1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible Street Rod

Few pre-war body styles reward the discerning collector quite like the 1939 Ford Deluxe four-door convertible sedan—and an all-steel example in this configuration is genuinely scarce. Designed under Bob Gregorie with its unmistakable vertical bar grille, sweeping fenders, and rear-hinged back doors, the convertible sedan was always among the rarest configurations Ford offered, and more than eight decades have made intact survivors harder still to find. What sets this street rod apart is the integrity of its build philosophy: a Ford engine in a Ford body, done right. Beneath that cream-painted hood sits a Boss 302 V8 crowned by four two-barrel carburetors—a serious, historically rooted nod to the multi-carb tradition that defined custom Ford builds for generations. Add a HEIDTS front end with rack-and-pinion steering, a bulletproof Ford 9-inch rear, and a full tan leather interior that covers every surface a passenger touches, and you have a car built to be driven, shown, and truly appreciated. For the collector who values authenticity, rarity, and craftsmanship in equal measure, this is a piece of American heritage ready to reward you mile after mile.

Engine & Drivetrain

Ford Boss 302 V8 crate engine—one of Ford’s most storied small-blocks, born of the 1969 Trans-Am homologation era and celebrated for its high-revving, canted-valve character
Four two-barrel carburetors atop the intake—a genuine hot-rodding centerpiece that broadens throttle response across the RPM range while delivering unmistakable show-field presence
Smooth automatic transmission for relaxed, confident cruising
Ceramic-coated headers that reduce under-hood heat while improving exhaust flow
Dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers and Magnaflow tips for a sound profile worthy of the Boss lineage
Electric cooling fan that frees up usable power and keeps temperatures in check during show stops and cruise nights
Modern electronic ignition, chrome alternator, and a complete American Auto wiring harness—no antique electrical infrastructure struggling to keep pace with the power
Rugged Ford 9-inch rear end, the benchmark axle for serious street rods for over sixty years thanks to its strength and proven rebuild path

Chassis & Suspension

HEIDTS front end that replaces the original transverse leaf and kingpin setup with a thoroughly modern, well-regarded package
Tubular A-arms and coil-over front suspension for a composed, planted ride and a period-correct stance
Precise rack-and-pinion steering delivering effortless, confident control the original worm-and-sector box could never match
Front disc brakes properly matched to the Boss 302’s added power for reassuring, modern stopping
Clean, black-finished frame underneath with symmetrically positioned Flowmaster mufflers and a centered 9-inch—an undercarriage that holds up to inspection as beautifully as the body above it

Exterior

Rich cream PPG base/clear finish with the depth and durability only a modern two-stage system delivers—neutral enough to let the chrome and sculpted pre-war lines do the talking
Signature 1939 Deluxe vertical bar grille and fender-mounted headlights preserved, keeping the original character intact
Coker Smoothie wheels with Ford center caps—a timeless street rod choice echoing the accessory wheels of postwar California customs
Blue dot taillights set in the original housings, paying authentic tribute to the accessory catalogs of the postwar custom era
HARTZ cloth convertible top with a matching leather boot to cover the folded top in style
Running boards retained for easy rear-passenger entry, along with chrome exterior mirrors on both sides
Rain-gear electric wipers for practical, all-weather drivability

Interior

Full tan leather throughout—virtually every surface a passenger touches or sees is beautifully trimmed
Power reclining leather front buckets paired with leather rear buckets, a more intentional, finished layout than the traditional bench
Headrests and seat belts at all four positions—thoughtful touches on a car genuinely built to be driven
Billet dash insert anchoring a VDO 5-gauge instrument cluster (oil pressure, water temperature, volts, fuel, and central speedometer) in a cream-and-gold aesthetic that suits the pre-war body
Separate VDO quartz clock in a matching brushed aluminum panel for a coherent, considered presentation
Ididit tilt steering column topped with a Grant wooden steering wheel, positioning the wheel exactly where you want it
Lokar floor shifter and billet gas and brake pedals carrying the metal theme cleanly into the footwell
Leather-trimmed trunk interior, battery cover, and convertible top boot, plus custom embroidered floor mats and wood door cap trim
Aftermarket CD stereo integrated discreetly without disrupting the cabin’s classic character

Additional Info

An all-steel four-door convertible sedan—one of the rarest 1939 Deluxe configurations, exceptionally difficult to find intact today
A consistent, thought-out build from start to finish: Ford power in a Ford body, period-correct styling cues paired with genuine modern drivability
A true driver built to be shown and appreciated—equally at home on a long cruise or a concours field
Custom diamond-plate engine bay liner and Lokar dipsticks adding finished detail under the hood

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