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£48,883
Three-Decades-Family-Owned, Custom 1940 Ford Deluxe “California Special” Convertible
United States • 8 Dec 2025
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This is a custom 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible, dubbed the "California Special", that was modified over a 10 year period. It features a chopped and sectioned body, a later-model flathead V8 engine, a custom leather interior and has been featured in multiple publications.
Condition
7
The car is described as a custom build completed around 2000, with modifications including chopping, sectioning, and suspension lowering. It has been featured in publications, indicating it's well-known but also implying it's been around for a while. The description mentions that the grandfather performed metal work and lacquer paint job, and there are photos showing refurbishment stages, suggesting it's not in pristine condition but has been maintained. There is no mention of any current damage.
/ 10
Transmission:
Manual
Chassis No:
185668852
Odometer:
19,000 miles
Reg Number:
[Reg Number]
RHD/LHD:
[RHD/LHD]
Customized Between 1990 and 2000 Chopped & Sectioned Steel Body 24-Stud Flathead V8 2x Stromberg 97s Three-Speed Manual Transmission Mitchell Gear Splitter Overdrive Black Lacquer Black Leather Upholstery Black Convertible Top 16" Steel Wheels w/Custom Trim Lincoln Bumpers Historical Features & Photos
This 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible was acquired in the 1990s by the seller’s grandfather, who set out to create a custom convertible that he later dubbed the “California Special”.
Work was completed around 2000, and it involved chopping and sectioning the body, lowering the suspension, and fitting a later-model 24-stud flathead V8.
The interior was also customized with hand-stitched black leather upholstery, and the engine is topped by two Stromberg 97s and linked to a three-speed manual transmission with a Mitchell overdrive unit.
It rides on whitewall tires and is further equipped with a black soft top, Lincoln bumpers, and a dual exhaust system.
Since completion around 25 years ago...
Points of note
£6,794
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£31,389
Median Price (Since 2020)
£85,693
Highest Price (Since 2020)
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