350ci V8 Less than 3,000 Miles Since Rebuild

1940 Ford Deluxe

Initially the Deluxe model for Ford was used to bridge the gap between the Ford line and the Lincoln line. Think of it as a mid-range offering. WW II started, and all production shifted to the war effort, halting production in 1942.

This modified and upgraded (restomod) presents in very nice overall condition. Ford designed some great accents to complement the sweeping lines of the '40 Ford and all those items are present and retained. True to form, a small block V-8 has been dropped into the engine compartment, and a completely new interior fabricated. And excepting the vinyl, yes, I said VINYL padded running boards, the exterior presents a mostly original look.

Exterior
The front end starts with an original bumper and wingtips that have been re-chromed. Behind them, the classic Ford grille remains in place, framed by a pair of Ford script headlights set in substantial chrome bezels. For safety, turn signals have been hidden in the parking lights and taillights. Deluxe hood trim draws the eye back toward a newly redone passenger compartment. The side profile is surprisingly clean with only a simple trim strip flowing across the surface while chrome door handles, dual mirrors, and fresh padded vinyl running board continue the look. The sloping rear flows toward tail lenses that sit above a second re-chrome original bumper. Back to the hood, to wit the center of the lid, shows a nicely aged Ford V8 lever to open the hood and reveal what the real star of the show is. Last but not least chromed steel Cragar wheels are placed at all 4 corners.

Interior
A newly restored customized interior shows a sea of gray crushed velour cloth. Two buckets in front and a bench in the rear, as well as door panels, and the headliner, are all covered in grey. Gray carpeting is seen and compliments a gray and maroon dash. Original radio speaker grate is there, and an aftermarket radio is mounted above this grate. A new VDO instrument cluster embedded in a dash curve matching cluster is fronted by the steering column showing cruise control and modern Chevrolet steering wheel. Plenty of ashtrays in the dash, and on the back of the buckets say smoke 'em if you got 'em, although since the restoration I don't see any evidence of them being actually used. A Tropic Aire heater is mounted under the dash on the passenger side.

Drivetrain
350 Cubic Inches under the hood from 1971. A 2-barrel carb and backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic tranny, are the meat of the power mill. A 10-bolt axle, controlled by semi elliptic springs, as well as drum brakes are seen on the rear, and solid axle semi elliptic springs on the front are visible along with the drum brakes on the front. The underside of the vehicle is in good condition, with any rust seen as surface rust.

This combination rebuild, part Chevrolet, part Ford, part just creative license (see vinyl running boards) is showing in good condition. Identity crisis aside, a solid build, with great color, and nicely presented interior.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.