Summary

Restored to period postwar style, this authentic steel-bodied 5-window is powered by a supercharged flathead V8 engine mated to a 3-speed side-shift transmission. Inspected in the fall of 2020, this custom coupe is ready for vintage touring or display.

Details

Beautifully restored and tastefully modified to postwar-era hot-rod styling, chassis #185501620 is a desirable and authentic steel-body five-window coupe, built by Jim Lowrey Sr. of Meredith, NH. Opening the hood reveals a 221ci V8 engine, which was bored .60 over and fitted with a mild Isky camshaft, Edelbrock cylinder heads and topped with a Road Runner Enterprises Weiand supercharger. The blower is appropriately capped with twin Stromberg 97 carburetors, in keeping with the traditional spirit of this hot rod. The engine bolts up to a rebuilt 1941 Ford 3-speed side-shift transmission, benefiting from a 2-speed Columbia rear axle. The vacuum-operated Columbia retains its proper hardware, including the speedometer ratio corrector. The undercarriage presents a glossy black frame with complementing red ladder bars, rear end, suspension and lower engine components. The coupe benefits from a fall 2020 inspection, tuneup and service. This included new spark plugs, wires and ignition components, brake master cylinders, hoses and wheel cylinders, new aluminum radiator (the correct original accompanies), radiator cap and thermostat for further reliability in modern traffic. During restoration efforts, the body was removed and restored by Jim Lowrey Jr. of Tilton, NH, and was finished in Lyon Blue paintwork. Red pinstriping by Larry Hook lends a subtle hint of what lies beneath the hood, along with touches of bright chromework and matching red chrome-capped steel wheels with mounted BFGoodrich whitewalls. As with the exterior, the cabin appears nearly stock at first glance with gorgeous deep red painted finishes and complementing seating, surrounds, headliner and carpeting. A large and tidy luggage compartment contains a matching spare tire assembly as well. Likewise, the fit and finish is of high standards throughout the vehicle - no corners were cut nor expenses spared restoring this exceptional example. Ideally optioned with AM radio and heater, elegant touches of chrome were also applied to select interior pieces. Again, a small period Airtex vacuum gauge leads to a sleeper powerplant. Traditionally hot-rodded and expertly restored in period attire, this 1940 Ford 5-Window Custom Coupe offers immediate touring performance and excellent showmanship. Its combination of design and performance gives this 1940 Ford model a particular presence, an attitude that sets it apart from its contemporaries.