One-Family-Owned 1940 Ford Deluxe Tudor Sedan

Description

Designed under E.T. “Bob” Gregorie, with Edsel Ford’s influence, the 1940 Ford Deluxe represented the pinnacle of Ford’s pre-war styling and engineering. It featured a bold new front end, a three-part grille with horizontal bars, and sealed-beam headlights — innovations that set it apart from earlier models. Riding on a 112-inch wheelbase, the car retained Ford’s proven transverse leaf spring suspension but added a front stabilizer bar for improved handling.

Power came from the reliable 221 cubic-inch flathead V8, producing 85 horsepower, paired with a column-mounted “Finger-Tip” gearshift, a first for Ford. Inside, the Deluxe offered upscale touches like woodgrain accents and a locking glove box with a built-in clock.

Purchased new by a relative of the seller, this 1940 Ford Deluxe Tudor Sedan has remained in the family for 85 years, registered to three different owners. Originally painted black, the car was refinished in burgundy exterior paint with a burgundy and gold dashboard, new mohair upholstery, and a new headliner prior to being gifted to the seller from is father in 2015. According to the seller, the Ford retains its factory engine and drivetrain and shows less than 8,800 miles, which is believed to be correct.

This one-family-owned Ford is now offered with a clean South Carolina title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• One-family ownership from new 

• Odometer shows less than 8,800 miles, which seller believes to be correct

Factory Equipment

• 221 cu-in flathead V8 rated at 85 hp

• Three-speed manual transmission with column-mounted shifter

• Split windshield and rear window

• Sealed-beam headlights (new for 1940)

• Hydraulic brakes (introduced in 1939)

• Transverse leaf spring suspension with front stabilizer bar

• Heater

• 100-mph speedometer, clock, and gauges for fuel, temperature, oil, and battery

• 16” steel wheels with dog dish Ford Deluxe hubs (and General tires)

• Running boards

Modifications

• 2015:

  • Repainted from original black to burgundy

  • Refinished dashboard in burgundy and gold paint

  • Reupholstered seats in light gray mohair upholstery

  • New headliner installed

Known Imperfections

• Some paint scratches noted

• Cracks on steering wheel

• Some pitting on chrome trim

• Center horn button worn

• Clock is inoperable

• Missing paint in engine bay

Ownership History

The seller of this 1940 Ford Deluxe Tudor Sedan received it as a gift from his father in December 2015. The car has remained in the family since new.

The seller explains, “My father’s cousin Max Adams bought this car new in Georgia. He was a professional mechanic, so there are no service records because he did all of his own service work. He also garaged it in his shop. After his death, my father bought it from his estate and moved the car to South Carolina. He had it repainted and had the upholstery restored, then he gifted it to me. I’m the third registered owner.

“All mechanicals are original, it has been driven less than 10,000 original miles, and it has never been kept outdoors. Since there are no service records, there is no documentation concerning the odometer. However you can tell by the wear and tear on the car that this is truly the original mileage. I attest that the odometer has not rolled over (100,000 miles) and it has not been changed or rolled back in any way.”

Included Items

• Spare tire (and additional new tire)

• Lug wrench

• Spare alternator/generator

• Two ignition keys

• Additional oil