The above advertisement featuring Henry and Edsel Ford appeared in November of 1938. It concludes by saying, “With new cars, new plants, new equipment, the whole Ford organization is geared to go forward.” The “new cars” referenced were the first Mercury 8, as well as two new Fords that were “better cars and better looking” for 1939. Presiding over the design of these cars was Bob Gregorie, the man Edsel had put in charge of Ford’s first separate design department in 1935. That was a smart move considering the beautiful automobiles produced by Ford Motor Company in the thirties and forties. Gregorie bookended his time at Ford with boat design, and you can see how that experience influenced the streamlined Ford Motor products during his years with the company.
This ’39 Ford Deluxe was designed to “share a family likeness with the Lincoln Zephyr.” It was streamlined, with a deep hood unbroken by hood side louvers, a low radiator grille and teardrop-shaped headlamps set into the fenders. The radiator ornament extended vertically downward to conceal the hood handle.
The steel bodies of the Ford Deluxe were offered in six colors (Black, Jefferson Blue, Dartmouth Green, Cloud Mist Gray, Folkestone Gray, and Coach Maroon Bright) and six body types, including convertible coupe, convertible sedan, Tudor and Fordor sedans, a station wagon and, of course, the coupe:
Two engines were available in ’39, the “thrifty” 60-hp and the 85-hp found in the Deluxe:
The following page is taken from the Ford brochure. Notice the last sentence which specifies that a rumble seat is standard equipment for the Deluxe convertible coupe. This marked the end of an era, for it would be the last time Ford offered a rumble seat.
