1939 Ford 85 Deluxe Fordor Sedan
Ford Motor Company introduced its De Luxe Ford line in 1938 as an upscale alternative to bridge the gap between its base model, (usually called Standard), and luxury Lincoln offerings. The "Deluxe" name was first used starting in 1930 to specify an upscale trim starting with the Model 40-B and Model 45-B, then later the De Luxe Ford line was differentiated as a separate "marque within a marque" with separate styling and pricing through 1940. During 1939, Ford had five lines of cars: Ford, De Luxe Ford, Mercury, Lincoln-Zephyr, and Lincoln. After the war, this was simplified to Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln. The 1941 Ford line included "De Luxe" and "Super De Luxe" trim, but these vehicles were not marketed as a separate line. As Mercury Eight sales progressed, the De Luxe approach was cancelled.
For consignment, fully restored in 1973 and kept in the former owners collection, we give you this 1939 Fordor 85 sedan sporting a mere 21,437 title verified miles on the odometer. The options include an 85hp V8, 3-speed floor mounted shift, and a very clean interior which possibly is original to this car. We see astounding originality even with the restoration, and this Fordor would make a fine addition to any Ford collectors garage.
Exterior
Closely positioned to the V styled grille, teardrop headlights flank the high bulbous hood which has loads of shiny trimming accenting in the center and on the sides. A shiny chrome bumper resides below and is fitted with yellow lensed fog lights. Beautifully sculpted fenders frame wide whites in front and rear, with a center dog dish cap, and are connected by a rubber topped running board. A split glass front window surrounded by chrome is the first of 7 windows you will encounter on this beautifully designed in art nouveau automobile. The paint shows some cracking in a few areas and there is wear on the ribbed black rubber of the running boards. A wonderfully curved early aero rear of this car sports a split oval rear window, and a large, chromed trunk handle with a curved bumper below. Teardrop tail lights are on the backs of the rounded rear fenders, and I would be remiss not to mention the undulating trim spear at the beltline of the body.
Interior
A full cloth jacket in tan color and it covers a rounded overstuffed looking wonderful front bench, which has aged beautifully. This bench sits within a tan cloth tub and on its back is a pull strap and obligatory ashtray. In the back, another rounded bench matches the pattern of the front. Door panels are draped in tan cloth as well and show nicely with chromed accenting. Upfront a faux wood grained painted metal dash has the nicely aged round gauges and some beautifully warmed bakelite cream knobs. The glove box has its standard issue clock, there is an AM radio in dash central and overall the dash is in nice condition. A large steering wheel is fronting this dash. A Stewart Warner branded South Wind heater resides under the dash and above a mohair headliner in tan color with a few faded stains and splatters is still hanging in there tightly above. Rubber flooring is nice up front and in the rear we note brown low pile carpeting. A long shifter reaches up for the driver's hand.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is another gem in the form of a 221ci Flathead V8 that puts out 85 hp. It has a 2-barrel carburetor and a 3-speed manual transmission which is also original to this car. The rear axle weighs in at 3.78.
Undercarriage
Above a very nice X frame we can see what appears to be the original floor pan. No rust, just some light patina, a clean exhaust, solid body hangers and rust free transverse leaf spring suspension. Drum brakes which in 1939 made their debut as hydraulic vs mechanical.
Drive-Ability
This car starts and runs as it should, with a good clutch, and 85hp it actually can cruise at highway speeds with some time to get there. A straight bias free stopper, and what few functions this has to offer all work save for the heater not blowing. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
From a collector's collection and picked from the masses as one that has some great options. Low miles, and a very good looking well preserved car with beautiful styling and overall nice patina for the paint and interior coverings.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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