1939 Ford Standard CoupeIn the Mid 1930's, Ford Motor Company president Edsel Ford was beginning to worry about the ever-increasing competition from Oldsmobile and Buick. Ford...
1939 Ford Standard Coupe
In the Mid 1930's, Ford Motor Company president Edsel Ford was beginning to worry about the ever-increasing competition from Oldsmobile and Buick. Ford needed a car that offered style, comfort and luxury at a mid-market price, one that could bridge the gap between top-of-the-line Ford models and the ultra-exclusive Lincoln K series. The DeLuxe line of upmarket Fords was introduced for 1938 alongside the Lincoln-Zephyr. These new DeLuxe Fords featured different styling from their standard counterparts, as well as well-equipped cabins with additional luxury features.
For consignment, a “baby Zephyr” in response to the competition offering up very nicely designed cars looking like more high-end vehicles. Edsel's response was indeed this car. Its grille was the first hint, and the remainder of the styling gave homage to the higher end offerings of the time. Our 1939 example has an interesting backstory as it was purchased as a graduation gift for a Mr. Harris. Instead of Mr. Harris driving it daily; he purchased a second model and this example stayed in his possession until his passing in 2006. During Mr. Harris' ownership a mere 59,980 miles were logged on the odometer and now is being offered to you on consignment by the second owner with a paltry 60,006 title verified actual miles. Unrestored, mostly original paint, original interior, and all functions work. This one won't last!
Exterior
The first clue to this excellent design is right up front with those teardrop headlights. These are mounted on the rounded fenders that flank a beautiful vertical ribbed grille with a downward sloping V and a high bulbous hood above. This all Henry Ford metal car is bathed in the original black paint, (except for one fender), with panels that have well minded gaps. As we scan to the back of the long hood, it eventually runs into the dual panel windscreen wrapped by chrome trimmings and shiny dual wipers. Long doors float effortlessly above rubber covered running boards that eventually turn into another curva-licious fender for the rear. This frames a trunk lid which gracefully travels downward matching the rear fender and framed by a small thin chromed bumper at the bottom. A single teardrop taillight resides on the driver's rear fender. All of the chrome is original to the car and presents with a mix of shine, rust and some delamination. All original and utilizing moon cap hubcaps with the iconic V8 badged centers for the wheel covers present also in black for the steel wheels and thin trim rings just inside the edge. Wide whitewall tires are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Original and smooth tight tan colored mohair and carpeting door panels with some piping delineating the various panels and providing a background for the nice shiny chromed actuator and window crank. These panels present with some overall wear and water staining, but hey, they're 83 years old. Tan colored broadcloth for the bench seat which has a solid back and is padded to rival a couch in your living room. In keeping with the theme, a metal painted faux wood grain dash is original and with nice cream gauges and mirror-like bezels with a peppering of horizontal ribbing. This is all fronted by a cream 3 spoke by Bakelite steering wheel with another V8 badge in the center. The floor is covered with an impervious rubber flooring which presents in light tan and is the only non original part of the interior. From this floor a beautifully curved shift lever reached out to the driver and is topped with a brown knob. This interior is dripping with an aged look and is a trip back in time. We rarely see 83 year old original interiors and this one sure does impress.
Drivetrain
Opening the rear hinged alligator mouth style hood we are met with somewhat of a rarity. A V8 in 135ci flathead format making 60hp. All regular maintenance has been completed along with the water pumps being replaced and the distributor set up. Bolted to the back of this mighty mini V8 is a 3-speed manual transmission and handling the power at the tail end is a 4.44 geared axle.
Undercarriage
Patina abounds but no invasive rust is seen, just a smattering of surface rust on the X frame supporting the black stamped floor pans, body hangers, and under running boards. Transverse leaf springs provide the all around suspension, and coming from the engine are the original exhaust manifolds which merge to a single pipe system with a stock style muffler. New for 1939 hydraulic drum brakes are upfront, and hydraulic drums are also on for the rear.
Drive-Ability
The flat headed V8 fired right up, and the carb fed plenty of performance from my foot to the power train. This car drives nicely, and all is functioning very well. A great cruiser with power when you need it, an original time capsule right out of 1939. So smooth and steering seemed so light it could have been powered. A beautiful driver with effortless shifting and good solid hydraulic braking.
A wonderful example of the baby Zephyr, the general public never had it so good, with this ability to look like a high roller by spending little money. Edsel was a genius, and this created sales that put Ford back on the map. A 2-door coupe and just what the doctor ordered as to its luscious design and line. This nearly all original winner is gracing our hallowed halls.