1939 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet

[THarrison351]

The 1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible Coupe provided drivers with a flathead V-8 engine, 1930's styling, and something new for a Ford, hydraulic brakes. This was the last year, Ford equipped its cars with a rumble seat. The V-8 engine had 90 hp and 221 cu in coupled to a 3 speed manual transmission. Front and rear suspension were much the same as the Model T, A, and previous V-8 Ford cars. Solid axle, transverse semi-elliptical leaf spring located by triangulated radius arms and would continue mostly unchanged until 1948. The biggest mechanical news for 1939 was inclusion of hydraulic brakes from Ford Lockheed (not Bendix) these were not self energizing brakes so the pedal effort is high. Visually, the 1939 Ford Deluxe has a modern looking front with a flatter hood, the headlights were moved further out to the center of the fenders and this would be the last year for lens, bulb and reflector type lights in the Ford models. Seal beam headlights will become standard. 

The 1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible Coupe model from Franklin Mint is a jewel and after my review of their 1932 Ford Roadster Hot Rod, it's hard to believe they came from the same company. This model gets that much closer to Danbury Mint in detail work. The fit and finish is very nice. Most all of the chrome is separate plated pieces instead of silver paint. The fender skirts look removable, but they're attached. I do like the effort to make it look like they might be removable. The engine is fully wired and plumbed and it even has a leather like fan belt. There's a delicate antenna in the center of the windshield with a corresponding knob inside to turn it if it only moved. The interior, oh the interior, I have a Danbury Mint 1940 Packard with door windows you can manipulate up and down. On this one, the actual window roller moves the window up and down! Be very careful! The seats fold forward and the tire compartment lifts fully exposing an actual removable spare, with open lug holes and center. All the seats, including the rumble seat have a good vinyl texture to them. The up top wit interior frame, and boot cover have a well replicated fabric feel. The whole interior is just well executed!

I have been trying to get one of these for over a year once I saw some pictures of them while looking through Legacy Motors Lists and Reviews. The problem was the damaged ones were always missing parts that were needed and the ones that had parts would bid beyond what I felt they were worth. So, last week this one came up as a complete car, boxes, paperwork, everything and I won it $65 shipped. Considering I was being outbid on damaged ones without boxes, paperwork, etc. at $45 plus shipping I think I did OK. All it need was a little polish to bring back the luster.

[Gramps46]

Your diligence really paid off on this one.  Great looking Ford.  Just noticed the inside white walls.  Don't think I have seen those before.

Edited February 25, 2020 by Gramps46

[randyc]

You did good.   Very reasonable price.  I have one but my driver's door doesn't shut good.  Won't stay all the way in and I really don't want to take it apart.   I have studied the hinge and can't see exactly why it won't stay closed.   Don't try to open the fuel filler.  Learned that the hard way.  lol 

I do like how the front susensioon is screwed and riveted.  So many cars with plastic working front susension end up broken.  Rears too.  The axles should be metal, or if plastic, should have a metal reinforcement.

Any way, nice model.   And excellent write up.