1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible Sedan
* 221 cubic inch Flathead V8
* 3-speed manual transmission
* Hydraulic drum brakes
* 16 inch artillery wheels
* AACA Senior National winner
* Early Ford Dearborn Emeritus winner
* 1 of only 3,561 produced
As the company’s final Henry Ford-fueled innovation, the Ford V8 remains a durable, torque-rich powerplant that, thanks to solid engineering, has established an unmatched reputation in the classic and custom car community. And, in keeping with tradition, this stellar Ford drop-top is powered by a correct 221 cubic inch flathead V8 that, thanks to relatively tame 6.12 to 1 compression, makes roughly 90 horsepower. The antique engine has undoubtedly been rebuilt, and probably looks much better today than when it growled off the assembly line. Aesthetically, the block, which perches a familiar oiled air cleaner and a rare 2-barrel Ford carburetor above correct, 24-stud heads, has been painted a traditionally dark hue. There are many accurate pieces like reproduction Ford hoses, a rebuilt 6-volt generator, and a “Ford” branded battery. Glossy black fenders, which are complete with an old school horn, frame all those pieces in a sea of trophy winning bliss. And overall, this sedan’s clean engine bay is a charming and 100% functional step back into a much simpler, and some would say much better, period in American automotive history.
The exterior finish shows quite well, with one small paint chip on the trunk lid and one on the hood, both shown in photos in the gallery below. The seller notes no other rock chips, scratches, or dents, and no evidence of rust, bodywork, or filler. Brightwork is shiny with no obvious pitting or dents. The clear coat application is said to be a bit thicker on the fenders than doors. The resting positions of the door handles varies a bit due to installation of new hinges, and alignment of all four will be adjusted prior to the sale.
Designed to combine the features of a cabriolet and a four-door, the convertible sedan body style was in its waning days in 1939. Ford offered the configuration only in DeLuxe trim with chrome grille and windshield frame, twin electric air horns, woodgrain trim, locking glove-box, dash-mounted clock, and rear armrests. The convertible top appears well fit with no creasing or fold marks, and the glass backlight is clear.
The interior features the DeLuxe-logo banjo steering wheel and wood-grain finish over metal on the dash top, fascia, windshield surround, and door moldings. The seller reports the fuel gauge works intermittently, and the non-working odometer shows 20k miles. The rest of the Art Deco gauges are said to work as intended, including the hand-wind dash clock. Aftermarket electric turn signal indicators have been integrated into exterior lighting as a safety update.
This spectacular 1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible Sedan was originally restored in 1996, yet further restoration was done by the consignor between 2006 and 2013. This brought the classic Ford to a correctness that provides a competitive concours car, while being genuinely drivable. The exterior paint has been professionally refinished in Coach Maroon Bright, neatly contrasted by the tan leather interior and convertible top. A Mitchell overdrive was added during the restoration to further aid to the car’s usability. It should be noted, that although the engine is of the correct type for the 1939-model year, it appears to be a later built unit.
