1940s Classic Cars

The WWII era was a tumultuous time for car manufacturers, yet produced some truly exemplary models, including the Volkswagon Beetle, the Ford V-8 and the MG T series, among others

Topics to Explore

1946 Chrysler Continental Coupe

1941-1984 Chrysler Town & Country

1942 Chevrolet Master DeLuxe and Special DeLuxe

1941 Packard One Eighty

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1945-1952 Jeep: Willys Postwar Jeep

Even before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor plunged the United States into the thick of World War II, the jeep's service with the Allied forces was making it almost legendary. Learn about jeep design and roles the jeep filled after World War II.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Other Classic and Collectible Manufacturers of the 1940s

1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt Roadster

The 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt Roadster's styling was inspired by Budd steamliner trains. Six Chrysler Thunderbolts were built and sold at a starting price of $6,000, but only four survived. Read more about this ultra rare classic.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Classic and Collectible Chryslers of the 1940s

1946 Chrysler Continental Coupe

The 1946 Chrysler Continental Coupe was a special model built by Derham Custom Body Works for Chrysler at a cost of $17,000. Only two were ever built! Learn more about the rare Chrysler Continental Coupe.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Classic and Collectible Chryslers of the 1940s

1947 Delahaye 135MS Teardrop Coupe

The 1947 Delahaye 135MS Teardrop Coupe is one the last models made by Delahaye. Only 1,155 postwar 135s had been built by the time the model was dropped in 1952. Learn more about this doomed classic.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Other Classic and Collectible Manufacturers of the 1940s

1941 Dodge Custom Town Sedan

The 1941 Dodge Custom Town Sedan had a base price of $999 and was the most popular in its line. Dodge built 72,067 Custom 4-door sedans. Its popularity was assured by the new styling. Read more about the 1941 Dodge Custom Town Sedan.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Classic and Collectible Dodge Cars of the 1940s

1949 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon

The 1949 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon was the rarest, heaviest, and most expensive station wagon from Buick in 1949. A total of 653 Roadmaster Estate Wagons were built. Learn more about this classic wagon.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Other Classic and Collectible Manufacturers of the 1940s

1940 Mercury Club Coupe

The 1940 Mercury Club Coupe was the brainchild of Edsel Ford. It was named after the Roman god Mercury and featured several different body styles. Prices ranged from $946 to $1,212. Learn more about this beautiful classic of the 40s.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Classic and Collectible Mercury Cars of the 1940s

1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Touring Sedan

The 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Touring Sedan was the first car Packard launched after World War II. The Super Clipper is respected as a top level luxury car, having attained Milestone status with the Milestone Car Society. Learn more about this classic.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Classic and Collectible Packard Cars of the 1940s

1945-1959 Volkswagen Beetle

The 1945-1959 Volkswagen Beetle rose to worldwide popularity after the disaster of World War II. It gained acceptance in America for its build quality, low price, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Learn the story of the mid-century Volkswagen Beetle.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Other Classic and Collectible Manufacturers of the 1940s

1949-1951 Ford Mercury Woody

In the 1930s and 1940s, few cars had more prestige than the Ford/Mercury "Woody" station wagon. Nearly always their highest priced model, it wasn't practical but carried as much status as a speedboat. Read about the 1949-1951 Ford Mercury Woody.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Classic and Collectible Ford Cars of the 1940s

1946-1986 Jeep CJ

The 1946-1986 Jeep CJ, originally designed for military use, is truly an all-American vehicle. With the possible exception of the Volkswagen Beetle, the Jeep CJ has the most recognized shape in the automotive world. Learn about this American classic.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Other Classic and Collectible Manufacturers of the 1940s

1941-1947 Packard Clipper

To drive the 1941-1947 Packard Clipper is to experience prewar American production-car design at its most advanced. It would have been very successful had World War II not halted production. See pictures and read about this classic car.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Classic and Collectible Packard Cars of the 1940s

1947-1948 Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa

The 1947-1948 Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa provided a last glimpse at glory from what had been one of the world's top automakers before the market for its luxurious products dried up in the early 1930s. See the history and photos of this stunning classic.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide Classic and Collectible Cars of the 1940s / Other Classic and Collectible Manufacturers of the 1940s