The 1940 Ford Deluxe “California Special” Convertible represents three decades of meticulous family-owned custom work, blending vintage charm with hot rod performance.
Origins and build history
The seller’s grandfather acquired the car in the 1990s and spent roughly 1,000 hours on metal work alone. He chopped the top 2.5 inches, sectioned the body by 2.5 inches, and painted it black with lacquer.
Custom suspension and stance
The front spring eyes were reversed, and longer rear shackles were fitted. The final stance is approximately seven inches lower than stock. Hydraulic drum brakes were retained for authenticity.
Wheels and exterior features
The car rides on 16-inch steel wheels with chrome trim and whitewall tires. Lincoln bumpers and dual exhaust complement the sleek black body and lowered profile.
Interior craftsmanship
Hand-stitched black leather upholstery by Tim Paul covers the cabin. Rubber floor mats protect the interior, while the steering wheel sits before a sweeping 100-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The odometer shows approximately 19,000 miles.
Engine and drivetrain
A later-model 24-stud flathead V8 powers the convertible, topped by dual Stromberg 97 carburetors. A three-speed column-shift manual transmission is paired with a Mitchell overdrive unit for smooth highway driving.
Driving experience
The combination of lowered stance, custom suspension, and flathead V8 offers a classic hot rod feel with balanced handling and vintage character.
Provenance and media coverage
The build has been featured in Hot Rod – An American Original and American Rodder, with copies included. The project included photo documentation of the car at various stages of restoration.
Ownership and title
Owned by the same family for roughly 30 years, the 1940 Ford Deluxe “California Special” Convertible holds a Washington title and retains all documentation of its custom build.
Summary
This 1940 Ford Deluxe “California Special” Convertible combines classic design, handcrafted interior, and a custom flathead V8 into a family-owned collector’s car. Its documented build and 19k miles make it a rare, highly desirable hot rod.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
