MODEL 01A. 85 bhp, 221 cu. in. L-head V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with Columbia overdrive, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 112"

For 1940, Ford continued a policy begun in 1938, modeling the forward sheet metal of the Standard model on the previous year’s Deluxe. This maintained corporate identity while exhibiting an obvious distinction to those who purchased the upscale car. As in earlier years, the Standard lacked bright windshield moldings and had a subdued grille. Further, while it shared with the Deluxe model the new steering column shift and sealed beam headlamps, the latter were surrounded by painted rims. Color choices were limited to three: Black, Lyon Blue, and Cloud Mist Gray.

Inside, the seats were artificial leather, while the Deluxe had genuine leather facings, and the dashboard was painted in the single color of Briarwood Brown. The $75.00 price differential did not dissuade many buyers, as Deluxe wagons outsold the Standard 8,468 to 3,257. Interestingly, two of the latter were fitted with the small 60 hp V-8 engine.

The Standard station wagon appealed to many commercial and government users because of its low price. All its practical aspects were the equal of the Deluxe and such customers as the Los Angeles Department of Power and Water found it entirely satisfactory.

This 1940 Ford Standard Station Wagon was acquired from the famed Nick Alexander woodie collection. Mr. Alexander had purchased it in 2007, refinishing the wood and attending to all mechanical issues. The rest of the car, however, was kept much in the original condition in which he found it. Alexander used it frequently to commute from home to his dealerships in Los Angeles.

Upon joining the Dingman Collection, the exceptionally original car was sent to Kevin Westmoreland’s Performance Restoration in Cleveland, Georgia. There it was treated to the painstaking disassembly, examination, renewal, refinishing, and reassembly that characterize all Westmoreland projects, which cost approximately $175,000, and truly brings the car to a factory-fresh appearance, both inside and out. Of the authentic paint choices, Black was chosen for the restoration. It exhibits the very deep shine that can only be achieved in dark colors, with no flaws to the finish whatsoever. The roof is covered in correct grained black artificial leather, and the tailgate-mounted spare has a full metal cover in body color.

The interior repeats the exterior wood theme, only more so. Overhead are exquisitely varnished wood slats, and the inner side panels are a deeper shade. The seats are upholstered in correct brown artificial leather, nicely complemented by the brown dashboard and steering wheel. The wheel, a simple two-spoke design with no horn ring, repeats the simplicity found in the exterior. Black rubber floor mats of the correct pattern complete the package.

Both the engine compartment and undercarriage are correctly and carefully detailed. Ford hoses and clamps are used in all locations, along with correct braided ignition wires and authentic hardware.

Standard 1940 Fords, having minimal brightwork, present a usually stark appearance. The choice of black paint only accentuates this, especially with blackwall tires. As a result, the eye is drawn to the functional beauty of the car, the iconic wood body being the highlight. The chrome trim, limited to hubcaps, bumpers, windshield wipers, door mirrors, and the leading edge of the hood and grille, serves merely as an accent.

The very low body number dates from September of 1939. Currently showing about 1,500 miles on the odometer, the car is equipped with a Columbia overdrive rear axle, which makes freeway cruising effortless. An extremely correct example of the 1940 Ford Standard woodie, this car is certainly one of the best.