For a number of years rumors have swirled around about a new ’40 Ford coupe body that was going to be produced. Some industry “experts” just knew it was coming out of an old MIG factory in the former Czech Republic, others were sure it was being built in South America, or maybe it was South Africa. In any case it wasn’t long before all the smart money was betting that Bob Drake was the man behind the project, even though no official statement had been made. The more savvy insiders concluded Drake was not about to announce the project until he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt it could be delivered. Well the word’s officially out, the announcement has been made, and Drake is delivering. In fact he’s delivering a new steel ’40 Ford to Street Rodder magazine to be built by Hollywood Hot Rods as the 2012 Road Tour car.
Bob Drake has come a long way since 1971 when he introduced his first product, glovebox liners for ’33-34 Fords. Today he offers over 5,000 products, including new steel ’40 Ford coupes.
Most enthusiasts understand Ford built two versions of the coupe in 1940, the Standard and DeLuxe. A number of differences set them apart—the Standard had a grille that looked similar to a ’39, the nose of the hood was slightly broader and it lacked the bulges low on the side that blended into the grille that were found on the DeLuxe. There were additional indicators inside and the Standard only had one taillight, but for the most part the differences between the Standard and DeLuxe are clear. What does cause confusion is the difference between an Opera Coupe and a Business Coupe—the fact is they are one in the same. The two versions of the coupe configuration in both Standard and DeLuxe trim are the five-window coupe and the Business Coupe.
The new ’40 is an astonishing accomplishment. Every part on this car is new with the exception of the vent window frames and garnish moldings, and they’re coming. Drake even repops the bug screen in the cowl vent.
The reason for the misunderstanding is the five-window coupe came with a large package tray behind the seat that had storage space below while the Business Coupe came equipped with two sideways-facing jump seats in the rear; just the opposite of what would be expected. Eventually the public referred to the Business Coupe as the Opera Coupe, which really confused the issue. Now to add just one more designation: passenger cars in 1940 with the 60hp V-8 were model 022A; those with the 85hp V-8 were designated as 01A. Coupes with the 85hp engine would be designated as follows:
Drake’s ’40 body is 99.9 percent original and we’re willing to bet Editor Brennan’s lunch money only a Ford fanatic could spot the one variation from stock. Can you? See the answer on page 104.
’40 Ford Standard five-window coupe, 01A-77A
’40 Ford Standard Business Coupe, 01A-67A
’40 Ford DeLuxe five-window coupe, 01A-77B
’40 Ford DeLuxe Business Coupe, 01A-67B
If you’re wondering about the importance of all this it’s because of the difference in the floor pan between the five-window and the Business Coupe. Drake’s body is the five-window style and the jump seats won’t fit without modifications to the floor.
At press time the only parts not in house were hoods. The DeLuxe style will be available first then the Standard. This car is equipped with a Standard grille.
One look at the these new bodies and it’s obvious Drake has made every effort to duplicate what Ford produced in the manner it was done back then. However, there is one exception; when Ford stamped the roofs they were one piece, including the upper cowl section, windshield posts, and the top down to the trunklid opening. For a number of reasons Drake’s tops are made in four pieces, the upper cowl, windshield posts, and the top are stamped separately then welded together.
Although bodies are shipped from the factory fully assembled, Drake does stock all the individual sheetmetal components for those who have a ’40 coupe in need of repair. Everything from complete doors and quarter-panels to drip rails and glovebox doors (with and without clock openings) are available.
All the parts seen here: grille, bumper, headlight assemblies, brackets, guards, and the fenders are available and are interchangeable with originals. Note the seams in the front of the fenders made necessary by the manufacturing process used—the originals did not have them but they are easily filled.
On the subject of options there are a number to choose from in individual parts and complete bodies. Stock and recessed firewalls are available, inner front panels are available stock or notched for IFS, and dashboards are available with the original cutouts for gauges, radio speaker and glovebox, glovebox only, no speaker cut out, and A/C outlets are an option in the original ashtray locations.
With everything available to build a brand-new car, Drake makes the point that this is a great opportunity to build a ’40 as a second car. “The ’40 Ford coupe’s pure classic styling and all-weather driveability make it a perfect investment for practical, year-round family fun, or just driving to work,” Drake says. We agree; driving one of these every day would be a lot more fun than anything else we can think of. By combining the ’40s classic looks with modern chassis components and convenience accessories you’d have the best of old and new.
To see what it takes to build a reproduction ’40 stay with us as we build next year’s AMSOIL/Street Rodder Road Tour with a new Drake coupe.
FAQs
Bob Drake’s new reproduction ’40 Ford body has been displayed at a variety of street rod events. Here are the questions the Drake staff are asked most often:
Street Rodder: What gauge metal is the body? Bob Drake: 19 gauge
SR: How much is the body, and what is included in this price?
BD: Our introductory price is $14,500. This includes the complete body shell, full floor, choice of firewall (stock or 5-inch recess), cowl, roof with rain gutters, quarter-panels, hinged doors and decklid, and all the inner structure and bracing, all assembled and welded in place.
SR: What frame do you recommend?
BD: We built our bodies to fit on original Ford frames. There are quality aftermarket frames available, but we have not tested them yet.
SR: How are the rain gutters attached?
BD: Just like the original ’40, sandwiched and spot-welded between the quarter-panel flanges and the roof flange.
SR: Is everything available aftermarket to complete the car?
BD: The only major sheetmetal piece left to complete the car is the hood. We have patterned the deluxe hood first and it will be in production soon, then we will begin the work on the standard hood.
SR: How do I title my car?
BD: Each state has laws concerning titles and registrations. You will have to check with your local DMV to file the appropriate paperwork.
SR: Are there sheetmetal pieces available to repair the coupe I already have?
BD: Yes, we make a full line of repair panels that are identical to the originals. Everything from floors to quarters to firewalls, you have all the correct shape and thickness to repair the coupe.
The .01 percent answer
The left-hand door has been fitted with a lock cylinder mount, which the originals lacked. This way you can lock the door from the outside without having to use the inside handle and slide out the passenger side.
