Ford Deluxe Fuel Pressure: Specifications And Performance

The 1940 Ford Deluxe was designed by Eugene Bob Gregorie and is considered an iconic car from a momentous season of world history. The Deluxe was powered by a 221-cubic-inch flathead V8 engine, which enjoyed the advantages of a sidevalve engine: simple, reliable, inexpensive, compact, and good power at low speed. The engine was popular among hot rodders in the fifties, and remains famous among classic car enthusiasts even today. The 1940 Ford Deluxe came with a variety of engine options, but what was the fuel pressure spec?

Engine options and their power outputs

The 1940 Ford Deluxe was designed by Eugene "Bob" Gregorie, who also created the Lincoln Zephyr in 1936 and the Lincoln Continental in 1939. It boasted a stylish design with chrome headlight trim rings, a hood resembling a ship's prow, and red-rimmed hubcaps. Under the hood, the Deluxe offered several engine options, each delivering different power outputs:

The 1940 Ford Deluxe provided a range of engine choices, each with its own unique specifications and performance characteristics:

• Inline 8 Engine: The first option was an Inline 8 engine with a displacement of 2212 cc (135.0 cu in. or 2.2 L). This engine produced 60 horsepower (44.16 KW) at 3500 RPM and generated 94 Ft-Lbs (127 NM) of torque at 2500 RPM. It was equipped with a 2-barrel downdraft carburetor.
• V 8L-Head Engine (3.6 L): The second option was a V 8L-Head engine with a displacement of 3622 cc (221.0 cu in. or 3.6 L). This engine offered increased power, delivering 85 horsepower (62.56 KW) at 3800 RPM and 155 Ft-Lbs (210 NM) of torque at 2200 RPM. It featured a cast-iron block and head construction.
• V 8L-Head Engine (3.9 L): For even more power, the third option was another V 8L-Head engine, but with a larger displacement of 3917 cc (239.0 cu in. or 3.9 L). This engine produced 95 horsepower (69.92 KW) at 4200 RPM. Like the previous V 8L-Head engine, it also had a cast-iron block and head. This engine was paired with a Holley 94 2-barrel Carburetor.
• Flathead V8 Engine: While displacement figures are not available for this engine, it is mentioned that the 1940 Ford Deluxe featured a 221 ci Flathead Ford V-8 Engine. This engine was popular for its sidevalve design, offering simplicity, reliability, compact size, and good low-speed power. The Flathead V8 was a favourite among hot rodders in the 1950s and continues to be revered by classic car enthusiasts.

These engine options provided a range of performance levels for the 1940 Ford Deluxe, allowing buyers to choose the one that best suited their needs and preferences. The availability of different engine sizes and power outputs contributed to the appeal of the Deluxe model during its time.

Transmission type

The 1940 Ford Deluxe was equipped with a 3-speed manual transmission, specifically a 3-speed sliding gear gearbox. This transmission type was a standard feature across all body styles of the Deluxe, which included coupes, sedans, convertibles, and station wagons.

The 3-speed manual transmission of the 1940 Ford Deluxe was operated through a column-mounted gear shifter, also known as a "three-on-the-tree" shifter. This was a notable change from previous years, as Ford moved the shifter from the floor to the steering column in 1940 to appeal to market demands.

The transmission setup of the 1940 Ford Deluxe contributed to its smooth gear changes and overall driving experience. The car's flathead V8 engine, paired with this transmission, allowed it to reach top speeds of around 85 mph, which was respectable for its time.

The 1940 Ford Deluxe is recognised for its impact on automotive design, introducing styling cues and features that would influence cars for decades. Its combination of affordability, style, and reliability solidified Ford's reputation as an innovator in mass-market automobiles.

Today, the 1940 Ford Deluxe is a sought-after collector's item, with well-maintained examples fetching prices ranging from $20,000 to over $60,000. Its pre-war design, elegant styling, and technological advancements for its era continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.

Wheelbase size

The 1940 Ford Deluxe has a wheelbase size of 112.00 inches. This was the final year of a generation of Fords that began in 1937, with the 1941 models receiving a redesign that added two inches to the wheelbase. The 1940 DeLuxe was the final and most beautiful expression of designer Eugene Gregorie’s vision.

The wheelbase is the distance between the centre of the front wheel and the centre of the rear wheel. It is an important factor in a car's handling and ride quality. A longer wheelbase can provide a smoother ride and more stability, while a shorter wheelbase can offer more agility and a tighter turning radius.

The 1940 Ford Deluxe was known for its iconic curves and swells, with its distinctive fenders and suspension. The wheelbase of 112 inches contributed to the car's overall length of 188.25 inches. This length, combined with its stylish design, gave the Ford Deluxe a sporty and confident stance.

The wheelbase size also impacted the car's weight distribution and handling characteristics. With the engine positioned at the front, the wheelbase length influenced the balance between the front and rear of the vehicle. A well-balanced weight distribution is crucial for optimal handling and cornering capabilities.

The 1940 Ford Deluxe was offered in various body styles, including the Convertible Coupe, Deluxe Business Coupe, Deluxe Convertible Coupe, Deluxe Coupe, Deluxe Fordor Sedan, Deluxe Station Wagon, and Deluxe Tudor Sedan. Each of these body styles utilised the same wheelbase size, creating a consistent driving experience across the model range.

Body styles

The 1940 Ford Deluxe was offered in several body styles, including:

Convertible Coupe

The Convertible Coupe is a striking example of the 1940 Ford Deluxe, designed by Eugene "Bob" Gregorie. It features a timeless style that appeals to those who appreciate classic cars as well as hot rodders. This body style offers a combination of sharp angles in the front and a rounded roofline, making it a popular choice for Hollywood producers. It originally sold for $850, with 23,704 of these convertibles produced.

Deluxe Business Coupe

The Deluxe Business Coupe is another variation of the 1940 Ford Deluxe. While specific details about this body style are limited, it is known for its practicality and functionality, catering to business professionals.

Deluxe Convertible Coupe

The Deluxe Convertible Coupe is an upgraded version of the standard Convertible Coupe. It showcases the iconic curves and swells that characterised the 1940 Ford Deluxe, making it a symbol of an entire era. This body style is renowned for its performance and elegant design.

Deluxe Coupe

The Deluxe Coupe, also designed by Eugene "Bob" Gregorie, boasts chrome headlight trim rings, a hood resembling the prow of a ship, and red-rimmed hubcaps. It is powered by a 221-cubic-inch flathead V8 engine and offers a three-speed manual transmission. This body style originally sold for $700, with 27,919 units produced in 1940.

Deluxe Fordor Sedan

The Deluxe Fordor Sedan is a four-door sedan variation of the 1940 Ford Deluxe. While specific details about this body style are scarce, it is known for its spacious interior and elegant design, catering to families or individuals seeking a more luxurious experience.

Deluxe Station Wagon

The Deluxe Station Wagon is a versatile and spacious body style of the 1940 Ford Deluxe. It offers ample room for passengers and luggage, making it ideal for families or those who require extra cargo space. This body style combines functionality with the distinctive design aesthetics of the 1940 Ford Deluxe.

Deluxe Tudor Sedan

The Deluxe Tudor Sedan is a unique two-door sedan variation of the 1940 Ford Deluxe. It showcases a sleek and elegant profile, combining style and functionality. This body style offers a comfortable and spacious interior while retaining the iconic design elements of the 1940 Ford Deluxe.

Fuel economy

The 1940 Ford Deluxe was designed by Eugene "Bob" Gregorie, who also created the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr and 1939 Lincoln Continental. It was introduced during a momentous season in world history, as World War II loomed and the US was doing its best to stay out of the conflict.

The Ford Deluxe has become an iconic car, with its sporty look and iconic curves and swells, representing an entire era. The flathead V8 engine enjoyed the advantages of a sidevalve engine, making it simple, reliable, inexpensive, compact, and good power at low speed.

The 1940 Ford Deluxe offered various body styles, including a Convertible Coupe, Deluxe Business Coupe, Deluxe Convertible Coupe, Deluxe Coupe, Deluxe Fordor Sedan, Deluxe Station Wagon, and Deluxe Tudor Sedan. The Deluxe Coupe, in particular, was powered by a 221-cubic-inch flathead V8 engine, which was fed gas via a two-barrel carburetor.

While the fuel economy of the 1940 Ford Deluxe is not explicitly mentioned, we can gain some insights into its fuel efficiency by looking at its engine specifications and comparing them to similar vehicles from that era.

The 221-cubic-inch flathead V8 engine in the Deluxe Coupe produced 60 horsepower (44.16 KW) at 3500 RPM and 94 ft-lbs of torque (127 NM) at 2500 RPM. This engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission and a two-barrel carburetor.

Comparing the 1940 Ford Deluxe to other cars from the same period can provide some context for its fuel economy. For example, the 1940 Chevrolet Special DeLuxe, the Nash Ambassador Six-Series 4020, and the Mercury Eight Series 09A were all similarly priced vehicles from the same era.

Additionally, the question of fuel economy is often related to the vehicle's weight and size. The 1940 Ford Deluxe had a wheelbase of 112.00 inches and a length of 188.25 inches. Its weight is also a factor to consider when estimating fuel economy.

While the exact fuel economy figures for the 1940 Ford Deluxe may be challenging to find due to the age of the vehicle, examining similar vehicles and considering the engine specifications, weight, and size can provide some insights into its fuel efficiency.

Frequently asked questions