39 deluxe - 40 deluxe

[30-9]

As you can probably tell by my handle, I really like my 39 and drive it a lot.

I always wondered why the 40 seems to be more popular and are typically more valuable on resale.

For me (I have both) I like the ability to open the windshield on a hot day. The combination of the vent and windshield is excellent on a hot summer day. I also like the floor shifter vs on the column.

I know I'm only one guy but, when I weigh what I like about the 39 compared to the what I like about the 40. The 39 wins.

So, why do you think the 40 is more popular and command more $?

[36 ford]

I've had two 1940's ....a coupe and sedan but I like my 39' Deluxe Tudor much more than those 40's for the reasons you stated. The split chrome windshield frame, the way it opens, the tailights and the banjo steering wheel are tops on my list.

Phil

[adileo]

I also have 39 coupe and echo all of the above.

I look forward to reading the rationale.

[FHFD]

I've always liked the '39 Deluxe over the '40 Deluxe.
For me the crank out windshield, tear drop tail lights, dash board, steering wheel, wide grille, and those beautiful headlights, are what does it for me.
I'm biased though, owning a '39 Deluxe coupe (I looked until I found a '39 Deluxe coupe, not a '40).
I actually like the '40 standard over the '40 Deluxe. because of the wide grille.

[flatjack9]

Obviously, I agree with all of the above.

[skidmarks]

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Not that I can see it being the main reason today but when they were new and just used cars the had some features that were a major improvement to the average car owner. The headlights and the switch are two reasons. They have a nicer dash but that doesnt mean everyone agrees on that. Vent windows. The column shifter gave alittle more room. But how any of that plays out on the collector level. That I dont know. Me I like a 40 standard best

[tubman]

I've never had either year, but have always preferred the '39 DeLuxe over the '40. I even like '40 Standards better. I think I find the '40 DeLuxe grille a bit too "busy".

[countrysquire]

Add me to the list of those who prefer the '39 over the '40, though I love both. I was looking for either when I bought my '40 Deluxe Tudor, and bought it because it was the best car I could find at the time. That said, I will be swapping to the '39 Deluxe headlights if I can ever find a pair for sale, which has proven much more difficult than I thought.

[19Fordy]

Think how neat it would have been if Henry had made a 1940 Standard convertible.
Wonder if anyone has ever made that conversion?

[jimalabam]

Somewhat relative to the above post. My first car in high school in the '50s was a '39 Standard Coupe. Loved that car, Skirts, Flipper fnt. caps. Spots, Fogs etc. Later in life bought a '40 Deluxe Tudor, and loved that one two. Never had a '30 Deluxe. but have always admired from afar. "39 - "40 both great looks and gear...

[klawockvet]

I like them both but prefer the 40 for the headlights, taillights, windshield and dash. I especially like the column shift. I was brought home from the hospital in a 39 and it was our only family car till late 49. My uncle had a 40 and everyone in the family liked his better. A 40 was my first car and I've never gotten over the love affair with that model. As for the crank out windshield my mother would never open it because she claimed it would leak and would never be sealed right again. Also she said a bee could come in and sting me. Of course, I had to open it after that to see how it worked. I closed it back up and of course it leaked. In fact it would leak on my grandmother who always sat int the passenger seat and then they would start back in on me about how I had ruined the seal. Maybe that's the real reason I personally favor the 40's but its a fact that our family liked the sealed up windshield better.

[mike in las vegas]

I guess I like the '40 best because I have one and I cut my teeth on a 40 deluxe coupe as a teenager. I'm sure that experience made me the technician/educator that I am today.

[Krylon32]

My first old car/hot rod was a 39 deluxe coupe with a baby nail head. After over 30 deuces that 39 is still on my top 5 list. I would love to have it back.

[TonyM]

[QUOTE=FHFD;1187538]I've always liked the '39 Deluxe over the '40 Deluxe.
For me the crank out windshield, tear drop tail lights, dash board, steering wheel, wide grille, and those beautiful headlights, are what does it for me.
QUOTE]

Yep, I agree. Don't forget the last year of floor mounted shifter. Plus, the 1939 is far prettier.

[deuce_roadster]

I like them both equally for their own unique qualities. While I own a 40 wagon, convertible, V8 (std) coupe and a COE truck I haven't owned a 39 only because one never presented itself to me at the right time.

[flatheadv8]

Love the opening windshield, floor shift, teardrop tails and dash on the 39 std and deluxe! Love the looks of the 40 standards as well when they have the factory std painted buckets. Like Tubman, I find the 40 Deluxe grille a bit too busy. Appreciate both years though and smile every time I see one.

[39topless]

Nuf said.

[Kube]

I have had a BUNCH of each year. For me? I like the 40 deluxe styling best. From listening to many of my friends and clients, it usually seems to come down to guys preferring the floor shift of the '39 as kind of a nostalgia thing and guys that prefer, like me, the '40 deluxe styling.
It's all in the eye of the beholder of course.

[countrysquire]

Yep, this is one of those questions that has no wrong answers.

[30-9]

I agree it's a personal preference thing. But that still doesn't explain why 40's are considerably higher to buy than a 39 in same shape.

I guess - I'll chalk it up to being lucky that I paid less for the 39 and like it more.

When I'm at the point when I'm too old to push the clutch in and I'm ready to sell, I hope both cars are close to what I paid and invested.....