Arizona dealer lists classic Ford convertible custom built by seller’s grandfather
Published on Dec 05, 2025 at 6:07 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Dec 05, 2025 at 10:29 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
This beautiful 1940 Ford Deluxe began life as a coupe, before its owner decided to cut the roof off and create a custom-built convertible instead.
Ford introduced its upscale Deluxe back in 1937, and it remained in production until 1940.
When it came to body styles, customers were spoiled for choice with the Ford Deluxe, also known as the Ford De Luxe.
It was offered as a 2-door coupe, convertible, sedan, van, station wagon, and pickup, as well as a 4-door sedan, phaeton, and even an ambulance.
DISCOVER SBX CARS – The global premium auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
The custom-built 1940 Ford Deluxe was a real labor of love
Back in the 1990s, someone snapped up this 1940 Ford Deluxe coupe and decided to create a one-off ‘Californian Special’.
The car enthusiast poured around 1,000 hours of work into the project over the next decade and transformed the coupe into a custom convertible.
And the work didn’t stop there.
The man also lowered the suspension and fitted a later-model 24-stud flathead V8 engine inside.
The car was given a black lacquer exterior and sits on 16-inch steel wheels with custom chrome trim.
Meanwhile, the inside was overhauled with hand-stitched black leather upholstery.
In place of its hard top roof, the owner fitted a black soft top and gave the vintage vehicle bumpers from a Ford Lincoln.
Sadly, the man who spent years transforming the vehicle passed away around 25 years ago.
Since then, the car has remained with the same family, who have taken it on multiple road trips over the years.
The car currently belongs to the grandson of the man who built it, and he has insisted that the classic car is ‘no garage queen’.
But after holding onto it for several years, and adding around 10,000 miles on the clock, he’s now hoping to see the classic car go to a new home.
The car is up for auction and is impressing potential buyers
As you might have guessed, the stunning 1940 Ford Deluxe has attracted plenty of attention already, with car lovers seriously impressed by the custom work carried out.
A very special build, and those who know get it,” one car enthusiast wrote on the listing.
“Perfectly done by people who really put their hearts into their work,” someone else added.
While a third person said it was ‘probably the best auction of the year’.
With a little under four days until the hammer falls, the Californian Special convertible has a top bid of $23,500.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
