Updating vintage cars with more modern powertrains, suspensions, and other components has long been standard operating procedure for hot rodders, customizers, and old car hobbyists. And the giant aftermarket car show known as SEMA has always been a showcase for vendors wiling to help. This year, there is another ready-made platform: the 1940 Ford.
The aftermarket offerings have expanded to the point where it is now possible to build a brand new old car using sheet metal and interior components that are virtually indistinguishable from the originals that worked their way down assembly lines decades ago. Although in many cars, these retro parts are far better, being engineered and built to modern standards.
For years, Ford has been a willing co-conspirator with the aftermarket. The company began a fresh chapter a few years ago by licensing reproduction bodies for 1965-1970 Mustangs (via Dynacorn Classic Bodies). With those kits and a blossoming aftermarket, all an enthusiast needs to do is drop in a new crate motor and transmission, throw in some seats, carpeting, and other bits available from various suppliers, and you're good to go with a truly new old car. Well, that and a couple of hundred, or maybe a few thousand hours of labor, depending on your abilities. But hey, building it is half the fun. (Dynacorn also offers a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.)
The latest way to go retro into the future is with a new 1940 Ford coupe body shell from Ford Restoration Parts. Introduced at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show this year, the coupe makes a classic design and favorite of hot rodders available with a new steel body, with modern welds and rust proofed from the factory.
If that sounds appealing, clean out some room in the garage and more room in the budget for $11,900, plus shipping, for the basic body shell. The body complete with trunk lid, doors, and hood will run about $15,000.
—Jim Travers
