How many 1942 Ford Business coupes were made?
The exact number of 1942 Ford Business Coupes produced is not published in a single authoritative figure. Most credible estimates place the total in the tens of thousands, rather than in the hundreds of thousands or single thousands.
Context of the 1942 model year
In 1942, Ford faced the onset of war-related production shifts as the United States mobilized for World War II. Civilian auto production was winding down, and records by body style were not always consistently kept. The Business Coupe was a two-door body style offered in the Ford lineup, typically featuring a smaller rear seating area or no rear seat, making it a practical option for business use or economical transportation.
Definition and scope
To understand the question, it's important to know that "Business Coupe" referred to a specific two-door coupe configuration. Some sources count it as its own distinct model style, while others classify it under broader two-door coupes within the Deluxe/Standard lines. The exact counting method influences published totals.
- Two-door body style in the Ford lineup
- Typically a reduced rear seating area or no rear seat
- Part of Ford's prewar lineup with variations across trims
In practice, this means published totals can vary depending on whether back seats, trim levels, and regional production are included in the tally.
Estimated production ranges
Before listing the ranges, note that production counts by body style are not uniformly published. The ranges below reflect the best-available estimates from collector catalogs, club registries, and archival sources and should be treated as approximations rather than exact tallies.
- 10,000–15,000 units
- 15,000–25,000 units
- 25,000–40,000 units
These ranges illustrate the uncertainty and reflect different counting conventions used by researchers. The actual figure likely falls within tens of thousands, but the precise number depends on how one defines "Business Coupe" for record purposes.
Why the numbers vary
Several factors contribute to differing counts: wartime production shifts, how model-year dating is applied, regional vs national production totals, and whether certain sub-variants are included in the Business Coupe category. Archivists also differ on whether to count only standard/Deluxe two-door coupes or to include related variants with slight trim differences.
Summary
In short, there is no universally agreed-upon figure for how many 1942 Ford Business Coupes were made. Most credible estimates place the total in the low tens of thousands, with common ranges spanning roughly 10,000 to 40,000 units depending on counting conventions and sources. For collectors and historians, provenance and condition often matter more than the exact tally when evaluating vintage Ford business coupes from 1942.
How much is a 1942 Ford worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $22,291 for a 1942 Ford Deluxe in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1942 Ford Deluxe? The highest selling price of a 1942 Ford Deluxe at auction over the last three years was $53,250.
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.
How much did a new car cost in 1942?
A new car in 1942 cost approximately $800 to $920 on average, though prices varied by model and brand. The price of new cars would have been influenced by the beginning of World War II, which halted new car production and shifted the industry to war-related manufacturing.
- Average Price: Estimates for the average price range from around $\$800 to $920$ 920$920.
- World War II Impact: Production of new cars was already winding down in 1942 due to the United States entering the war, with production ceasing entirely afterward to focus on wartime manufacturing.
- Price vs. Income: In 1942, the average weekly income was about $40$ 40$40, meaning it took roughly 20 weeks for the average worker to earn enough to buy the average new car.
How many 1942 Ford coupes were built?
The total production of 1942 Ford models hit just over 160,000 vehicles. 90,000 of which being top-of-the-line Super Deluxe models like the one seen for sale here. Of that limited amount, the rarest would be the convertible club coupe with production reaching only 2,920 vehicles.
