One of the most visually attractive of all automobile lines produced during the immediate pre-WWII era, the 1939 Ford models were among the finest expressions of the brilliant design partnership of company president Edsel B. Ford and former New York yacht designer Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie. Newly available Lockheed-type hydraulic drum brakes, revised cylinder heads, and numerous detail improvements provided mechanical sophistication to match the visual beauty of the ’39 Ford line. While some 532,000 Ford passenger cars were built during 1939, precious few survive in unrestored condition, with fewer still as well preserved and presented as this 1939 Ford V8 Deluxe Convertible Coupe, one of 10,422 built.

While its early history is unknown, in October 1976, Ron Van Kregten, a well-known aircraft and automobile collector, acquired this Deluxe Convertible Coupe from a fellow car enthusiast in San Jose, California. It remained in Mr. Van Kregten’s exceptional collection of cars – which included a Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider and AC 289 Cobra – for the rest of his life. The Convertible Coupe was next acquired by Mark Smith in January 2009.

An elegant combination of luxury and performance, this Convertible Coupe features standard Deluxe trim appointments including a dash clock, locking glove box, and optional Ford-scripted heater, in addition to a V-8 powerplant. Its Ford flathead V-8 is equipped with bolt-on performance parts including Offenhauser finned aluminum cylinder heads, an Offenhauser intake manifold, and Holley four-barrel carburetor. Currently in non-running condition and requiring mechanical recommissioning, it offers multiple opportunities for an astute early Ford V8 collector.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.