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What engine was in a 1939 Ford coupe?

The 1939 Ford two‑door coupe was most commonly powered by Ford’s Flathead V8, a 221‑cu‑in side‑valve engine delivering roughly 85 horsepower.

While the V8 was the defining powerplant for most coupes, Ford also offered an inline‑six option in some lower‑trim configurations. The two engines reflected Ford’s strategy in 1939 to balance performance, cost, and reliability as the company updated its styling and drivetrain for the late 1930s.

Engine options for the 1939 Ford lineup

Below are the primary engine choices that could appear under the hoods of 1939 Ford coupes, depending on trim and market.

Ford Flathead V8 — 221 cubic inches, side‑valve configuration; commonly around 85 horsepower in 1939.

Inline‑six — a lighter, more economical engine used in some lower‑trim models; produced less power than the V8.

In practice, most surviving 1939 two‑door coupes are V8‑powered, with inline‑six examples being rarer today.

Historical context and impact

The Flathead V8 helped Ford maintain competitive performance in the late 1930s, offering a straightforward, easy‑to‑service powerplant for enthusiasts and fleets alike. Its ubiquity in the popular coupe contributed to Ford’s lasting association with affordable V8 performance during the pre‑war era.

Technical snapshot

The Flathead V8’s simple, low‑pressure design made maintenance accessible for owners and repair shops of the era, while its compact footprint allowed for reasonably compact engine bays in the then‑fashionable coupe bodies.

Summary

For most 1939 Ford two‑door coupes, the standard and most common engine was the Ford Flathead V8, a 221‑cu‑in side‑valve V8 delivering about 85 horsepower. A less common inline‑six option existed for some lower trims, but the V8 was the defining powerplant of that model year and remains the hallmark engine associated with the 1939 Ford coupe today.

How much horsepower does a 1939 Ford have?

85 horsepower
This 1939 Ford Sedan has a 3 speed manual transmission. With a 134 cu. in. and 85 horsepower engine.

What is the significance of the 1939 Ford coupe?

As one of the finest automobile designs of the immediate pre-WW II years, the 1939 Ford lineup was also one of the last fruits of the design collaboration of company president Edsel B. Ford and former New York yacht designer "Bob" Gregorie.

What engine did the 1940 Ford coupe have?

The car is powered by the 85-horsepower flathead V8 and the standard 3-speed manual transmission with column shifter.

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating.
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates

6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures.
5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues.
3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks.

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage.
1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks.
3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures.
2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans.

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.