Specifications

Style:	Model 01A Ford Deluxe
Manufacture:	Ford Motor Company
Year Built:	1940
Engine:	221 cubic-inch flat-head V8
Bore & Stroke:	3.1 inch bore and 3.75 inch stroke with 6.15-to-1 compression ratio
Horesepower:	85
Torque:	157 foot-pounds
Wheelbase:	112 inch
Weight:	2799 lbs
Fuel Tank:	15 Gallons
Fuel CELLS:	Located in bottom Hull. 456 gal capacity
Rear Axle:	3/4 floating type with spiral bevel differential and 4.44 to 1 final axle gear ratio
Brakes:	Hydralic 12 inch drums in the front and rear
Wheel Size:	6.00x16x16
Status:	Rolling/Static Display
Owner:	Estrella Warbirds Museum

History

In November of 2012, the EWM Board accepted the donation of a 1940 Ford 4 door sedan from a family whose father owned the car. The vehicle had been brought to California from Oklahoma when they moved to the area many years ago. The condition of the vehicle, when donated, had seen many years of being baked under the hot California sun. The restoration crew soon took up the challenge to restore the vehicle to near original condition.

Both the US Army and the US Navy utilized the 1940 Ford Sedan Deluxe version although this particular model was more prevelant with the US Army.

Engines
Ford offered just two engines for this particular automobile lineup. A 136 cubic-inch in-line six-cylinder had a 2.6-inch bore and 3.2-inch stroke. The compression ratio was 6.6-to-1 developing 60 horsepower and 94 foot-pounds of torque.

The more popular engine was the 221 cubic-inch flat-head V-8. The V-8 had a 3.1-inch bore and 3.75-inch stroke and a 6.15-to-1 compression ratio. It generated 85 horsepower and 157 foot-pounds of torque.

Fortunately, our vehicle has the more popular flat-head 8 cylinder.

Ford History

The Ford line of cars was updated in 1937 with one major change — the introduction of an entry-level 136 CID (2.2 L) V8 in addition to the popular 221 CID (3.6 L) flathead V8. The model was a refresh of its predecessor, the Model 48 (itself based on the Model 40A), and was the company's main product. It was redesigned more thoroughly in 1941. At the start of production, it cost $850. The Ford Line bore several model numbers during this period: For domestic 1937 production in the United States Ford Model Numbers for 85 hp V-8 equipped cars was Model 78 and 60 hp V-8 cars was Model 74. Models 81A and 82A in 1938, and Models 91A and 92A in 1939.

A high flat-topped hood dominated the front look of the 1940 model, as the grille spread out to reach the fenders to differentiate the Deluxe line and the headlights were pushed wider still. The standard Ford inherited the grille of the 1939 model with blackout on each side of a heavy chrome center; heavier headlight surrounds serve as another major differentiator from the 1939. 1940 was the last year of the 1937 design and its smaller V8 engine, with a straight-six engine to be reintroduced the following year. Sealed-beam headlights were one of the few major advances for 1940, while a hydraulic top was new on the convertible.

Just For Fun

How fast can you rebuild this car?