5 Year Old Resto/Build Receipts/Rebuilt Flathead V8/Rarely Seen 42/3-Speed Man

1942 Ford Deluxe Coupe

The Ford car was thoroughly updated in 1941, in preparation for a time of unpredictability surrounding World War II. The 1941 design would continue in an aborted 1942 model year and would be restarted in 1946 and produced until 1948 when the more modern 1949 Fords were ready. During the initial year of this car, it evolved considerably. The front fenders came in three pieces, the theory being that small damages could be replaced easily. During the year, it evolved into two pieces with the lower front and back sections being joined. The hood risers changed, the early ones being the same as 1940 Fords, changing during the year to the better later version.

The 1942 model year lasted only four months before the government ordered a halt to civilian automobile production starting on February 10, 1942. So, for consignment, an original 1942 prewar shutdown Deluxe club coupe which has gone through the restoration mill about 5 years ago, the decision was made to stick with the 6 volt system to retain originality, which this car has aplenty. A definite award-winning head turner with a 24 stud Flathead V8, nice paint, and new bumpers it's a nice presentation and a prewar numbers car, which means there are not a lot of these left.

Exterior
The “electric shaver” grille, 3 part fenders for easier repairs in case of a mishap, and no running boards are just a few of the traits that came with this new design. Our example is bathed in copper metallic, has well minded gaps, no rust and has fender skirts included should you want to class things up a bit. Snappy lines, all curves were coming of age and this car is the definition of this design trend of the early 40's. Plenty of chrome trimmings which would be done away with during war production, (Ford solved this problem by using silver paint!), however this car has the chrome appearing in various areas like the beltline spear, windshield trimmings, door handles and wipers. The line of the back of this car is nothing short of spectacular with its sharply sloping rear roof and rear glass on either side for the rear passengers emulating the line of the C pillar. With the gently sloping trunk lid, it just has the 40's look that has become very desirable and even hints at aerodynamic thought, although it was not a concern in 1942. All finishes are excellent and cream colored wheels wrapped in thin whites and covered in the middle with the dog dish caps all chromed and we can now say Hee Haw!

Interior
With a swing of the doors we can see efforts were made to retain its original charm with tan vinyl for the door panels, and seating. Vertical tuck and roll patterning is framed above and below by smooth tan vinyl on the doors and is separated by maroon piping. Tan bakelite bezels for all the knobs and levers and shiny levers are seen. Inside we see the original chairs in a split bench for the front, and a solid bench on the rear form, but presents well with new tan vinyl with a shallow tuck and roll pattern and solid tan bolsters with more maroon piping. All this floating in a sea of dark brown carpeting. The original chromed art deco inspired dash in body matching copper metal and lots of chrome trimming is in front of the large steering wheel with complete circular horn ring and cloisonné Ford center badge. Nice presentation for this dash which retains its originality with huge cream yellow bakelite panels covering the steel. A tan felted headliner is above and is nice with no stains or wrinkling even as we get to the bottom of the C pillar near the rear window and on edges around the doors and windows. A shout out to the trunk which has also been restored with nice finishing coverings and a full size spare.

Drivetrain
Under the long bulbous hood within the fully restored engine bay in black is a dark olive green painted rebuilt flathead V8 showing as 239 cubes with a single 2-barrel carburetor under an original oil bath air cleaner. A 3-speed manual transmission is on back with a 3.78 rear axle installed in this model. All looking good in chromed metal hose extensions and black shiny restored bolt ons for this healthy mill.

Undercarriage
Some light surface rust on the X frame and floor pans but only where the paint has chipped off. All else is clean and black all the while solid as a rock underneath on the structural end. We note new dual exhaust with Turbo style mufflers snaking there way rearward through the suspension and frame. Transverse leaf springs for the suspension are on as also are drum brakes on all 4 corners.

Drive-Ability
Just a solid car and looking great as we were off for the test drive. This car started right up and ran smoothly, great acceleration from the flathead V8, and good cornering. Braking requires a bit of planning but overall bias free and they work! With all functions operation I felt like the belle of the ball driving this pre-war classic.

A head turner, nice finish and good job on the restoration of this vehicle. Prewar car just before the cut off in 1942, you will have all chromed trimmings, a Flathead V8, fender skirts and 40's design that drips aerodynamic looks. Time to go back in time and enjoy the simpler things in life, all in Copper glory!