1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe

In the Mid 1930's, Ford Motor Company president Edsel Ford was beginning to worry about the ever-increasing competition from Oldsmobile and Buick. Ford needed a car that offered style, comfort and luxury at a mid-market price, one that could bridge the gap between top of the line Ford models and the ultra-exclusive Lincoln K series. The DeLuxe line of upmarket Fords was introduced for 1938 alongside the Lincoln-Zephyr. These new DeLuxe Fords featured different styling from their standard counterparts, as well as well-equipped cabins with additional luxury features.

For consignment, a “baby Zephyr” in response to the competition offering up very nicely designed cars looking like more high-end vehicles. Edsel's response was indeed this car. Its grille was the first hint, and the remainder of the styling gave homage to the higher end offerings of the time. Our 1939 example is beautifully restored and runs to perfection. The power plant has been modified for extra performance, but the car retains its original look right out of 1939.

Exterior
The first clue to this excellent design is right up front with those teardrop headlights. These are mounted on the rounded fenders that flank a beautifully restored vertical ribbed grille with a downward sloping V and a high bulbous hood above. This all Henry Ford metal car is bathed in Dartmouth Green which is nearly flawless with panels that have well minded gaps. As we scan to the back of the long hood, it eventually runs into the dual panel windscreen wrapped by chrome trimmings, shiny dual wipers, and dual side view round mirrors on long vertically curling and reaching perches. Long doors float effortlessly above rubber covered running boards that eventually turn into another curva-licious fender for the rear. This frames a trunk lid which gracefully travels downward matching the rear fender and framed by a small thin chromed bumper at the bottom. On either side are teardrop taillights. All beautifully restored and utilizing moon cap hubcaps with the iconic V8 badged centers for the wheel covers present also in shiny silver steel wheels and thin trim rings just inside the edge. Blackwall radial tires are on all 4 corners.

Interior
Ultra smooth and tight tan colored mohair and carpeting door panels with some piping delineating the various panels and providing a background for the nice shiny chromed actuator and window crank. Tan colored corduroy for the bench seat which has a solid back and is padded to rival a couch in your living room. In keeping with the theme, a metal painted faux wood grain dash is original and fully restored to its former glory with nice cream gauges and mirror-like bezels with a peppering of horizontal ribbing. This is all fronted by a cream rimmed by bakelite steering wheel with a banjo styled center all shiny and nice. The floor is covered with an impervious rubber flooring which presents in light tan and is very clean. From this floor a beautifully curved shift lever reached out to the driver and is topped with a white knob. This interior is dripping with an aged look, but like new in its presentation. Even right down to the wind-up clock for the passenger glove box still works, like well…a clock!

Drivetrain
Some old school hot rod mods have been performed on this power plant. Starting with the 239ci Ford Flathead V8. Added on is a dual Offenhauser intake manifold supporting dual Edelbrock 94 2-barrel carbs. On the back is a 3-speed manual transmission which pushes the power rearward to a 3.78 rear axle. Seen on the Edelbrock carbs are nicely polished mini scoops to aid the airflow. All this polished metal and Navy blue/gray engine block and heads sits within a beautifully restored engine bay.

Undercarriage
Nearly better than showroom, attention to every detail with a like new X frame supporting the black shiny stamped floor pans, body hangers, and under running boards. Transverse leaf springs provide the all around suspension, and coming from the engine are the original exhaust manifolds which have pipes that snake rearward through Cherrybomb exhaust. Hydraulic disc brakes are now upfront, and the drums are still reserved for the rear.

Drive-Ability
The flat headed V8 fired right up, and the carb fed plenty of performance from my foot to the power train. This car drives as nicely as it looks, and all is functioning very well. A great cruiser with power when you need it, better than 1939 original. So smooth and steering seemed so light it could have been powered. A beautiful driver with effortless shifting and good solid hydraulic braking.

A wonderful example of the baby Zephyr, the general public never had it so good, with this ability to look like a high roller by spending little money. Edsel was a genius, and this created sales that put Ford back on the map. A 2-door coupe and just what the doctor ordered as to lucious design and line. A winner gracing our hallowed halls.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.