1939 Ford Custom Deluxe
The 1939 Ford Custom Deluxe marked a significant evolution for Ford's intermediate trim level, offering a more stylish and luxurious experience compared to its Standard sibling. This year was particularly notable for Ford as it introduced its first truly integrated modern design, moving away from the more upright and somewhat utilitarian styling of previous years. The Custom Deluxe was positioned to appeal to buyers seeking a touch more refinement and visual flair without venturing into the realm of the ultra-premium.
Key Design and Styling Features:
- "Aerodynamic" Styling: The 1939 Ford, and by extension the Custom Deluxe, boasted a dramatically more streamlined and modern appearance. The most striking element was the integrated grille, which flowed seamlessly into the hood line, a departure from the more tacked-on grilles of earlier models. This gave the car a sleeker, more cohesive look.
- V-Shaped Grille: The grille itself was a prominent V-shape, drawing the eye downwards and contributing to the car's perceived length and lowness. It was often chrome-plated or painted to match the body color, depending on the specific model and options.
- Headlights: Headlights were now faired into the fenders, a significant safety and aesthetic improvement that further contributed to the integrated design. This gave the front fascia a cleaner, more aerodynamic profile.
- Chrome Accents: The Custom Deluxe featured more liberal use of chrome trim than the Standard model. This typically included chrome surrounds for the grille, headlights, window frames, and potentially side trim. These bright accents added to the car's upscale appearance.
- Body Styles: The Custom Deluxe was available in a range of popular body styles to cater to diverse customer needs. These included:
- Coupe (Business Coupe, Club Coupe): Two-door variants, with the Club Coupe typically offering a more comfortable rear seat.
- Sedan (Tudor Sedan, Fordor Sedan): Four-door variants, providing greater passenger capacity.
- Convertible Coupe: A stylish open-top option for those who desired wind-in-their-hair driving.
- Station Wagon: A practical and increasingly popular choice for families.
- Commercial Vehicles: Including panel trucks and pickup trucks, which also benefited from the updated styling.
Powertrain and Mechanicals:
Under the hood, the 1939 Ford Custom Deluxe was powered by Ford's reliable and well-regarded V8 engine.
- Engine: The primary engine offered was the 221 cubic inch (3.6-liter) flathead V8. This engine was known for its smooth operation and decent power output for the era. Power output was typically around 85 horsepower.
- Transmission: A three-speed selective sliding gear transmission was standard, providing a reliable and familiar driving experience.
- Suspension and Brakes: The car featured a solid front axle and a live rear axle, a common setup for the time. Drum brakes were employed on all four wheels, offering adequate stopping power for the era's driving conditions.
Interior and Comfort:
The Custom Deluxe aimed to provide a more comfortable and refined interior experience than the Standard model.
- Upholstery: While specific details could vary, the Custom Deluxe typically featured upgraded upholstery materials compared to the Standard, potentially including better quality cloth or vinyl.
- Dashboard and Instrumentation: The dashboard was designed to be functional and stylish, often featuring a painted or chrome-plated finish. Instrumentation typically included a speedometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge.
- Comfort Features: While air conditioning and power steering were unheard of, the Custom Deluxe might have offered optional amenities such as a heater or a more comfortable seating arrangement, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Market Position and Significance:
The 1939 Ford Custom Deluxe represented Ford's successful attempt to modernize its lineup and compete more effectively in a market that was increasingly valuing style and comfort. It offered a compelling blend of attractive design, proven V8 power, and a more upscale feel, making it a popular choice for a wide range of buyers seeking value and a touch of distinction. This model year laid the groundwork for Ford's continued design evolution in the years to come.