How many 1940 Ford coupes were made?
Estimates place the total number of 1940 two-door Ford coupes built in the United States at about 150,000, with a typical range between roughly 120,000 and 180,000 depending on whether Club Coupe variants are included in the count.
That year marked Ford's first major styling refresh for the coupe body style in the pre-war era, and production was spread across several coupe variants. Because official tallies by body style were not always published, historians rely on archival records, period catalogs, and factory data to estimate counts, which leads to a range rather than a single definitive figure.
Context: Ford's 1940 lineup and coupe definitions
In 1940, Ford offered multiple coupe configurations, including the Standard Coupe, Deluxe Coupe, and Club Coupe. These were two-door body styles that shared the same basic chassis but carried different trim and sometimes different rear-door arrangements. The Club Coupe, in particular, has been counted variably by collectors and registries, contributing to divergent totals in published figures.
Common variants counted as coupes
The following variants are most often referenced when tallying 1940 Ford coupes in catalogs and registries:
- Standard Coupe
- Deluxe Coupe
- Club Coupe (a two-door coupe with a shorter rear door; counted by some sources and excluded by others)
Note: Counting methods vary by source; some registries include Club Coupe in the coupe totals, while others treat it separately or group it with other body styles. This difference is a primary reason for discrepancies in published counts.
How production numbers are estimated and cited
Historians and enthusiasts estimate 1940 coupe totals from a mix of archival materials, since Ford did not consistently publish year-by-year, body-style production by public records. Researchers typically draw from:
- Ford archival production records and company reports
- Contemporary dealer catalogs and price lists
- Museum collections and registries maintained by car clubs and historians
Because these sources can be incomplete or interpreted differently, published totals for 1940 coupes vary. For precise accounting in a given project, researchers usually cite the specific archives or registries used and note whether Club Coupe is included in the tally.
Summary
In the absence of a single, universally accepted official figure, the best-supported approximation places 1940 two-door Ford coupe production in the United States around 120,000 to 180,000 units, with many estimates centering near 150,000. The exact number depends on whether Club Coupe variants are counted as coupes and on which archival sources researchers rely. For collectors and historians, understanding the definitions and sources behind the figure is as important as the number itself.
How many 1940 Ford coupes were built?
The total domestic, Canadian, and foreign production of 1940 Ford Passenger Cars was 642,580, total domestic Ford production for was 541,896 units with 367,364 of them being Deluxe's and of those 27,919 being Deluxe Coupes.
What engine came in a 1940 Ford coupe?
flathead V8
The car is powered by the 85-horsepower flathead V8 and the standard 3-speed manual transmission with column shifter.
What was the top speed of the 1940 Ford coupe?
around 85-90 mph
Performance: Top Speed: The 1940 Ford Coupe could reach a top speed of around 85-90 mph (137-145 km/h), which was impressive for the time. Acceleration: With the 239 V8, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 12-15 seconds, which was relatively quick for cars of that era.
What is the value of a 1940 Ford coupe?
A 1940 Ford coupe's value ranges from approximately $7,000 for a low-retail example to over $35,000 for a high-retail one, with a good-condition average price around $23,000 to $29,000. Exceptional, restored, or customized models can sell for much higher prices, while neglected vehicles may be worth significantly less.
Value factors
- Condition: The most significant factor. A car in excellent, original, or professionally restored condition is worth far more than one needing extensive work.
- Model: Both the "Standard" and "Deluxe" lines had coupes. The Deluxe is generally more valuable, though prices overlap based on specific condition and features.
- Restoration and modifications: A car in original, well-maintained condition will have a specific value. However, a high-quality restomod (restored with modern components) can reach very high prices, sometimes exceeding those of original examples.
- Recent sales: Recent auction results provide a good benchmark. For example, a 1940 Ford Deluxe sold for $26,250 at auction in November 2025, while a restored example sold for $52,000.
Where to find a 1940 Ford coupe
- Classic car sales websites: Sites like Classics on Autotrader, Hemmings, and AllCollectorCars.com list many examples for sale, showing a wide range of prices.
- Auction sites: eBay and Hagerty are other platforms where prices vary based on the vehicle's condition and rarity.
- Local listings: Some vehicles might be found through local classifieds or forums.
Key takeaway
A 1940 Ford coupe's value is determined by its condition, model, and any modifications. While a low-retail example might be around $7,000, a high-quality restored or customized model can sell for tens of thousands of dollars more.
