In the early days, hot rods and customs were more than just fast cars for cruising and racing. They remained functional vehicles that were still expected to provide reliable daily transportation. Teenage enthusiasts drove their hot rods to their part-time jobs and school. Older enthusiasts with families used their customs for such routine activities as picking up groceries and going to work each day. Hot rods were not the purpose-built toys or fun hobby cars they are today. In fact, these early hot rods and customs fell into two different categories – mild or wild. The mild custom and rod were the more popular choice, and looked cool, yet remained useful in day-to-day life.

This 1939 Ford Custom Coupe is equipped with a 241 cubic inch “Red Ram” Hemi engine sporting three two-barrel carburetors and dual exhausts, mated to a three-speed manual transmission that is a floor-shift. Not just visually impressive, the big V-8 moves this Coupe down the road with the best of today’s modern musclecars. Although showing some minor signs of use, the detailing, added chrome and polished finishes remain inspiring, especially when presented in a nicely finished and glossy black engine compartment. The chassis, although rebuilt in the past and well maintained, is not detailed. Being an older rebuild, the deep black paintwork has a few minor imperfections, yet retains a highly polished finish, as does the bright trim.

Inside, the black and white interior shows very little wear. The dash, refinished in gloss black, houses rebuilt instruments, while the white banjo steering wheel offers a bold contrast. The black and white vinyl bench seat, black carpet, black tuck-n-roll vinyl panels, and pinstriped, white and black headliner continue to provide a 1950s-vintage environment. The trunk has been custom finished in black carpet with black vinyl upholstered panels. In addition, this stylish Five-Window Coupe is equipped with air conditioning, power steering, wide whitewall tires and a set of period-style “spinner” wheel covers. The red wheels and underhood trim features also add to this fine retro design.

Ford built 33,326 Ford DeLuxe Coupes in 1939, but as far as hot rod and custom car enthusiasts are concerned, that just was not enough. An ideal entry for shows, cruises and touring events, this fast and attractive 1950s-style Ford Custom will more than fulfill any enthusiast’s driving desires.