As the Forties began Ford introduced some important new body styles. While again perpetuating the Standard/Deluxe distinction of offering subtly re-trimmed 1939 Deluxe models as Standards in 1940, there were few substantial differences. Ford was doing well and saw little reason to mess with success. The one important visual change introduced in the 1940 Ford Deluxe series were the integral vent windows in the front doors of all the Deluxe body styles except the Station Wagons. Ford promoted the value of the vent windows in improving draft-free ventilation in all seasons and, as their widespread acceptance across the automobile industry indicated, it was true. Only the advent of economical air conditioning decades later has induced the automakers to do away with them. The 1940 Ford Deluxe models had sealed beam headlights recessed in the front of the fenders, a pointed hood over the vee-shaped grille with horizontal elements and three chrome trim elements extending back from the grille opening. The Deluxe coupe came in two styles, the Business Coupe with room behind the front seat for baggage, packages and salesmen’s sample cases, and the 5-Window with an enclosed compartment and a package shelf in front of the back window. Gracefully rounded windows, a softly flowing roofline and raked windshield gave the ’40 Ford Coupes plenty of style and attraction. With less bodywork to carry around than the Tudor sedans, the 3-passenger Deluxe 5-Window coupes were 140 pounds lighter than the Tudor and 160 pounds lighter than the Convertible. It is, therefore, no wonder that the ’40 Ford 5-Window Coupe’s combination of sleek, aerodynamic design and light weight has made it a favorite of street rodders almost from its introduction. Out of 599,175 Fords built in 1940, only 27,919 Deluxe 5-Window Coupes were built in the first place and with the onset of World War II, with its cessation of civilian automobile production from 1942 until 1946, the 1940 Fords were forced to survive for nearly seven years before replacements began to become available. The combination of demanding use in the early days and their attraction for street rodders and customizers means that few stock configuration 1940 Ford Deluxe 5-Window Coupes survive. A number of years ago the Towe Museum in Sacramento, California was disbanded in a major disposition sale. Jack Hogan made the trip and came home with three cars of which this 1940 Ford Deluxe 5-Window was one. Like the other Towe Museum car still in the Hogan Collection (the 1937 Standard Tudor), it was in sound and largely untouched original condition. An old repaint in the original Tan, it has a Beige cloth interior which has been replaced. Upon receiving it after the Towe sale Jack installed a new and badly needed exhaust system and shocks. The gas tank was removed, cleaned out and restored to like new condition and it was mechanically gone through to ensure proper running and effective preservation. Other than that it has only been carefully detailed and maintained in its original condition. The dash and interior woodgraining are original, as is the glass which shows its age in the sand pitting of the windshield panes. The ’40 Ford has hubcaps and trim rings, wide whitewalls, clock, a side mirror, hat-type oil bath air cleaner, oil filter, radio and heater. Jack says it runs well, an attribute shared by all the Hogan Collector cars regardless of their age or restoration. Since joining the Hogan Collection the 1940 Ford Deluxe 5-Window Coupe has not been shown. Jack thinks it is an excellent candidate for an Early Ford V-8 Club One Category Rouge award, being essentially untouched except for the old repaint and replaced interior. With so many ’40 Fords sacrificed to realize a street rodder’s dreams, the quality, originality and overall extremely good condition of this car is highly unusual and it will be a valued participant in many shows, events and tours.
As the Forties began Ford introduced some important new body styles. While again perpetuating the Standard/Deluxe distinction of offering subtly re-trimmed 1939 Deluxe models as Standards in 1940, there were few substantial differences. Ford was doing well and saw little reason to mess with success. The one important visual change introduced in the 1940 Ford Deluxe series were the integral vent windows in the front doors of all the Deluxe body styles except the Station Wagons. Ford promoted the value of the vent windows in improving draft-free ventilation in all seasons and, as their widespread acceptance across the automobile industry indicated, it was true. Only the advent of economical air conditioning decades later has induced the automakers to do away with them. The 1940 Ford Deluxe models had sealed beam headlights recessed in the front of the fenders, a pointed hood over the vee-shaped grille with horizontal elements and three chrome trim elements extending back from the grille opening. The Deluxe coupe came in two styles, the Business Coupe with room behind the front seat for baggage, packages and salesmen’s sample cases, and the 5-Window with an enclosed compartment and a package shelf in front of the back window. Gracefully rounded windows, a softly flowing roofline and raked windshield gave the ’40 Ford Coupes plenty of style and attraction. With less bodywork to carry around than the Tudor sedans, the 3-passenger Deluxe 5-Window coupes were 140 pounds lighter than the Tudor and 160 pounds lighter than the Convertible. It is, therefore, no wonder that the ’40 Ford 5-Window Coupe’s combination of sleek, aerodynamic design and light weight has made it a favorite of street rodders almost from its introduction. Out of 599,175 Fords built in 1940, only 27,919 Deluxe 5-Window Coupes were built in the first place and with the onset of World War II, with its cessation of civilian automobile production from 1942 until 1946, the 1940 Fords were forced to survive for nearly seven years before replacements began to become available. The combination of demanding use in the early days and their attraction for street rodders and customizers means that few stock configuration 1940 Ford Deluxe 5-Window Coupes survive. A number of years ago the Towe Museum in Sacramento, California was disbanded in a major disposition sale. Jack Hogan made the trip and came home with three cars of which this 1940 Ford Deluxe 5-Window was one. Like the other Towe Museum car still in the Hogan Collection (the 1937 Standard Tudor), it was in sound and largely untouched original condition. An old repaint in the original Tan, it has a Beige cloth interior which has been replaced. Upon receiving it after the Towe sale Jack installed a new and badly needed exhaust system and shocks. The gas tank was removed, cleaned out and restored to like new condition and it was mechanically gone through to ensure proper running and effective preservation. Other than that it has only been carefully detailed and maintained in its original condition. The dash and interior woodgraining are original, as is the glass which shows its age in the sand pitting of the windshield panes. The ’40 Ford has hubcaps and trim rings, wide whitewalls, clock, a side mirror, hat-type oil bath air cleaner, oil filter, radio and heater. Jack says it runs well, an attribute shared by all the Hogan Collector cars regardless of their age or restoration. Since joining the Hogan Collection the 1940 Ford Deluxe 5-Window Coupe has not been shown. Jack thinks it is an excellent candidate for an Early Ford V-8 Club One Category Rouge award, being essentially untouched except for the old repaint and replaced interior. With so many ’40 Fords sacrificed to realize a street rodder’s dreams, the quality, originality and overall extremely good condition of this car is highly unusual and it will be a valued participant in many shows, events and tours.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
