Classic hot rods are often beautiful works of art, painstakingly crafted by enthusiasts with a wild imagination. However, low-key customs that resist extensive modification can be the most appealing. For example, this 1940 Ford Deluxe recently listed on eBay looks nearly stock to the untrained eye. But peel back the layers, and you’ll discover innovative tricks.
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Blue Oval Performance
The full-sized Ford model was prevalent throughout the 1930s. It was available in various body styles to fit many needs, including a sedan, coupe, truck, and convertible.
For speed hunters, Ford introduced a low-cost V-8 engine in 1932. In the ensuing decades, racers enjoyed the legendary flathead that provided plenty of power and robust service.
Stock car racing started with the Fords of the 1930s and 1940s. With big trunks and plenty of performance from the flathead V-8 - opens in new window or tab., moonshiners could haul ample supplies of whiskey while evading the law. These enterprising drivers eventually started competing against one another, first on back roads and eventually on oval horse tracks. The fastest cars often had well-modified flathead Fords.
The Best from Detroit’s Big Three
Technology marches on. Newer powerful engine designs eventually supplanted the flathead. Hot rodders adapted, and that’s reflected in the spirit of this 1940 Ford Deluxe.
Under the hood lies a Hemi, an engine named for hemispherical combustion chambers - opens in new window or tab. that produce plenty of horsepower. But this isn’t just any Hemi engine - opens in new window or tab.. It’s from DeSoto, an often-forgotten midrange brand between the entry-level Plymouth, the slightly nicer Dodge, and the high-end Chrysler brands. This 291-cubic inch V-8 was offered in the early 1950s and easily produced double the horsepower of the original Ford flathead - opens in new window or tab..
The builder fitted unusual modifications, such as modified rear wheel spats from a 1940 Chevrolet. The steering wheel comes from a 1948 Cadillac, and the hubcaps from a 1956 Lincoln - opens in new window or tab.. The builder took the best from all of Detroit’s Big Three to bring his vision to life.
The rear axle was lowered by four inches to achieve the low-slung hotrod look. The hood and deck lid trim was shaved to clean up the looks. The Ford Deluxe's interior was redone, but without too many modern touches, save a cup holder over the transmission tunnel.
One modern touch we support is the addition of front disc brakes - opens in new window or tab. and a dual-reservoir master cylinder - opens in new window or tab.. This modification makes the custom Ford much safer in modern traffic, especially considering the extra Hemi firepower under the hood.
A Value Buy?
It’s hard to put a price on a custom hot rod, like this outstanding 1940 Ford Deluxe. In theory, someone could recreate this car by mimicking its parts list. eBay Motors probably has everything you need to do just that.
But the time and effort expended by the builder of this classic 1940 Ford Deluxe are hard to fathom. It’d take years to build something this special. Or, with one click, it could be yours.
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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.