The 1940 model year has always been a favorite among Ford fans—restorers and hot rodders alike. This original Ford dealer sales film showcases some of the features that set the ’40 models apart.   

All the early Ford V8 years from 1932 to 1948 are considered desirable and collectible today, of course. But among racers, hot rodders, and restorers, there are a few production years that have always stood out, including ’32, ’36, and our subject today, the ’40 models. As we often note here at Mac’s Motor City Garage, the Detroit automakers manage to locate the sweet spot once in a while—in styling, features, and performance—and the ’40 Ford is one such instance. It’s a sweetheart, the Ford people will tell you.

Thanks to the extensive video collections of the U.S. National Archives, here we have an original Ford factory film, actually intended for dealer salesmen, that details the complete ’40 passenger car line in fine fashion. Note the crisp new front end styling by Bob Gregorie, the up-to-date instrument panel, and two Ford firsts for ’40, column-mounted shift lever and sealed-beam headlamps. The four-minute clip nicely breaks down the base and DeLuxe models and all the available body styles as well. There’s even some info on the little V8-60 engine in its final year in America. (But interestingly, the Station Wagon is not covered in the film.) Enjoy the video, Ford fans.