'41 buyer's guide?

onthehunt

onthehunt

Junior Member
Hi all,
I've been around A's most of my life but have little experience with early V8s. A friend recently asked me to help him find a '41 convertible, and I want to get him the most correct car possible. I know what to look for as far as the quality of workmanship, but I don't know the little details like correct hardware, ignition system, upholstery, and all the various finishes.

Is there judging guide for the V8s? Or would you recommend a particular book? I have a Sorensen book somewhere at home which may be worth reviewing. Any specialists I should talk to?

This is pretty exciting as a 36-48 open car has long been on my dream list, so at least I'll get close to one.

Thank you
 
1941 was a transition year for Ford Motors. They were changing a lot of things to make a bit larger car for a bit more room inside. This was the first year of the super deluxe moniker, the G series 6-cylinder engine was a new item, and the external trim changed a few times during the model year. There are many one year only items so it's best to purchase as complete a car as is possible. Some parts are hard to find. The Early Ford V8 Club has an excellent book on the 1941 through 48 models. Here is a link. https://www.earlyfordv8.org/Shop.cfm?id=20&pid=2
 
Good choice on the '41; probably the most under-appreciated of the early Fords.

To up the flash factor, Ford added chrome trim during the '41 model year. The added chrome trim on the front fenders and across the nose detracts, I believe, from the clean, aggressive appearance of the early model year '41. That was the beginning of the chrome race, which peaked in 1958 with some of the most ridiculous car designs in the history of automobiles. I liked the horsepower race much better.

But I digress. Just how "correct" do you need to be? Going for show points, or bragging rights for originality? Most '41's will have the engine swapped out at some time in their history, or at the very least, have a crab distributor installed. Many will have dual exhaust. All good for performance, but negative show points.
 
The first book I bought was the early Ford book when I got my '41, the body and and interior on mine seem to be correct, but the motor has been replaced and the prior owner put headers on it.
 
I recommend your friend get the 1941 Ford book from the Early Ford V8 club. I also recommend that your friend join the V8 club and you may consider joining as well. My friend JM35sedan says the membership price $35 is worth the V8 Times magazine alone. If you have a lot of fun with the four cylinder you'll have twice as much fun in a V8 Ford.:D
 
I am with Seth, join the V8 Club.

A couple of months ago, the V8 Times had a great article by Ken Burns on the restoration of his 41 woodie and many of the changes he identified while restoring his car.
 
Thanks for the advice - I just ordered the V8 book. We're still discussing exactly what he wants. He enjoys attending Concours level car shows and is a bit of a perfectionist, but has never showed a car...So he is interested in a "perfect" car, but I might steer him towards an older, well restored car that he could drive and enjoy.


I guess it all depends which he values more - a ribbon and trophy, or putting miles on the odometer. Each has its merits.
 
Seth Swoboda said:
If you have a lot of fun with the four cylinder you'll have twice as much fun in a V8 Ford.:D
Click to expand...

To be honest, I've never driven a really good flathead V8. Had a pretty worn out F1 years ago and it didn't impress me...It wasn't until later that I heard a few good running stock motors and realized what I'd been missing.

Definitely looking forward to it!
 
onthehunt said:
Thanks for the advice - I just ordered the V8 book. We're still discussing exactly what he wants. He enjoys attending Concours level car shows and is a bit of a perfectionist, but has never showed a car...So he is interested in a "perfect" car, but I might steer him towards an older, well restored car that he could drive and enjoy.


I guess it all depends which he values more - a ribbon and trophy, or putting miles on the odometer. Each has its merits.
Click to expand...

If the restoration was done properly, the vehicle can be driven and enjoyed like any other.

I sold a '39 coupe I had done a few years back. Judged nationally twice, one time 999 points, the other 995 - a five point deduction for over restoration. The current owner drives it every chance he gets.

There's a huge difference in a proper restoration and one that simply looks great.
 
I found my '41 on Hemming's. It was an auction car that did not meet reserve. I got it at a decent price. Plenty of choices in various states of correctness:

This '41 convertible looks nice (except for that late model year extra chrome that I do not care for).
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/super-deluxe/1962973.html

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/super-deluxe/1861492.html

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/ford/super-deluxe/1953065.html

Fair price on a very correct car.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/ford/deluxe/1942619.html

My favorite of the lot
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/super-deluxe/1411592.html

Better in black
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/super-deluxe/1805959.html
 
I found mine on eBay of all places. Older restoration, 'driver quality', Jack Benny price.

I'm extremely happy.



The softcover Early Ford V8 book is a very educational read on correctness.
 
Just received the Early V8 guide. Wow, what a wonderful book. Kudos to the club for putting together such a great resource!
 
Since the 1941 Ford is a one year only car, I would suggest buying the most complete car you can find (no missing ss trim or interior trim). Trying to find missing trim pieces for 1941 Ford is a nightmare I am told.
 
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