Ford V8 DeLuxe Coupé, 1939
Chassis No.: 184844857 Engine No.: 8970010 Registration: WXG 933 • Subject to a no expense spared restoration with many subtle upgrades • Professionally rebuilt 359ci Chevrolet engine producing between 350bhp-400bhp • Rack and pinion steering The sole coupé model of the Ford V8 DeLuxe was a five-window design, with a single bench seat for three people. This allowed the car to boast two luggage compartments, one reached by raising the boot lid, the other from inside by lifting the seatback. The coupé was available as either a Standard or DeLuxe model, the former with a choice of the small 60bhp V8 or the 221ci 85bhp powerplant. Standard Fords had a variation of the 1938 nose, less exterior trim, and a single taillight. In DeLuxe trim, cars had the new Gregorie front end, two taillights, and came with the 85bhp engine as standard equipment. For the first time, the headlights were recessed smoothly into the front fenders, but for the last time they had free-form lenses, unconstrained by the new round shape of standardised sealed beams. Despite its limited seating, the coupé proved quite popular, with 37,326 manufactured of all types. This placed it third in sales, behind the Tudor and Fordor saloons. This exquisite Ford V8 presents in beautiful condition throughout. Imported into the UK in February 2015, this vehicle was then subjected to a no expense spared, frame-up build featuring a modified, professionally built, 359 cubic inch Chevrolet engine fuelled by a Carter 600cfm carburettor with Brodix aluminium cylinder heads, roller rockers and a hydraulic performance camshaft. The distributor is an electronic Igniter ignition and cooling is handled by a Walker radiator with the power conservatively estimated at between an eye watering 350 and 400bhp! The gearbox is a 350 automatic with a Lokar shifter, the front suspension is independent with coilover shocks and heavy-duty springs and the steering is rack and pinion. Braking at the front is taken care of by Mustang disc brakes and calipers and the rear axle is a heavy duty 9″ Ford unit with drum brakes, all sitting on a powder-coated chassis. The interior of this coupé features new headlining, carpets, seats, door trims and seat belts and the beautifully original woodgrain-look dash gives a fantastically authentic feel. A complete Ron Francis wiring loom was also installed along with new VDU gauges to complement the banjo steering wheel and the front screen winds out just as it should. Presented in Cordoba Tan with chrome wheels housed by Coker Classic whitewall tyres; 215/75/R15s on the back and 195/75/R15s on the front. Aesthetically a beautiful vehicle, the quality of which needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Supplied to auction with a V5C registration document and history file containing various bills and invoices from the build. Consigned by Fraser Smith https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=17467&au=90
