FOR SALE: The 1958 "Time-Capsule" 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe

A True Survivor Hot Rod with NHRA Pedigree

If you saw the "Survivors" feature in The Rodder's Journal issue #52, you know this car. I am offering the Paul Flynn 1940 Ford Deluxe for sale—a true 1958 survivor that defines the "Time-Capsule" category.

Built by a National Champion and powered by his 1955 NHRA prize engine, this coupe is a masterclass in period-correct authenticity. From the 1957 Plymouth upholstery to the '39 top-shift trans, every detail remains as it was during the golden age of Kansas hot rodding.

•NHRA Royalty: Built by 1955 National Top Eliminator winner Paul Flynn.
•A Literal Trophy Engine: Powered by the brand-new 1956 Pontiac V8 Flynn was awarded for his NHRA National Championship win.
•Original 1958 Finish: Features 1958-applied Nitrocellulose Lacquer and hand-pinstriping by the legendary King George II.
•Untouched Integrity: A remarkably solid, dry-climate survivor with fenders that have never been removed from the body.
•Authentic 50s Custom Interior: Meticulously preserved 1957 Plymouth "silver-streak" upholstery and a '39 Ford top-shift conversion.
•Documented Provenance: Extensively featured and celebrated in The Rodder's Journal as a "Holy Grail" find.

(**THIS DESCRIPTION WAS CREATED USING AI; IF YOU WANT TO VERIFY ANY SPECIFIC DETAIL OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK**)

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To many, this is the "Holy Grail" of find: an authentic, documented survivor from the golden era of hot rodding. Built in 1958 and preserved for decades, this 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe is not a recreation; it is a piece of automotive history.

The Pedigree
Originally built by local racing legend Paul Flynn (a 1955 NHRA National Top Eliminator winner), this car was constructed in the late 1950s in Abilene, Kansas. It has been meticulously preserved, retaining the exact character and components that made it a standout on the streets and strips of the mid-west over 60 years ago.

The Powerplant: A Trophy Engine
The heart of this coupe is a truly unique 1956 Pontiac 316 V8.

History: This specific engine was a brand-new prize awarded to Paul Flynn at the 1955 NHRA National Championships in Great Bend, Kansas.

Details: It features the original blue display paint from the factory. In a nod to its "trophy" status, it still carries the vintage performance look it had when first installed, including the original intake and carburetor setup.

Drivetrain: Mated to a 1939 Ford top-shift transmission—a period-correct modification chosen by Flynn to replace the column shift for a more tactile, performance-oriented driving experience.

Exterior & Body
Paint: The car wears Nitrocellulose Lacquer applied in 1958 by Harvey Miller of Salina, Kansas. The finish provides an irreplaceable "survivor" patina that only six decades of careful aging can produce.

Pinstriping: Features authentic hand-painted pinstriping by the legendary “King George II,” applied in 1958/59.

Preservation: The fenders have never been removed from this car. It is a solid, dry-climate body. Doors "click shut" with the precision of a showroom floor model.

Modifications: Period-correct "shaving" includes the removal of the trunk handle and rear bumper over-riders for a cleaner, streamlined profile.

Interior & Wheels
The Cabin: A time-capsule of 1950s custom style, featuring a 1957 Plymouth grey patterned Naugahyde interior.

Dashboard: The dash features the "Standard" model instrument cluster—swapped in by Flynn during the build to prevent the heat-sensitive plastic of the Deluxe versions from warping.

Wheels: 15-inch Lincoln rims fitted with aftermarket '57 Plymouth-style wheel covers.

Tires: Riding on vintage-style U.S. Royals (8.20-15 rear) and Firestones (6.70-15 front) for the perfect period stance.

Collector's Note
This Ford has spent its life in the hands of stewards who understood its significance, including noted collector Roger Morrison. It is a rare opportunity to own a car that doesn't just tell a story—it proves it with every bolt, brushstroke, and weld.

Whether you are looking for a centerpiece for a collection or a legendary driver for vintage rallies, this '40 Ford is a "survivor" in every sense of the word.

*PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE TAX OR SHIPPING. WE ARE A BUSINESS AND DO CHARGE TAX FOR LOCAL PICKUP (5.5% is WI sales tax)*