Real Deal: 1940 Ford Standard Coupe – Sold?

February 10, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

When you think of classic Fords that are a favorite among Hot Rodders, the 1937- 1940 generation of Fords remain at the top of the list.  These cars remain so sought after and highly modified that it’s actually a treat to find a near-stock survivor example such as this black over tan mohair 1940 Five Window Coupe originally listed in January 2021 in New Lebanon, New York (Albany) with only a 12-volt electrical conversion and what appear to be vintage Oldsmobile hub caps as the only modifications for an asking price of $29,000.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Ford priced $1,000 less than the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $30,000.

While Ford’s introduction of its 1937 line was more an update of Model 48 preceding it, the styling was much more streamlined that continued away from what had become traditional car design at the time. By 1940, a high flat-topped hood dominated the front look of the model, as the grille spread out to reach the fenders to differentiate the Deluxe line and the headlights were pushed wider still. The standard Ford inherited the grille of the 1939 model with blackout on each side of a heavy chrome center; heavier headlight surrounds serve as another major differentiator from 1939. 1940 was the last year of the 1937 design and its smaller V8 engine.

This ten-minute video from the National Archives YouTube Channel is a great Ford promo highlighting Ford’s 1940 model lineup with some great vintage shots of the company’s massive River Rouge plant from the period:

We would love to hear the story of how this vintage ’40 Ford survived all these years without some owner getting the urge to hot rod it.  Yes, the car has patina, but that’s part of its wonderful charm. This car would make the ideal addition to an avid Ford collector’s garage. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1940 FORD COUPE
STANDARD MODEL
85 HORSEPOWER FLATHEAD V8
3 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ODOMETER READS 13,000 MILES NOT SURE IF THAT IS CORRECT
ODOMETER IS WORKING
SOLID STEEL CAR
OLDER PAINT JOB WITH SOME PATINA
STILL HAS A NICE SHINE
BRAND NEW STROMBERG 97 CARBURETOR
CAR STARTS INSTANTLY IDLES RUNS VERY SMOOTH
BRAKES RECENTLY SERVICED ALL WORKING PROPERLY
FRESH OIL AND FILTER CHANGE
HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO 12 VOLT SYSTEM
LIGHTS WORK
GOOD SOLID RUNNING DRIVING CAR“

Do you have a ’40 Ford story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!