AACA Senior First Place Deluxe Convertible 304 Flathead

In a showroom lined with six-figure street rods and octane-fueled muscle cars, there's something to be said about a clean pre-war classic, like this handsome '39 Ford, that's been restored to exact its original purpose. Sure, this drop-top's been to shows and, as a claimed AACA award winner, proven its place among the best antiques in the country. But as it sits, the car, with its tweaked flathead, tweaked 3-speed and Dearborn steel body, is undoubtedly built to cruise and enjoy. So, if you've been shopping for a cool old hot rod to parade up and down Main Street, it looks like you've found your next car!

With its wind-swept design and classic good looks, Ford's DeLuxe series has always been a rare and highly desirable line of cars. Not surprisingly, gearheads, customizers and 70 years' worth of dedicated fans have elevated it to one of hot rodding's greatest cultural icons. And this awesome convertible has, with the help of a thorough, frame-off restoration, been transformed into one smooth-driving show queen. The car's build began when its mostly-solid fuselage was married to a fresh set of NOS fenders. Once those old school panels were aligned to near perfection, glossy Washington Blue base was buried in thick and glossy clear. And today, this slick special is an era-correct road warrior that, despite being years out of restoration, still looks better than pretty much every car at any show its owner chooses to attend!

There really isn't much you can do to make a late '30s Ford more attractive. The model's streamlined styling was a home-run when originally introduced; and today, it's a stunning example of some of the strongest elements of the highly regarded Art Deco movement. At the front of this razor-sharp DeLuxe, a stainless-trimmed hood, which serves as the focal point of the car's ornate façade, flows through a seamless, “V8” branded grille into a prominent, pointed chin. At the sides of that grille, sculpted fenders center pristine, chrome-trimmed headlights above a curved chrome bumper that's complete with a blue accent stripe and small, chrome guards. Behind those fenders, stainless wipers clear like-new glass that's seated between correct chrome mirrors, an inverted antenna and a tan cloth top. At the base of those wipers, streamlined stainless trim parallels stylized door handles, old school bear claws and traditional, covered running boards. And at the back of the car, a “Ford” branded deck rides between small steps, a simple fuel filler, tinted tail lamps and a second, detail-matched bumper.

As the company's final Henry Ford-fueled innovation, the Ford V8 remains a durable, torque-rich powerplant that, thanks to solid engineering, has established an unmatched reputation in the classic and custom car community. And, in keeping with hot rod tradition, this stellar drop-top is powered by a stroked 239 flathead which, in its current guise, punches the scale at exactly 304 cubic inches. At the top of the sturdy iron mill, a duo of finned air cleaners funnels wind through a duo of Stromberg 97 carbs to a Sharp aluminum intake. At the sides of that intake, Sharp aluminum heads seat 48 studs around Autolite plugs and tailored and braided ignition cables. Below those heads, a traditional green block centers factory internals between correct exhaust manifolds. Charge comes courtesy of a converted, reverse-mounted alternator, which powers the car's correct, 6-volt electrical system. And cooling is provided by a beefy radiator that's fitted with Ford-branded hoses and modern screw clamps. As with any expertly restored classic, this Ford's black and blue engine bay is fully sorted and ready to go. And the clean motor features many cool details like stainless fuel lines, a fresh Ford battery and a pliable Ford belt.

Take a look under this vintage rag-top and you'll see just how much the automotive world has changed when it comes to ride, handling and structural integrity. The car's clean floors, heavy duty frame and factory-accurate suspension are all veiled in a subdued coat of Satin Black skin. A correct 3-speed manual, which makes good use of Lincoln Zephyr gears, transfers power to an authentic, banjo-style rear end. In front of that drivetrain, a beam axle and transverse leaf spring remain just as they looked back in 1939. And the same holds true behind that drivetrain, where a second leaf and second solid axle maintain height and add some grip. 4-wheel drum brakes, hydraulically actuated for the 1938 model year, are a welcome addition and big performance upgrade. There's a traditional, true-dual exhaust system which utilizes glasspack-style mufflers to give the flathead its unmistakable voice. And everything rides on classy, 16-inch wheels that spin fresh 6.00-16 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around chrome, “V8” branded hub caps.

This convertible's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of pre-war America, complete with supple leather, tasteful use of wood graining and awesome Art Deco gauges. The car's plush Saddle cockpit centers on a big, heavily bolstered seat that feels soft enough to take a nap on. At the sides of that seat, simple door panels hang painted handles below ornate window frames. At the bottom of those panels, traditional, round foot pedals front an old school shifter, heavy duty floor mats and an optional heater. Above those pedals, a stylish and purposeful dash founds attractive stainless trim around unique Bakelite buttons. In front of the driver, a familiar banjo steering wheel frames a “DeLuxe” branded column. And behind the cockpit, the aforementioned deck conceals a sunny day rumble seat.

Cool and classic, this '39 Ford DeLuxe is a vision in pre-war authenticity. You really can't ask for a more impressive blend of old school style and solid driving characteristics. And you certainly can't build this nice of a ride for the time or money it takes to drive out of our RK Motors Charlotte showroom. Ready to step up to something different? This awesome drop-top is ready to show and go!