about the SBC and TH350 installed. He got a little miffed, when I laughed, and turned down the offer.
I could not agree more. At my age I have built a number of hot rods. Simple, most accessible engines/parts for the horse power. Built a bucket t with a 57 Desoto hemi. Plenty of parts and very fast. Generally, takes too much money to make ford engines as fast as sbc or many others that are more reasonable in cost, except my favorite Ford engine, 427 cammer (great engine), Ford should have continued it. Imho
Why am I not surprised all you so called experts want to make this listing all about engine choice. I think before you make all these brilliant observations you need to fill out a resume, so we can get an idea of your qualifications for these genius statements you make. Here’s mine, this is an estimate but with time I could verify it. I have owned approximately a dozen or more early Ford V-8’s, this is defined as Ford cars and trucks from 1932 to 1953. I have had probably every drive train combination you can imagine. Flathead’s, stock and modified, OHV Ford and Chevrolet big block and small block, stock transmission’s, 3,4 and 5 speeds and automatics and stock rear ends 8 and 9 inch Fords. If you think I am lying ,I can document them all. The reason I am expressing this I just want to say to all you fanatics about engine choices in certain cars you don’t know your ass from 3rd base and I know you were never Hot Rodders.
Why am I not surprised all you so called experts want to make this listing all about engine choice. I think before you make all these brilliant observations you need to fill out a resume, so we can get an idea of your qualifications for these genius statements you make. Here’s mine, this is an estimate but with time I could verify it. I have owned approximately a dozen or more early Ford V-8’s, this is defined as Ford cars and trucks from 1932 to 1953. I have had probably every drive train combination you can imagine. Flathead’s, stock and modified, OHV Ford and Chevrolet big block and small block, stock transmission’s, 3,4 and 5 speeds and automatics and stock rear ends 8 and 9 inch Fords. If you think I am lying ,I can document them all. The reason I am expressing this I just want to say to all you fanatics about engine choices in certain cars you don’t know your ass from 3rd base and I know you were never Hot Rodder’s.
Cool!
Did you ever put one of those in a Chevy?
Thank You Joe Haska.
Most of us Agree with you Joe about the flood of unqualified
“so called experts” who can not tell an 8 from a 9 inch Ford axle.
Some serious keyboard pounding going on there buddy.
Joe Haska! You expressed my thoughts so well that I didn’t have to repeat it. I really enjoy this site but the engine choice whiners are getting old. Oh, I have seen Ford engines in Chevies and it doesn’t bother me a bit. True car lovers don’t limit themselves to appreciating only restored original cars or those that now have the engines they were born with. Creativity and imagination are what I love about this hobby.
Amen, Brian.
Joe said it right.
Someone maybe correct me if I’m wrong, but I was told the original reason for swapping out a Ford mill with a Chevy was because the Chevy engine turns faster, and coupled with the higher Ford rear end, makes the hot rod go faster. That probably no longer applies with today’s drive train combinations that are available, but it did in the late 50’s-early 60s.
In the early 60’s the SBC was the engine of choice for most swaps, period. If you wanted to stay with a Ford the choice was a flattie or Y block. The Y block was big and heavy and didn’t have a good power to weight ratio. The SBC was in production since 55 and by the early 60’s there were plenty in wrecking yards and hop up parts were plentiful and reasonably priced. And while other motors were often swapped into rods the SBC was the go to engine back in those days. Ford didn’t come out with the 260 until 62 and the 289 two years later and you weren’t going to find them plentiful and cheap until around 1965. The person building this car most likely wanted what he dreamed of building in the late 50’s or early 60’s. That was a 40′ coupe with a SBC. You had to have been around in those years to understand it.
It sounded so nice, he had to say it twice!
The chevy power is immediately a no in my book
Whiskey runners loved the 40′ Ford coupe for it’s aggressive “Bobcat Stance”
I’m a GM guy but whoever put the SB in this car is a Rat.
If I had the cash, I’d buy this to restore the body, but unfortunately the entry price would be too high.
Back in the early 60’s the SBC was the “go to” engine for most hot rods. The reason for that was the relatively light weight, compact dimensions and the performance parts available. Ford didn’t come out with a viable small block until 1962 (the 260) and there weren’t any in wrecking yards in any numbers until around 1964. Anyone building a rod prior to 1965 then put in an SBC and the most desirable cars to hot rod were Fords since they were light, plentiful and cheap. There were tons of 40 Fords running around with SBC’s back in those days, it was the most cost effective way to build a fast rod. And there was no prejudice against stuffing a Chevy in a Ford, in those days you did what worked best and that was the best setup at the time, no question about it.
S T O P with the cross brand transplants-
I really like this site. The difference of likes and opinions. The sharing history and knowledge should unifie for the love of the hobby. How boring if everything was the same and became stagnant with out new ideas and experimentation, we would still be living in caves 😂
Well said.
Well said.
Enjoyed the spirited comments about engine choices. And if youre lucky enough, and have the funds to get a 1940 Ford coupe like this, you should be able to afford a 302 and C4 trans. But to think you can sell a 1940 Ford coupe with a 350 sbc, for $38k your just dreaming.
The people who’re complaining about a Chevy motor in a Ford don’t realize that up until the mid-1960’s Ford didn’t make a viable small block motor. Before the 260 came out in 1962 your choice in a Ford was a flathead or a Y block. Compared to a SBC a Y block was a boat anchor. And there weren’t small block Fords in the junk yards in any numbers until 1965. Before that if you wanted a build a rod the SBC was the “go to” engine. Smaller, higher revving, lighter, plentiful, cheap and with tons of parts to make them make big power. Even when the small block Ford came out hop up parts weren’t plentiful. Now people think it’s blastfamey to put a Chevy in a Ford, but from the mid 50’s thru the mid-60’s there really wasn’t a choice and most rods were running SBC mills, for good reason. The person who built the car wanted the car he lusted over in the 60’s and that was 40 with a SBC in it.
Well, I certainly opened a can of worms here. Joe H surely seems the most upset, and judging by his other posts, another frustrated individual, and should probably move on rather than use swear words that skirt the filter somehow.
Let me be clear, I don’t hate this car, I don’t buy the part where a Ford motor wouldn’t fit, heat wrench solves all, but my gripe is we have little regard for the actual brand today, and they need to modify it to be more appealing to the future. That’s the hobby today, like it or not. Will Edsel Ford be waiting for them in heaven with rusty razor blades? Maybe, but for now, Chevy,,Ford, AMC,,why can’t we all get along?
Hey, just a side note ..a lot of guys “customized” these cars back in the day…Using a various choice of engines ..Thus CUSTOMIZED….
One final comment. I knew this was a controversial subject, but maybe even more so than I thought. HoA said I seemed the most upset and said I should move on and quit using swear words. I think he has valid points, I am turning 81 in May and I know I will be moving on, however I did not know ASS was a swear word. In the interest of B/F and all its loyal followers I will bow out of debating builders choice in regard to make and model of engine and car. I will just say I am pro choice.
Joe Haska….I know how you feel as I’m only a couple of years behind you. I almost didn’t comment on it as its like beating the dead horse. 95% of these voices has never owned a hotrod let alone built one. Modifications is what its all about. They would really hate my ’32 Ford Panel [owned 52 years] with a sbc and Jag suspension plus to many body mods to list. I had to laugh at the comment about Henry rolling over in his grave. He would only roll over because he missed out on a couple of sales. I always enjoyed reading your comments and knowledge about Rods so keep commenting. We will just quit kicking the horse.
My old ass agrees with Joe and Dennis.
Here’s a thought. It is almost too early for one but it be had a coffee so here it is. Why don’t we all try to be positive? I know, a radical idea. Instead of going on and on and on and on, well you get it, about engine choice to or the car being modified, why not just say “not for me” and move on? That’s all folks. I’m going to fire up the Model A and head to the first Cars and Coffee of 2024. Thanks for listening.
Well said 👍!!!
Nice stone, woods and cook old school gasser candidate if you remmber the beginning of drag racing before computers and all the electronics and mass produced bolt on power adders
One thing most people will agree with is how desirable a Ford, 9″ rear end is when doing a customer build. A few years ago I sold one that I had removed from a 64 Ford truck, to a guy doing a custom build on an earlier 50s Mercury car. When the guy came to pick it up he said the pumpkin didn’t look centered so he had to call a buddy to confirm it would fit and be alright. I thought that was pretty stupid and funny. I sold the rear end for $325 and i think he got a fair deal.
There was a reply to the post about the Econoline pickup last week or so and the person said the pumpkin wasn’t centered. 🙄
Build your own and stop complaining. A Chevy small block makes way more power than a ford small block when money is equal.
I never knew hot rodding had to be so pure! Growing up I saw all kinds of swaps going on. I’ve had Chevy powered rods and they were great. I’ve had flattys and they were cool looking but not practical for traffic. Ever watch your temperature gauge reaching for 250?
One day I will buy a 1940 couoe and drop in a coyote. Touchè!
One day I will buy a 1940 couoe and drop in a coyote. Touchè!
do so when you can spell “coupe”. Just saying.
Fordboy just mad at how successful the SBC engine has been over the years.
I love old school 40 Ford like this one. But I’m 66 and part of the dying breed that likes these cars and because of that the prices are not as they were just a few years ago. The almost $40k BIN is way high. This is more of a low $20s price range. There are much nicer 40s changing hands at Mecum for much less than the ask on this one
My ’40 coupe is this same color so I have to comment. I bought mine since I’m too decrepit to build one anymore.
Mine is nut and bolt restored , with new lacquer Acadia green paint, and a leather interior. Since it’s probably my last hot rod, I found one that was exactly as I wanted it. The engine is a 1953 Mercury flathead, bone stock. Thanks to Mr Bob Kennedy of Pomona CA, I now own the perfect 1940 Ford Coupe.
Larry, excellent choice on using a Mercury flathead engine, in your 40 Coupe. That’s not only keeping the car engines in the same famiy, but also giving her a wise upgraded engine.
Hey, I’ve got a good friend that just chopped the top on his ’40 Ford …and built a Lincoln Zephyr V-12 for it..Going full bore custom..Guess what engine he pulled out of it…A SBC…TO EACH HIS OWN .AS LONG AS THE CAR IS PUT BACK ON THE ROAD AND ENJOYED .THE HOBBY IS DYING AS WE OURSELVES DO ALSO..
What’s so bad about the SBC transplant? It’s a relatively inexpensive engine, with beaucoups of parts and performance options available.
While it’s not original, it probably makes the car a better driver. It looks like all it needs is new paint, and tidying up the interior. The BIN seems high, though. There have been a lot of Pre-War Fords on the market lately.
An engine choice for a car comes down to this: what you have on hand, what fits in the car, what is easy and affordable to fix and maintain, and how you plan on using that car. The sbc is a solid choice for a driver, it has the ability to run with modern traffic speeds with minimal maintenance. I prefer the flathead option for this coupe, but the availability of a good flathead block to base a build on as well as the inherent cost of the build has escalated considerably over the years. The choice of the 350 in this car doesn’t make it wrong.
These days Ford and Chevy blocks are cheap and plentiful at your local, Pull my Part. And back in the day, 60s or 70s both blocks were also easy to get and rebuild. I don’t buy the argument that GM engines were cheaper or more plentiful than Fords were.
LIke I said above, Ford small blocks didn’t exist before 62. And that was only the 260, the 289 didn’t exist before 64. And you weren’t going to find them in wrecking yards in any number for a couple of years. Speed equipment was limited and expensive for the small block Ford until late 65 and early 1966.
Hot rodding was all about putting a powerful motor in a light car because you couldn’t buy that from any of the factories in the late 50’s and early 60’s. When the GTO came along it changed EVERYTHING. People stopped doing engine swaps and bought muscle cars and they got faster every year. In the heyday of engine swaps, from the mid 50’s till the mid 60’s, Ford didn’t make an engine that you wanted to swap into a rod you were building.
If you want a rod that’s period correct and are looking at something that was built in the late 50’s through the early 60’s it’s going to have a SBC in it.
El Grecko, Ford flat head V8s, both 221 and 239s were certainly plentiful even in 50s and 60s before the later 260s and 289s that came in the mid 60s. And Ford lovers had upgrade packages available from Edelbrock and Offenhauser to warm them up. I believe a 221 is what came in this 40 Ford coupe if not a 239 would be a good replacement. And these days both Ford and Chevy blocks are readily available in most salvage yards. Just saying.
I have a much bigger problem with chopping a 40 than with a SBC, but I have to stick to my beliefs about your car your choice.