Lin Stacey’s 1942 Ford V-8 Sedan Coupe

by Gary Osborne

In the Fall of 1941 as the new 1942 Fords were being introduced, much of the world was at war. The United States had still remained out of the conflict, but things were not looking too good. As you know, we entered the Second World War after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th. However, Ford Motor Company and the U.S. Government had already begun turning their attention to the war effort. February of 1942 would be the last month of civilian auto production for Ford. So, it was a short run of the 1942 models for the buying public to own a new Ford.

The new automobiles were now powered by two engines; the trusty 90 horsepower V-8, and the six cylinder introduced in 1941. With the addition of the six cylinder engine, Ford could now bring into their dealerships those customers that had asked for a good six cylinder powerplant. Giving potential buyers choices has always been good for sales. There were other improvements to the cars which included extending the wheelbase two inches, which began with the 1941 model year, and lowering it by about two inches in 1942, thus giving the car a lower center of gravity for an improved ride. Interior appointments were upgraded with different upholstery, plastic use on the dash, and gauges that were easier to read. These changes would be the last since Ford would not produce any more cars for the public until after the war with the introduction of the 1946 models.

Let’s look at the beautiful 1942 Sedan Coupe featured in this article that is owned by our members Lin and Pat Stacey. Lin had been looking for an Early Ford V-8 back in 1987 and came across this Sedan.

Coupe in a local paper. It met all his requirements, so after agreeing on the price it was towed home. This car did not run and needed a lot of mechanical work. Lin put in a new engine and made numerous other repairs to allow him to drive it for about a year. During this time, he got the “bug” to do a full frame-off restoration which began in 1990. The goal was to complete it for the 1992 Central National Meet in Indianapolis.

He had been collecting parts for two years to make this restoration possible. This was all done before the internet was available, so there were a lot of phone calls made, and lots of miles driven to locate parts and information. Several setbacks later, he finally got the painted body back from the body shop in February of 1992. The Central National Meet was in June of that year, so there was much work to be done. All the components were rebuilt and restored to their correct configurations, including the correct hardware, and a LeBaron Bonney interior. With the help of many friends, and wife Pat, the car was completed just in time for the trip to the Indianapolis meet.

Lin’s goal was to earn a Dearborn Award, especially on the 50th birthday of the scarce 1942 Fords, which he accomplished at the meet. Read more about the restoration of this car in an article that Lin wrote for the Sept-Oct 1992 V-8 Times. He has driven the car for several years to club functions and always enjoys talking about all the specifics of the car and its restoration. Take a look at this car closely when the Staceys bring it out to one of our events. It’s a beautiful example, and they would love to talk to you.