Back in the day, traveling salesmen hit the road in austere two-door business coupes. Giant trunks and spacious cabins could be filled to the brim with the latest goods. When the body style faded from favor in the 1950s, customizers picked up on its inherent coolness. Fords are fine, but it’s the Dodges and Chryslers of the period that make us drool decades later.
item 1 of 19
This 1940 Dodge Businessman Coupe recently listed on eBay is an absolutely stunning example. The Menges Twins’ Speed Shop - opens in new window or tab., near Paso Robles, Calif., performed the car’s magical transformation. The crew knocked it out of the park with dazzling metal, body, and engine work.
Stunning Exterior
This black beauty is wicked smooth and one-of-a-kind. The body received extensive body mods at the California shop, starting with a five-inch chopped roof and shaved door handles. The transplanted 1941 Lincoln Zephyr front grille flows into the hood, custom splash pan, and molded one-piece fenders.
At the same time, custom front and rear fender skirts add aero aesthetics. Stainless steel lips set off the lower edges. 1940 Ford chrome trim adds a subtle style line from the hood to the trunk. It all blends remarkably well.
The coupe lights up the night, no matter the conditions. Dodge Brothers emblems - opens in new window or tab. set off the split headlamp covers, while amber fog lamps - opens in new window or tab. top the gorgeous chrome front bumper. A pair of Unity spotlights - opens in new window or tab. stand ready for the driver and passenger to aim.
Art Deco Interior
The cabin does not disappoint. Vintage Auto Interiors of Huntington Beach did a splendid job on the full-custom job. The use of 1961 Chrysler New Yorker body trim on the gray suede and black vinyl door panels was a brilliant stroke. It perfectly compliments the diamond-stitched TMI split-bench seat - opens in new window or tab..
The dashboard, steering wheel, and column are all OEM pieces. The gray and black diamond-patterned upholstery flows into the trunk for luxurious modern tailgating. It’s a rolling movie set.
Traditional Drivetrain
Y’all can save your Hellcat and slushbox for another build. A classic 1954 331 cubic-inch Hemi with 1955 354 heads and an Isky camshaft - opens in new window or tab. lurks under the big coupe’s split hood.
A Hot Heads intake manifold and 600 CFM Edelbrock carburetor - opens in new window or tab. crown the old-school V-8. They hide under a Cadillac-style air cleaner adorned with pinstriping by Keira Brady. A ’90s Mustang-sourced five-speed manual T5 transmission hooks up to the 3.55 positraction Ford rear with a custom driveshaft.
It’s Oh So Low
This baby sits glued-to-the-ground while at rest. That magic happens with hydraulic cylinders and springs delivering that ground-scraping goodness.
The Menges brothers built a sturdy foundation, starting with a Mustang II front end with rack-and-pinion steering. The front disc brakes and master cylinder are Wilwood pieces - opens in new window or tab.. A four-link rear with a custom cross member keeps everything planted in the back. The rolling stock is traditional.
The car rides on 16x6 black steelies with chrome hubcaps and beauty rings. The wide whitewalls are 600-16 Firestone Deluxe Champion Bias-ply.
Earning Accolades
The coupe has attracted its share of attention at the shows, in print, and out on the street. It captured the “Best Radical Custom Lowrider Rod” award at the 2020 Grand National Roadster show and earned a spot in Gene Winfield’s Select Six at the 2019 Syracuse Nationals.
Car Kulture Deluxe Magazine ran a six-page feature in issue #103, and Fireball Tim caught the car in his Malibu Vlog, episode 897 - opens in new window or tab. (about 12 minutes in). He described the build as “the works.”
Now the 1940 Dodge Businessman Coupe's next owner takes over duties for sharing it with anybody and everybody who appreciates such a gorgeous work of automotive art and history.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.