Sure Starts: 1941 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible – SOLD!

April 21, 2022, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The romantic notion of jumping into a pre-World War II convertible can quickly sour if you have to deal with 1941-vintage ignition equipment.  That’s why we say no harm, no foul when an enthusiast updates their ride with modern electronic ignition for easy starting and better driveability.  That’s exactly what the seller of this 1941 Ford Super DeLuxe convertible originally listed in April 2022 on Craigslist in Wichita Falls, Kansas. Specifically,  the seller reports spending over $3,000 spent on an MSD electronic ignition, Offenhauser aluminum heads, and dual carburetor intake among other updates.

Currently offered for $29,500, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Ford priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $18,400 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $30,700.

Fords for 1941 were much more modern with a wide body that nearly covered the running boards. The front and rear fenders were still pronounced but were now integrated more into the body and the headlights were pushed all the way up and out over the front wheels. The 1941 grille was a three-part affair with a tall center section bookended by twin kidneys low on the fenders and vertical bars all around. The 1941 model was a bigger car with a 194.3-inch overall length and width increased to 73.1-inches.  Body styles included two-door and four-door sedans, a sedan coupe, a business coupe, and convertible coupe, a sedan delivery wagon, and a woody station wagon. The Super Deluxe had several amenities of higher quality over the base models, including more chrome, leather seats, and a wood-grain dashboard.  Production of the 1941 models was disrupted by a sudden labor strike in April 1941; Henry Ford, having resisted unionization well after the rest of the American automobile industry accepted it, finally gave in and signed a contract with the United Auto Workers (“UAW”).

The two previous Ford car lines (Standard and De Luxe) blossomed into three: Special, De Luxe, and Super De Luxe. Ford vehicles had been V8-only since 1935, but dealer requests for an “economy” engine option prompted the introduction of a six-cylinder unit. Ford switched out the entry-level 136 cubic inch V8 in favor of a new 226 cubic inch L-head straight-6, the first Ford six since the 1906 Model K. The popular 221 cubic inch V8 remained as the top-line engine and was standard in De Luxe models. Both engines were rated at 90 horsepower.

The Federal File YouTube Channel features this nine-minute short film from the fall of 1940 detailing all of the changes Ford put into its cars for the ’41 model year:

The seller provides nice pictures and a good honest description of their 1941 Ford Super Deluxe convertible.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Open to trades. Especially a 2010 to present truck or 1965-1970 Mustang. Just let me know what you have.

Rare 1941 Ford Super Deluxe convertible.
Original 221 24 stud flathead V8. Over $3,000 spent on MSD electronic ignition, Offenhauser aluminum heads, and dual carburetor intake.
$1,200 in Firestone white wall tires.
3 speed column shift transmission.
Starts easily with the push of the factory dash button.
Power top works as it should.
This rare convertible is ready to drive and perfect for cruising and car shows.

Steering box has wear so there is some play in the steering. Road walks a little bit like any straight axle car.”

Show or go: what would you do with this 1941 Super DeLuxe convertible?  Please comment below and let us know!