John Gundersen’s 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe

A car with character and curves—John Gundersen’s 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe is more than just a beautifully restored hot rod. It’s a passion project turned head-turner, combining classic Ford styling with modern muscle and personal history.

Painted in a striking red with a rich brown leather interior, this coupe commands attention whether it’s parked at a show or cruising the streets. Under the hood, it’s got a Chevy 383 stroker engine paired with a 2004R transmission, giving it that smooth-but-potent performance edge. A Ford 9-inch rear axle with 4.11 gearing helps plant the power reliably to the pavement, while steel wheels keep the look authentically vintage.

John didn’t build this car himself—he bought it from a friend who had—but that doesn’t make it any less personal. “I sold my black ’40 coupe (big mistake), then bought a ’56 pickup with a 392 Hemi. Eventually, I sold the truck and came back to the ’40 coupe, this time in red,” he says with a laugh.

This car isn’t a garage queen. It’s a “driver and car show cruiser,” regularly making appearances at events like the Outriders Picnic. Even though John doesn’t own similar cars, the love for this one runs deep—and it’s easy to see why.

From its standout looks to its street-savvy performance, this 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe is a proud symbol of hot rod culture, with a story as cool as its stance.