Photos provided by the seller
Highlights
- Previously restored with no expense spared
- Packed with mechanical upgrades, including a built 359 cu in Chevrolet V8
- A superb, one-of-a-kind collection piece
- Just 3 former UK owners
The Appeal
First introduced in 1938, the Deluxe would serve as a bridge between base model Ford vehicles, and the more luxurious offerings from Lincoln. In keeping with earlier Ford tradition, the Deluxe line would be available in a range of different body styles, including both 4, and 2-door variants.
As time passed, the Deluxe proved to be rather popular amongst enthusiasts, with many opting to modify the platform, embracing the Hot Rod culture. As the Deluxe was also rather prominent in pop culture, a fantastic example of this can be found in "Greased Lightnin'", with John Travolta.
This particular Ford Deluxe Coupe is no exception to the tradition, having been subject to a full restoration, and kitted out with a host of upgraded parts. Amongst a huge array of new components, and restored original items, this Deluxe shows off a built Chevrolet engine, new suspension parts, a new interior, and a gorgeous new paint job.
Whether you’re looking for a thoroughly enjoyable weekend toy, show car, or a unique collection piece, this Ford Deluxe will undoubtedly impress at each opportunity.
The History and Paperwork
- 3 former UK owners
- Imported into the UK in 2015
- Previously fully restored, from the frame up
- Includes a large folder of receipts, instructions & documentation
- V5C document is present and ready to sign over
Produced in 1939, this Deluxe no doubt has a rich history, with over 80 years of adventure and stories to reflect upon. After such an impressive past, this Ford Deluxe was likely showing signs of its age and received a full frame-up restoration & build during its time in the United States.
With no expense spared, this Deluxe now proudly sports a powder-coated frame, fresh Cordoba Tan paintwork, a host of new interior parts, and mechanical upgrades as far as the eye can see. Although the full specification can be found in the later “Mechanics” section of this listing, a key component to mention is the professionally built 359 Chevrolet V8, which is reportedly delivering between 350-400bhp. Mightily impressive indeed.
Once restored and rebuilt to a very high specification, the vehicle was then imported to the UK in 2015, where it has since been enjoyed by a total of 4 UK owners. Throughout its time in the UK, it is evident the vehicle has continued to be well cared for and still presents itself in fantastic condition today.
The Interior
- Subject to a previous restoration, including new door trims, seats, carpeting, seat belts, and headlining
- Features an original woodgrain dashboard, fitted with new VDO gauges
- 3-spoke Banjo steering wheel
- Wind-out front screen
- Excellent overall condition, with only minor wear to the seat, and original components
As part of its no-expense-spared restoration, this coupe received a host of new interior components, including new headlining, carpeting, door trims, seats, and seat belts. Rather impressively, the vehicle also shows off an original woodgrain dashboard, which has been adorned with new VDO gauges and complemented with a banjo steering wheel.
As the vehicle has covered rather few miles since its restoration, it should come as no surprise that the interior still presents itself in excellent condition, with only a few blemishes to mention. Perhaps most notable, are very slight signs of wear to the front seat bench, and slight signs of age with the wooden dashboard. The latter, of course, is to be expected for the sheer age of such a piece.
Overall, the cabin presents itself in excellent condition, offering a fantastic balance between original components, and new pieces from the restoration. In keeping with the original interior, it’s also rather comfortable and ensures any time spent with this superb Deluxe is all the sweeter.
The Exterior
- Previously restored, with no expense spared
- Cordoba Tan paintwork
- 15” chrome wheels, with whitewall Coker Classic tyres
- Iconic Deluxe coupe styling
- Excellent overall condition, guaranteed to turn heads
As previously mentioned, this classic Ford received a very thorough restoration shortly before arriving in the UK. This in-depth process consisted of a frame-up build, with a powder-coated frame, renewed underside components, drivetrain upgrades, an interior overhaul, and most noticeably; a fresh paint job.
The classy colour presented before you is “Cordoba Tan”, which perfectly suits the retro nature of this Ford Deluxe. Having potentially only seen around 7500 miles since restoration, the paintwork presents itself in excellent condition, with only incredibly minor imperfections.
Complementing the tan paintwork, are a set of 15” chrome wheels, wrapped in a set of Coker Classic whitewall tyres. In keeping with the overall condition, the wheels too present themselves very well, with no noteworthy marks. Chrome pieces and details follow suit, with no defects or signs of age worthy of note.
Complementing the tan paintwork, are a set of 15” chrome wheels, wrapped in a set of Coker Classic whitewall tyres. In keeping with the overall condition, the wheels too present themselves very well, with no noteworthy marks. Chrome pieces and details follow suit, with no defects or signs of age worthy of note.
This is certainly a vehicle that stands out on today’s roads, and will forever attract the admiration of onlookers wherever it may venture.
The Mechanics
- Built 359 cu in Chevrolet V8
- Carter 600cfm carburetor
- Brodix aluminium cylinder heads
- Roller rockers, and a high-performance cam
- Electronic ignition
- Carter radiator
- 350 automatic transmission with a Lokar shifter
- Rack and pinion steering
- Front coilover suspension, with heavy-duty springs
- Mustang front brake calipers & discs
- 9” rear Ford axle, with drum brakes
- Ron Francis wiring loom
- VDO gauges
- Estimated between 350-400bhp
- Drives brilliantly, with no known faults
As the extensive specification list above would suggest, no expense has been spared with this Ford Deluxe, especially with the built Chevrolet 359 hiding under the hood. With such an impressive spec and plenty of high-end parts to note, it should come as no surprise that this Deluxe has buckets of power & torque to enjoy. In fact, the power output is estimated between 350 and 400bhp, at a conservative guess.
Having been professionally built to a very high standard, the vehicle is said to fire up without a hitch and happily performs fault-free, throughout the rev range. The combination of upgrades not only ensures plenty of power to play with, but also offers improved reliability, and greater ride quality. The end result is a torquey V8 coupe, packed with character, with a sublime exhaust note often unheard of here in the UK.
With no known faults to mention, this V8 Ford Deluxe Coupe is more than ready to be enjoyed, and will surely provide endless fun out on the road.
Summary
This Deluxe Coupe presents an excellent opportunity to own a restored example of the classic Ford, packed to the rafters with upgrades, and high-end mechanical parts. Arguably standing head and shoulders above its original counterpart, this Deluxe now shows off a built 359 Chevy V8, a gorgeous Cordoba Tan paint job, a fresh interior, and a specification list any hot rod enthusiast would be proud of.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind collection piece, or simply fancy a taste of the legendary hot rod culture, this Ford Deluxe Coupe is the vehicle for you.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind collection piece, or simply fancy a taste of the legendary hot rod culture, this Ford Deluxe Coupe is the vehicle for you.
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