1939 Ford Standard

Description

Combining the Art-Deco look of the 1938 Ford front end and the swoopy coupe body that was so popular in 1940, this 1939 Ford Standard coupe seems to hit all the right notes. A slightly older build still in fine order, this black hot rod is the kind of car that you jump in and head for the opposite coast without a thought, and look great doing it.

Given how good this car looks today, it's hard to believe it was built back in the late 90's, but it's true. It shows a few signs of age, but the black paint still shines up nicely, most likely because it's been driven a scant 9000 miles since it was completed. Nothing on the handsome coupe has been substantially altered, so it has a sleek late-30s look that most folks find immensely appealing. Nice, straight sheetmetal and decent gaps suggest there was a lot of care involved in the build and the maintenance it has received since completion really has preserved it rather well. The Standard models were merely the previous year's Deluxe, so this '39 retains the awesome 1938 teardrop headlights, smooth vertical grille, and stylish hood trim, giving it the ideal look for a hot rod. There's not a lot of chrome, and that's how it came from the factory, but the details really sparkle against the black paint. Note the stock bumpers with rare decorative outer ends, the stainless trim that highlights the belt line, and teardrop taillights that were actually standard equipment on this car (although the blue dots are a later addition). It really looks good.

A red interior is always welcome with black bodywork, and it shows the kind of good taste that you don't ordinarily associate with high-profile hot rods. Comfortable bucket seats with a combination of leather and cloth upholstery give it a high-quality look, and custom door panels with red tweed and modern switches are in excellent condition. The original dash was subtly reworked to handle beautiful cream-faced gauges with a correct 1930s look, as well as custom vents for the A/C system. The former radio location now carries what appears to be an OEM GM AM/FM/cassette head unit that fills the space nicely. Other features include power windows and locks, cruise control, and a tilt steering column, and with plush carpets on the floors it feels almost like a luxury car rather than a vintage Ford. Even the trunk is fully finished with matching upholstery and red carpet.

It doesn't break any new ground under the hood, where a shiny 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 makes it both reliable and entertaining to drive. The engine fits easily in the pointed engine bay, and there's good service access and careful engineering to make it run right. Components like an HEI ignition system, Quadrajet carburetor, and Edelbrock intake ensure that it runs as well as it possibly can and you'll appreciate the burbling sound of the Flowmaster dual exhaust system. A Mustang II-style front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering means this Ford tracks like a cruise missile, and with a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and a 12-bolt with easy-cruising gears, this car eats up highway with ease. Flashy chrome wire wheels work well with the vintage Ford's bodywork and it rides on 195/60/15 front and 235/70/15 rear Goodyear radials.

It's easy to love this car, and if a well-sorted rod with a timeless look appeals to you, this is a fantastic choice. Call today!