MODEL 91A. Est. 140 bhp, 221 cu. in. L-head V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 112"

This 1939 Ford Convertible Sedan was restored and configured especially for the History Channel’s Great American Race in 2000. The Great American Race, first run in 1983, is a controlled-speed endurance rally for old cars. Current rules admit cars built through 1969, and Mr. Dingman has been a longtime enthusiast of the event.

The car was purchased from Kenneth Schofield in 1999. Originally, it was to be a chase car for another vehicle entered by Michael Dingman, the 1934 Ford Bohnalite Special, an Indianapolis racing car. Mr. Dingman, however, chose to enter this Convertible Sedan for the 2000 race as well and to drive it himself, with his son David as navigator, crossing the country all the way from Boston to Sacramento, California. In preparation, a number of upgrades were made in the interests of safety and reliability. The engine was rebuilt by Roush Racing for performance and endurance, and furnished some technology upgrades, like a performance ignition system and electric radiator fan for better cooling. The car was converted to 12-volts, for rally equipment and a modern stereo/MP3 player. It has directional signals and new gauges by Beede Instruments, which incorporate precision digital operation with authentic-looking dials. Seat belts are provided for four people.

These modifications apart, the car looks entirely original and the way it would have when it left the factory, with Jefferson Blue paint, a tan convertible top, and brown leather upholstery. Firestone Deluxe Champion 6.00x16 wide whitewall tires are mounted on correct Ford rims with chrome spider trim.

Used sparingly since the Great American Race, this 1939 Ford Convertible Sedan remains in excellent condition. There are a few noticeable chips on the exterior, as would be expected from a competitive coast-to-coast event. Its competition provenance aside, this car is, with only 3,561 built, a valuable survivor of Ford’s last class of convertible sedans.