Ford Super Deluxe Sedan 1942, Estados Unidos

Ford Super Deluxe Sedan 1942, Estados Unidos
Fotografia

Sunday, December 7, 1941 would change the world forever, and with it, the automotive industry. In less than 30 days, Detroit would begin transforming its assembly lines from colorful cars with chrome trim, to wartime production of tanks, airplanes and munitions. Automakers were informed that their January monthly quota would be its last for the duration, and the final month's production came in "blackout" form, with paint substituted for the now unavailable chrome.

Ford was the last to meet its limit, producing its final 1942 civilian vehicle, a Super Deluxe Fordor, on February 10, 1942. Production for the model year had amounted to 160,211, the lowest number since 1912, making the 1942 the scarcest of the flatheads by far. This would be the swan song for the 221 CI flathead V-8, as well—when the war ended and production resumed, Fords received an uprated 239 CI version of the engine that was good for 100 HP.

This 1942 Ford is one of 13,543 Super Deluxe Sedans made at the beginning of the war, and it previously participated in the 2005 Great Race from Tacoma, Washington, to Washington D.C. At a cost of $980.00 new, it was a sizable investment for the time, given that the average household income was $1,880. Finished in Florentine Blue with a Gray Broadcloth interior, this Super Deluxe carries all its “pre-blackout” brightwork, a chrome “electric shaver” grille and chrome bumpers with bumper guards. Motivation comes from a 221 CI flathead V-8 breathing through a single-barrel, downdraft carburetor, making 96 HP and 156 lb-ft of torque from the factory. An aluminum radiator with electric fan keeps the mill cool, and cog changes come from the column-shifted, 3-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh. Inside, a Great Race-compliant speedometer takes the place of the factory unit, Autometer auxiliary gauges keep tabs on oil pressure and engine temperature, and Bakelite trim reminds us of the last vehicles the Greatest Generation produced before marching off to war.