what's the difference between standard and deluxe?

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Great question! For the 1940 model year, **Ford Deluxe** was an upscale alternative to the base **Ford Standard** — essentially a separate "marque within a marque" that existed to bridge the gap between the affordable Ford line and the more luxurious Lincoln offerings. In 1940, they were marketed as distinct lines rather than just trim levels.

**The Big Difference: The Grille**
The easiest way to tell them apart at a glance is the front grille:

- **Standard models**: Featured body-colored *vertical* grille bars with chrome accents mainly on the wide center trim piece
- **Deluxe models**: Featured a distinctive *three-part horizontal bar grille* (often called the "toothbrush" style), which was considered more upscale and sophisticated

**Other Typical Upgrades**
The Deluxe generally included additional brightwork and interior appointments compared to the Standard, though exact equipment varied by body style. Ford used this two-tier approach through 1940, after which the Deluxe reverted to trim-level status for 1941.

Interestingly, the 1940 Ford coupes (like the one we're looking at) are legendary in hot rod history — they're often called "moonshine haulers" due to their popularity in the South during that era!

If you're curious about values, the Deluxe models typically command a premium due to their rarer status and more distinctive appearance. You can find more examples and check current market values at <https://classic.com/m/ford/standard-deluxe/standard-variants/>.

Want me to show you some similar 1940 Fords currently available, or dig deeper into anything specific about this era?

Lot 5328-NSH: 1940 Ford Standard / Deluxe

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Lot 5328-NSH: 1940 Ford Standard / Deluxe

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