1940 Ford DeLuxe Coupe

By 1940, the days of the small-bodied Model A had fallen by the wayside, in favor of larger, more comfortable, and accommodating vehicles.  Ford would introduce the three-passenger coupe this year and it would be a sales hit – lots and lots of trunk space and enough passenger space for three, the car was a hit with singles and salesmen alike.  These coupes would become a favorite of customizers in later years, and this one is a perfect example.

Powered by a Ford Windsor 347 CI V-8 small block that has been highly modified, it was bored and stroked to 352 CI by Automotive Machine.  Aluminum Air Flow research heads were installed with roller rockers, a three-angle valve job, and pocket porting.  A Competition cam was installed along with an Edelbrock air gap intake topped by a Demon 750 carburetor with an electric choke.  A converted GM HEI ignition by Performance Distributors provides the spark, and cooling is courtesy of a Superior Radiator aluminum radiator.  A Ford C4 automatic transmission channels the power to the Ford 9-inch rear end, a’la a 1957 Ford wagon.  Complete with big bearings and big axles, it’s packed with 3:55 Eaton Positraction gearing.

The chassis features 11-inch 4-wheel disc brakes by Magna Axle, Ford with Heidts 2-inch dropped spindles with Heidts upper and lower polished control arms, a sway bar, a custom-built driveshaft by Slims Hot Rod Shop, a 15-gallon stainless-steel gas tank, and a stainless-steel exhaust system, among other nuances.

The body has been customized in 27 unique ways, including rounded corners for the doors and trunk, molded exterior doors, widened rear fenders by 3.5-inches, lengthened rear fenders, one-off taillights with 100 LEDs per side, hidden front turn signals, flush door handles, and much, much more.

The interior has been fully customized by Steve’s Upholstery, complete with tan leather, plush carpeting, a custom dashboard, and matching door panels.  The bucket seats, sourced from a 1987 Dodge Daytona, flank a center console, a custom dashboard that hosts VDO white-face gauges, and a Billet Specialties steering wheel tops a GM tilt steering column.  The power windows have been tinted for comfort and privacy, and the 45-watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo system feeds four 6×9-inch Pioneer speakers.

A quick glance over this ’40 Ford will reveal an ocean of polished and plated components, which shine like diamonds against the dark paint.  Presenting remarkably, it’s not often anymore that these cars are seen.