One can easily make a case for the 1940 Ford being a truly iconic, desirable, and collectible vehicle on its own accord, and we certainly wouldn’t argue. It’s also arguably one of the best-looking automobiles ever to grace the earth, a super-stylish machine that is still as nice to glance at today as it was when it debuted decades ago. However, this particular 1940 Ford Deluxe Panel model isn’t exactly stock – rather, it’s a rare coachbuilt example that’s believed to be the only such conversion to exist.
This 1940 Ford Deluxe Panel is scheduled to cross the block at Mecum’s 2025 Larry’s Legacy auction in September, but it’s no ordinary version of that particular model – rather, it’s wearing Panel Brougham coachwork by Rollson Inc., making it the only one believed to be paired with a Ford chassis in 1940. Rollstone was established in 1938 and became known for its stylish coachwork builds, in general, which were typically based on Duesenberg and Packard models. However, it did wind up churning out this singular, unique Ford-based example.
This one-off Ford was purchased new by John R. Bradley of New York City for $4,284.15, and has since spent time under the ownership of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Judge and collector, Roger Morrison, as well as the massive, Houston-based O’Quinn Collection, followed by the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum. It features a distinctive high roofline that makes things quite roomy inside, along with chrome bumpers with guards, painted steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings, and wide whitewall tires.
Inside, one will find a chauffeur’s compartment equipped with plenty of chrome and wood trim, along with leather upholstery, though it’s joined by blue cloth in the rear passenger compartment. Those two areas are separated by a sliding glass window, which houses a clock and a beverage cabinet, joining features such as a swing-out vanity mirror, sterling silver bud vases, and an intercom system.
Power for this 1940 Ford comes from the original Flathead V8, which was originally rated to produce 85 horsepower, and it’s mated to a three-speed manual transmission and a semi-floating rear axle. Now, it’s looking for a new home, and we’re pretty certain someone out there will be willing to shell out some money to secure it, given how rare and unique this coachbuilt model is.
Not terribly surprising, given its past performance.
The two companies have pooled resources on numerous occasions.
It remained with the original owner until earlier this year.
It's one of several new carbon parts for the pony car.
A year later than previously expected.
Expanding that lineup yet again.
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Mighty nice custom build!