Some Assembly Required: 1940 Ford Coupe Joins List Of Repro Classics

The 1940 Ford Coupe will return to the carmaker's range some 73 years after it first appeared, with a ‘new’ model set to be unveiled at this week’s SEMA show in the US.

Like the reproduction 1964-66 and 1967 Mustang convertible bodyshells unveiled late last year, the ‘40 Ford will be sold as a bare shell only, manufactured by a third party with the official blessing of the Blue Oval.

Intended to satisfy enthusiast demand for steel versions of the classic model, the new body promises to be stronger and more rust resistant than the original, thanks to modern steel and welding processes.

Otherwise, the bodyshells are built to match the dimensions of the original, making the new version suitable for hot rodders and restorers alike.

With examples of the original steel body understandably dwindling, enthusiasts have until now been forced to pay hefty prices for an original, or make do with fibreglass reproduction versions.

Ford’s new steel reproduction will offer a second firewall design to provide more clearance for modern mechanicals than the original flathead V8 design.