What was the top speed of the 1940 Ford coupe?
A stock 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe could top out around 95 mph under ideal conditions, with variation based on gearing, tire choice, and tuning. This article explains how that figure is derived and what factors influence it.
Engine, weight, and drivetrain context
The 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe relied on Ford's flathead V8, typically delivering about 90 horsepower, paired with a 3-speed manual transmission. The car’s curb weight was roughly 3,000 pounds in standard trim. These characteristics set the baseline for its available top speed and defined how closely it could approach high-speed performance in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Key factors that determine the top speed of the 1940 Ford coupe (stock condition):
- Engine power and tune (fuel delivery, ignition timing, and compression)
- Transmission and final-drive gearing (3-speed manual with conventional rear-end ratios)
- Aerodynamics and rolling resistance (coupe body styling, tire type and width)
- Weight distribution and drivetrain efficiency (overall weight and mechanical losses)
In practical terms, these factors meant that a stock 1940 Ford Coupe would typically settle in the high 80s to mid-90s mph, with ideal-day conditions and careful tuning sometimes approaching the 100 mph mark.
Historical records and what they indicate
Contemporary road tests and enthusiasts’ reports from the era place the top speed of a standard 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe in a relatively narrow band. The combination of a modestly powered flathead V8, a three-speed manual, and conservative gearing generally yielded top speeds in the mid-90s mph, with variations due to drivetrain condition, tire quality, altitude, and wind. These figures reflect the priorities of the era, where reliability and everyday usability took precedence over peak-quarter-mile performance.
Modern restorations aiming to preserve authenticity tend to reproduce that stock performance envelope. While enthusiasts occasionally chase higher numbers, doing so typically involves modifications that depart from original specifications and can affect handling and safety in ways that are not aligned with the car’s historical design.
Summary
The top speed of the stock 1940 Ford Coupe sits in the high 80s to mid-90s mph range, with ideal conditions sometimes nudging toward 100 mph. Variations arise from gearing, tuning, tire choice, and overall condition. For collectors and restorers, maintaining authentic period performance means prioritizing correct engine tune, original gearing, and proper tires rather than pursuing exaggerated speeds.
Where the speeds fit in today
For enthusiasts today, the takeaways are simple: the 1940 Ford Coupe was built for reliable highway cruising rather than outright speed. Its performance reflects the design priorities of its time, and any modern “top speed” claims should be interpreted within the context of authentic, stock-condition representations from the era.
Summary of key points
- Stock 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe top speed: roughly 90–95 mph, with ideal conditions pushing toward 100 mph.
- Major influences: engine power, transmission gearing, aerodynamics, and weight.
- Historical tests corroborate a narrow band of high-speed performance consistent with a lightly tuned, pre-war flathead V8 and standard drivetrain.
How fast did a car go in 1940?
Cars in the 1940s could go anywhere from 40–70 mph for typical driving to over 100 mph for high-performance models, though many cars were more comfortable around 50 mph. The speed limit during World War II was 35 mph to conserve fuel and rubber. For context, a 1941 Buick Century could claim a top speed of 108 mph, while the average 1940s low-priced car could exceed 80 mph, and high-priced cars could top 90 mph.
Typical vs. high performance
- Typical driving: Many cars were happiest around 50 mph and couldn't reliably maintain higher speeds due to engine and chassis limitations.
- Speed limits: The national speed limit was 35 mph during World War II (1942–1945) to conserve resources. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, which opened in 1940, had a 70 mph limit, but not all cars could sustain it.
- High performance:
- The 1941 Buick Century was rumored to be the fastest American car of the year, with a factory claim of up to 108 mph.
- The 1947 Healey Elliot had a top speed of 110 mph.
- The Jaguar XK120, introduced in 1948, was the world's fastest car at the time, with a top speed of 120 mph.
Factors affecting speed
- Engine power: Engine technology was improving, with some models like the 1941 Buick and 1949 Olds Rocket 88 offering more horsepower and torque than previous models.
- Tire technology: Tires were less durable than modern ones, and a speed of 60 mph was considered impressive enough for an ad in the 1940s.
- Road conditions: Roadways were not always as smooth as today, and cars were not always built for sustained high speeds.
How much horsepower does a 1940 Ford coupe have?
85-horsepower
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 1931 Ford Model A coupe?
65-70 mph
A Deluxe Coupe also boasted mohair seats, whereas the Standard model featured cloth seats. With its 4-cylinder, 3.3-liter engine and floor-mounted, three-speed transmission, top speeds are 65-70 mph.
What is the top speed of a 1936 Ford coupe?
This engine produced 85 hp (63 kW) with a 6.3:1 compression ratio. The Model 48 was replaced by the Model 68 in 1936. With a factory-optional 3.78 final drive ratio, it could reach a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph).
