1940 Ford Deluxe California Street Rod

This is the kind of 1940 Ford that stopping traffic was invented for. Long, low, sinister, and finished in deep, glossy black, this professionally built Deluxe pairs unmistakable prewar Ford styling with a thoroughly engineered hot-rod drivetrain and chassis. It began life as an exceptionally solid, rust-free, all-steel California car, acquired from Modesto in 2010 and immediately given a complete frame-off transformation. Completed in 2012 to a very specific vision — a traditional California-style street rod with the stance, performance, and attitude to match its looks — it has since covered only about 5,500 carefully driven miles. For the discerning collector who values genuine California roots, an honest all-steel body, and a documented professional build, this Ford checks every box. It looks spectacular sitting still, yet it was built for something far more rewarding: driving.

Engine & Drivetrain

1969 Chevrolet Corvette 327ci V8, professionally rebuilt by a respected Massachusetts speed shop with more than 300 hours invested in the engine and its preparation
Camel-head cylinder heads and a completely rebuilt Carter four-barrel carburetor for crisp, spirited performance
Six-quart oil pan, new starter, Walker radiator, chrome alternator, and fresh wiring throughout
Corvette ribbed valve covers crowning an exceptionally clean, show-quality engine bay that makes the small-block a genuine focal point
Rebuilt 1969 Muncie 4-speed manual — one of the most desirable transmissions for a traditional performance build
Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.50:1 gearing and Positraction for confident, balanced power delivery
Dual exhaust delivering the appropriate soundtrack for the Corvette 327

Chassis & Brakes

Pete & Jakes running gear with a front-end setup by Bill Belmont for a properly sorted, purpose-built foundation
Front disc brakes paired with rear drums for dependable, modern stopping power
Distinctive three-master-cylinder arrangement providing independent circuits for front brakes, rear brakes, and clutch
All fuel and brake lines replaced during the restoration
Exceptionally clean undercarriage reflecting the comprehensive, no-shortcuts nature of the frame-off build

Exterior

Deep, glossy black finish by D&D Auto Body of Norwood, Massachusetts — body glass-beaded, sanded, and professionally prepared before primer, paint, and clear coat
Straight, dramatic panels that make the classic 1940 Deluxe lines look even more menacing
Original trim carefully cleaned and polished, with chrome that presents beautifully
Low, aggressive stance with minimal visual clutter — pure traditional hot rod: black paint, bright chrome, big presence

Interior

Custom interior professionally completed by Mark’s Upholstery of Foxborough, Massachusetts
Black vinyl bucket seats, black carpeting, custom door panels, and a fully finished rear compartment
Stewart-Warner instrumentation complemented by an aftermarket tachometer mounted beneath the dash
Beautiful custom wood banjo steering wheel for an authentic period feel
New light green-tinted glass installed throughout for a cohesive, finished cabin
Carpeted trunk with concealed storage and a tidy battery installation

Wheels & Tires

Coker American Classic tires — 165R75 up front and P235/75R15 in the rear
Custom-painted wheels finished with chrome Ford hubs for the perfect traditional stance
Proportions and presence that give this Ford unmistakable road authority

Additional Info

Frame-off build completed in 2012, driven only approximately 5,500 miles since
Built with pride, maintained carefully, and driven selectively — fully sorted and ready to enjoy
Currently stored in Massachusetts with a clean title in the owner’s name
Includes extensive documentation covering pre- and post-build history, plus a California Car Cover
A genuinely finished, no-excuses street rod — the fabrication, paint, interior, drivetrain, and sorting are all done

–