The business coupe was a stylish but no-nonsense vehicle designed to transport a traveling salesman and his (rarely her in those days) goods and samples directly to the clients. With just a single bench seat and a voluminous trunk, the coupe was the way to do business on the road, and later a favored template for racers and rodders.
The Pick of the Day is a 1939 Ford business coupe described as a rust-free restored example with all-original body and trim and powered by the classic 85-horsepower flathead V8 with 3-speed manual shifting on the column.
“This is a true California vehicle that was restored in 1997 and has been in the same family since 1942,” according to the ClassicCars.com ad placed by a Redlands, California dealer. “A classic beauty with no rust!”
The Ford has been restored to its original specifications and color combination, which the seller notes had much to do with the salesman’s employer.
“This vehicle was a Swift Premium Co. salesmen car; the color of the vehicle was to match the Swift Premium Co. colors,” the seller says.
The paint job with contrasting wheels looks pretty cool and accentuates the attractive lines of this pre-war Ford. The V8 should provide enough power for highway travel, or else perform some of the period-correct modifications to get more from the engine without ruining its vintage appeal.
“All body panels are original to the car, all trim is original to car, including headlight lenses,” the seller says, pointing out the correct teardrop-style covered headlamps. The interior has the correct cloth bench seat, and faux woodgrain paint has been applied to the dashboard and door trim, as was done in period.
This classic Ford in its work livery is priced at $49,995, which seems pretty steep despite the car’s rarity, originality and restored condition. But it a special car just waiting for the right buyer to come along.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I had an exact 91A car, Telephone Company, green with a "notch" in right front fender so a six foot step ladder would fit on the running board.
I’m just starting on a ’39 Standard Tudor project. The radio is missing so I was glad to see what one looks like in this car.
Mine is an untouched original out of Conneticut but needs lots of body work and interior/glass, too. I haven’t determined if the engine is stuck but it’s complete right down to the manifold heater.
I just found an excellent chassis that’s still got its rear and front ends, brakes and wheels It’s off a ’40 sedan delivery and therefore has parallel leaf springs. The wheelbase is the same as mine so I hope to use it for my project.
Please let me know if this will work without much modifying.
I’ve had two hot rods including a sweet ’40 Tudor but I think this one might stay all stock except for duals with Smitty’s and possibly a S-10 five speed conversion .