Pick of the Day: 1941 Ford 2-door coupe with classic car finance lesson

Restoration expenses once again far outstrip the value of the finished product

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The Ford gleams in bright-red paint, and with fender skirts

If there’s anything that owning a “project vehicle” has taught anyone, it’s that restoration work almost always ends up being much-more expensive than originally anticipated.  And while it’s rewarding to be part of an extreme makeover, sometimes it means taking a loss when it comes time to part ways and offer that vehicle up to the collector marketplace.

Many classified listings these days include some variation of the phrase, “You can’t build it for what I’m asking.”  And that statement rings painfully true in many cases.

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A private seller on ClassicCars.com in Longview, Texas, is offering an 80-year-old custom Ford at a fraction of the investment that it took to restore.  The Pick of the Day is a red 1941 Ford Super Deluxe two-door coupe complete with receipts totaling $100,000 and a selling price that is significantly lower.

“The price to build was right at $100k,” the listing states.  “Invoices are available which will list all of the individual components plus the shop labor hours.” 

The rebuilt Jasper flathead engine alone, now having accrued only a few hundred miles since installation, reflected an expenditure in excess of $10,000, according to the ad.

The 1941 Ford model lineup received a cosmetic rework with World War II right around the corner:  A widened body took shape with more-integrated front fenders, and the headlights were repositioned forward. 

Top-trim Super Deluxe models received additional chrome, leather seats and a wood-trimmed dashboard.  This example came configured as such, demonstrated by the scripted logo on the nose, and the build took things even a few steps further with the addition of wide whitewall tires, a windshield visor, rear fender skirts, and abundant brightwork.

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 “Every aspect has been refurbished, replaced, or restored,” The seller continues.  “The interior looks brand new with no rips or tears.  The gas tank and fuel line are new, as is the oversized radiator to keep the flathead running cool in the Texas heat while blasting cold air through the A/C vents.” 

The interior offers cozy appointments by way of a reupholstered cloth bench seat, a custom center console, and Ford-embroidered floor mats.  A modern sound system and power windows round out the optioning for this high-trim coupe, and the seller states that the car is in optimal mechanical shape aside from cracking on the exhaust manifolds and an intermittent speedometer.

“This Ford is in great shape and should bring years of driving enjoyment to you and your family. Everywhere we go, the Ford gets thumbs up and tons of attention – instant celebrity status!” the ad concludes.

The seller is asking $35,500 or best offer for this coupe, which is a 64 percent discount off what it cost to build.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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Tyson Hugie
Tyson Hugie is a Phoenix-based automotive enthusiast who has been writing for The Journal since 2016. His favorite automotive niche is 1980s and 1990s Japanese cars, and he is a self-diagnosed “Acura addict” since he owns a collection of Honda and Acura cars from that era. Tyson can usually be found on weekends tinkering on restoration projects, attending car shows, or enjoying the open road. He publishes videos each week to his YouTube channel and is also a contributing author to Arizona Driver Magazine, KSLCars.com, NSX Driver Magazine, and other automotive publications. His pride and joy is a 1994 Acura Legend LS coupe with nearly 600,000 miles on the odometer, but he loves anything on four wheels and would someday like to own a 1950 Buick Special like his late grandfather’s.

9 COMMENTS

  1. Why would someone spend $ 100k on this model of a car? It is not that desirable plus the looks would only appeal to a small group of people.

    • I totally agree.

      The 1940 Ford coupe is the one to restore.

      Why Ford moved so quickly away from those tear drop headlights is a mystery to me.

  2. Eye of the beholder. To some people money is not a big issue; it’s the build and final result.
    God bless America

  3. One would think after spending 100K that the exhaust manifolds and speedo would be working and not cracked. It’s like wearing a black tuxedo with brown shoes. Attention to detail is everything when doing a restoration, especially at this cost.

  4. Fred, brings back memories! As an owner of a 39 Ford Coupe that I bought when I was 16 and I still on at age 75 amen Fred, brings back memories! As an owner of a 39 Ford Coupe that I bought when I was 16 and I still on at age 75 amen

    FRED, brings back memories since I am an owner of a 1939 Ford coupe. That myself and a few buddies built A hot rod still in my garage but will be there before many more years amen

  5. Trevor. Damn this brings back memories. I had a 1948 RHD Mercury Club coupe pale cream, which I wish I still had ,the extra brightwork and bigger body made it a Girl catcher in those days . I am 78 and have great memories of my past vehicles . I love reading these comments each day and live in Auckland New Zealand keep up the comments.

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