1941 Ford Super Deluxe

1941 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible

Touted as an affordable car for the masses, with every part starting from raw steel to the rubber tires, produced within the confines of the massive Ford plant, the Super Deluxe offered a smooth ride, touted a large interior, and hydraulic brakes, all at a very affordable price. Some of this may have been true, and some not, but it sold cars, and that was the bottom line in 1941.

For consignment, a 1941 Super Deluxe convertible looking the part with its rounded lines accented by thin chrome trimmings and two rows of it! A 221ci flathead V8 and a black canvas convertible top that works very smoothly electrically. A fine example gracing our North hallway and maybe even an upgrade to the main showroom. These cars tend to move all over the Hallowed Halls of the Classic Auto Mall, and I for one want this one front and center.

Exterior
All in excellent condition, maroon paint covers all the steel panels that are fairly straight and true. The accessory bumper guards and wings, fender moldings, door handles, grille, light bezels, and window trims are all in good to excellent condition and shine brightly. Super Deluxe style, the barrel shaped vertical ribbed V Grille with its two flanking side panels looks shiny and unmarred. Rounded lines with bulbous fenders now with just a very small running board, we are moving into the modern era of the next car look as to the overall design genre. A hinged on the back hood with some curved edges, and a bulbous badged front section and a rounded trunk with a clear glass rear window for the black canvas roof just above. We see a central passenger compartment which utilizes square doors and is adorned with belt line trim spears. Also noted are some snazzy thin fender trimmings that wrap around the back and front quarters. A flared rocker is seen at the bottom. On the back is a long sloping trunk lid with another shiny chrome bumper with guards and wings just below and tall thin rectangle tail lights on the rear fenders. On all 4 corners are the standard 16-inch maroon painted steel wheels sporting moon caps in the center with Ford logo badging and bright shiny trim rings. Wide white walls for all corners are the standard fare for this Deluxe which is just Super!

Interior
Complimenting red artificial leather covers the interior seating and is correct for the period. The same material covers the door panels, and all Bakelite knobs as well as chromed cranks are there and accounted for. Fronting this duo of benches is a nicely done wood grained dash with cream Bakelite trim. The original steering wheel also in Bakelite is in excellent condition. Red carpet covers all floors and is stain free and fluffy all the while being protected in the front by an all encompassing tan rubber mat and the underside of the canvas top is excellent. A note on the trunk as it is paneled with painted pressed board and has a rubber lining that sits in front of a new spare tire.

Drivetrain
Flipping the hinged hood, we see in the restored engine bay, a 221ci flathead V8 which our decoder states is correct for this car. As is the 1-barrel carburetor feeding it, and the 3-speed manual transmission on back. This setup is a 6-volt electrical system. A newer aluminum radiator fronts the mill, and the rear axle weighs in at a 3.54 ratio.

Undercarriage
An X frame with only surface rust firmly supports the black steel patina finished floor pans and surface exhaust in single form. Body hangers are rust free and it is definitely an all-solid undercarriage environment. Providing the ride are transverse leaf springs for the front and rear suspension which work with drum brakes on all 4 corners. Very nicely done down here.

Drive-Ability
She started right up, and on the test track had solid acceleration and bias free braking. Steering was smooth and shifting was the same. All other functions were working as they should but we noticed a soft brake pedal and a slight tap from the engine that went away once we achieved operating temperature.

In keeping most of its original charm, we see an overall very good condition automobile, with that fab grille! Much of the original trimmings and steel panels have been retained and the paint is excellent, still shiny after all those years showing no battle scars. It is time to do another bucket list thing in retirement, so advantage YOU! Come and get it!

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