1940 Ford Deluxe VIN Verification

INTRODUCTION

The 1940 Ford Deluxe is one of the most recognizable and beloved pre-WWII American cars. With its graceful curves, art-deco styling, and performance-driven engineering, the ’40 Deluxe has become a staple of classic car culture. Often restored, hot-rodded, or preserved in museums, this model represents the peak of Ford’s design before the war reshaped the auto industry.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

The 1940 Ford Deluxe was part of the final generation before World War II paused civilian car production. It marked the culmination of Ford’s “fat fender” era with a complete redesign over the 1939 model. The Deluxe line was the more upscale offering compared to the Standard model, providing better trim, chrome accents, and more refined styling. It was the product of Ford’s growing focus on combining style with performance, heavily influenced by Edsel Ford’s design sensibility.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

Buyers in 1940 could choose between two main engines:

• 221 cu in Flathead V8 (85 hp) – the classic Ford V8, known for its smooth power and affordability.

• 239 cu in Flathead V8 (95 hp) – offered in the optional Mercury V8 trim, delivering a slight performance boost.

Both engines were mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. With a curb weight around 3,000 lbs, the car delivered peppy performance and was very popular among early hot rodders.

DESIGN & FEATURES

The 1940 Ford Deluxe featured a sleek, teardrop-inspired design with wider fenders, a prominent new grille, sealed-beam headlamps integrated into the fenders (a first for Ford), and a longer, lower body profile. Inside, it had a tastefully styled dashboard with chrome-trimmed gauges, bench seating, and two-tone color schemes. The look was both luxurious and forward-thinking, capturing the optimism of late 1930s America.

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

The 1940 Ford Deluxe was available in multiple body styles, including:

• 2-Door Coupe

• 2-Door Convertible Coupe

• 4-Door Sedan

• 5-Passenger Coupe

• Business Coupe

• Station Wagon (“Woodie”)

There were also two trim levels:

• Standard – Simpler trim and fewer chrome details

• Deluxe – Upgraded grille, interior finishes, and additional exterior chrome

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

By 1940 standards, the Ford Deluxe offered decent safety:

• Hydraulic brakes (a major improvement over earlier mechanical brakes)

• Sealed-beam headlights (brighter and more reliable)

• Basic instrumentation and windshield wipers

Still, safety features were minimal compared to modern cars—no seat belts, crumple zones, or airbags.

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

The Flathead V8 engine was reasonably fuel-efficient for its time, offering approximately 14–18 miles per gallon, depending on driving habits and load. It struck a balance between performance and fuel use, especially important during an era when gasoline was cheap, but reliability mattered.

MARKET COMPARISON

In 1940, the Ford Deluxe competed with:

• Chevrolet Master Deluxe

• Plymouth P10 Deluxe

• Dodge Luxury Liner

Ford distinguished itself with the V8 engine as standard (while Chevy and others still relied on inline-sixes) and a bold design. Many buyers were drawn to its blend of style and speed at a competitive price point.

PRICING

In 1940, the Ford Deluxe ranged from about $700 to $950, depending on body style and trim. Today, pricing varies widely:

• Well-preserved originals: $30,000 – $60,000+

• Restomods/hot rods: $40,000 – $150,000+

• Project cars: $10,000 – $25,000

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• Recognized as one of the top pre-war American cars by collectors and restorers

• A frequent favorite at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Goodguys Nationals

• Immortalized in hot rod history and featured in countless car shows, magazines, and pop culture references