Who designed the 1940 Ford Coupe?
The 1940 Ford Coupe was designed in-house at Ford by the company’s design team, led by Edsel Ford with chief stylist George Walker at the helm.
In the late 1930s, Ford reorganized its styling operation to pursue a more modern, streamlined look. Edsel Ford championed this shift, directing the studio’s efforts, while George Walker guided the styling staff through the 1940 model year and beyond. The result was a more refined, rounded silhouette that set the tone for Ford’s prewar lineup.
Design leadership at Ford in 1940
Ford's styling operations in the late 1930s leaned on the collaboration between the design office and Edsel Ford, who personally supported fresh, modern shapes. The chief stylist, George Walker, oversaw the daily work of the design team, translating executive guidance into tangible bodywork and interior cues that would appear on the 1940 models, including the Coupe.
Key figures behind the design
The effort centered on Edsel Ford as the patron of design and George Walker as the lead designer. Together, they steered Ford’s styling direction during a pivotal prewar period when American automakers were vying to convey progress and modernity through shape and line.
The 1940 Coupe in context
The 1940 line represented a transitional moment for Ford, moving away from the harsher prewar esthetic toward more integrated, rounded forms. The Coupe, along with its Deluxe-specified siblings, showcased a clean, passenger-friendly profile that balanced familiar Ford cues with a more contemporary silhouette that would influence Ford styling in the early war years.
Reception and legacy
Collectors and historians view the 1940 Ford Coupe as a milestone in Ford’s mid-century design evolution, emblematic of the company’s prewar aesthetic and its commitment to modernization. The model is celebrated for achieving a balance between recognizable Ford cues and a more contemporary silhouette that appealed to buyers during a rapidly changing automotive market.
Summary
In short, the 1940 Ford Coupe was designed by Ford’s in-house design team under the guidance of Edsel Ford, with George Walker serving as chief stylist. Their collaboration yielded a more modern, rounded look that helped define Ford’s prewar styling language and left a lasting imprint on the brand’s design direction.
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.
Was the 1940 Ford a significant redesign?
1940 Ford 5-Window Coupe Ford's 1940 redesign represented a dramatic departure from previous years, introducing fully modern streamlined styling with pontoon fenders, sealed-beam inset headlights, and a subtle grille integrated with the front fender catwalks.
How many 1940 Ford coupes were made?
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.
Who originally designed the GT40?
The Ford GT40 was designed by a team led by Roy Lunn, with Eric Broadley contributing his Lola GT design as a starting point, and Carroll Shelby serving as a project consultant. Lunn, an engineer at Ford, headed the project and established the core concept for the car.
- Roy Lunn: As head of the project, Lunn was responsible for the initial concept and design direction, including a preliminary mid-engine design.
- Eric Broadley: The British engineer provided the foundation for the GT40 by allowing Ford to use his Lola GT as a base for the new car. The first few cars were essentially modified Lola GTs.
- Carroll Shelby: The legendary racer and car builder acted as a consultant, leading the racing efforts with his team and helping refine the design for competition.
- John Wyer: He managed the race team, which was instrumental in the car's development and eventual success.
