The 1941-1948 Ford Super DeLuxes were forged out of a bewildering and nearly cataclysmic period in Ford history. With a new series of top-of-the-line models, the company prepared for the introduction of the Ford Super DeLuxe. This series was offered as a Tudor, Fordor, coupe, convertible coupe (now with an electrically operated top), wooden-bodied station wagon, and a reincarnated coupe sedan (it had been dropped after 1938).
From 1932-1948, all Fords were basically the same at heart: beam front axle, transverse springs, torque-tube drive, flathead V-8. Only under great pressure did Henry concede to hydraulic brakes for 1939 and the option of a six-cylinder engine for 1941.
The 1941s were the first of the “fat” Fords, with a clean contemporary look that was right in tune with the era. Further, Ford now even offered a flathead six, a clear concession to the competition. The Ford Super DeLuxe sported more chrome and stainless on the exterior than the other models, plus all manner of interior upgrades including a clock, choice of interior fabrics, “Kelobra” wood-grained dash and door moldings, and a smart Super DeLuxe horn ring. Another feature was crank-controlled vent windows.
In late September, the new models were introduced at 6,000 Ford dealers. While the public response was quite positive, sales weren’t altogether encouraging. Ford finished the model year with 691,455 cars produced against slightly over a million Chevrolets. Ford sales were up 150,000 from 1940 because of an improving economy — and because some people sensed that the 1941s might be the last Fords available for a long time.