1941 Ford Super Deluxe V8 Business Coupe (LHD)

Description

Ford's new V-8 was introduced in 1932 and proved an immediate success, the combination of effortless performance, refinement and safety features representing a big advance over earlier Fords. The flathead, as it was universally known, became the first successful mainstream V8 manufactured in the United States, putting power and refinement within the grasp of the average American. Although the car around it continued to evolve through the 1930s, the motor itself remained substantially unchanged for the duration of its 21-year run. The V8 lent itself to tuning and became the engine of choice for generations of hot rodders, with all manner of aftermarket options. For 1941 Ford made a number of changes, expanding the model line from two to three (namely the Special, Deluxe and Super Deluxe) and introduced a new base level 226-cid six-cylinder engine, the first with this number of cylinders since 1906. The 221-cid flathead V8, developing 90 horsepower, was standard in both Deluxe and Super Deluxe models, the latter sporting addition chrome and stainless trim, wood-grained ?Kelobra? dash and door trims, a clock, horn ring, opening vent windows and a range of colours and fabric options. The final car introduced by Henry Ford in person, the 1941 Ford's styling took streamlining a stage further, with nicely integrated front wings, headlamps and signature three-piece grille, while running boards had almost disappeared for good. Notable innovations included the new ignition key system and it became the first Ford to come with an oil filter. Built on a 114-inch wheelbase platform with a beefed-up X-braced frame, the Ford had excellent brakes and fine handling. Available in a choice of body styles, including a coupe, convertible, sedan (in two and four-door guises), station wagon and pickup, the 1941 models offered a lot more interior space and more comfortable seats. Ford also produced cars in Australia, either only as the sedan or unique coupe utility, although unlike in America, production here ceased between 1942 and 1946. The 1941 Ford was very much a transitional model, with the war in Europe underway and America's own future uncertain, and the same car continued in production with only minor detail changes until the late 1940s.