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
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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The 1940 Cadillac Custom Convertible was wider, lower, rounder, and featured modern, curvaceous "torpedo" styling. It sported a diecast grille with bold bars and less prominent "catwalk" grilles. Read about the 1940 Cadillac Custom Convertible.
The Lincoln Continental has one of the most revered automotive designs of all time. From the moment it appeared it turned heads and made people eager to part with lots of money just to own one. Learn about the 1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet.
The 1949 Pontiac Streamliner Eight DeLuxe was an anomaly in the postwar auto market. After WWII, most U.S. automakers dusted off their 1942s and sold all the cars they could make. Read how the 1948 Pontiac Streamliner Eight DeLuxe was an exception.
The 1941-1948 Ford Super DeLuxes were forged out of a bewildering and nearly cataclysmic period in Ford history, when all Fords were the same at heart. Read the history and details of Ford Motor Company and the 1941-1948 Ford Super DeLuxe car models.
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The 1941 Chevrolet Coupe Pickup was one of the most attractive and popular of the Chevy line. The 1941 Chevy has been described as "Everybody's Favorite." Check out the 1941 Chevrolet Coupe Pickup, one of the most desirable and stylish prewar Chevys.
The Buick Super convertible coupe was a major contributor to Buick's success in 1941. It was second only to Ford in popularity. Read about what made this car so attractive to American drivers and view pictures of this classic.
In 1940 Packard consolidated its assembly lines and began building the senior Packards, such as the 1940 Packard Darrin One-Eighty Victoria Convertible, alongside the junior cars. Learn about the 1940 Packard Darrin One-Eighty Victoria Convertible.
A 1946 Volkswagen sedan was a rare sight even in Germany; it's rarer today in the United States. Although a prototype was created before World War II, the design was put on hold until after the war. Check out pictures of the 1946 Volkswagen sedan.
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The 1941-1984 Chrysler Town & Country was a well-built, rare, and desirable car. This 'woodie' model may well qualify as the world's first hatchback sedan. See pictures and learn about the 1941-1984 Chrysler Town & Country.
The 1940 Mercury Town Sedan, a medium-priced car, was inspired by Henry Ford's only son Edsel. It was priced under $1,000 and was offered in four body styles. See photos and learn about the 1940 Mercury Town Sedan.
The 1946 Chrysler Town & Country Hardtop was the first pillarless hardtop coupe. It was generally known to Town & Country afficionados as 'The Wallace car.' See pictures and learn about the 1946 Chrysler Town & Country.
In 1948, Packard, one of America's finest luxury cars, was starting its decline. Meanwhile, Carrozzeria Vignale was a promising newcomer among Italian coachbuilders. Learn how the two came together to make the 1948 Packard Vignale Convertible Coupe.
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The 1949 Oldsmobile 76 station wagon was the last of a dying breed -- the wood-paneled family wagon. The costly and time-consuming maintenance required for wood bodies posed problems. See pictures and explore this collectible car.
Buick had a record year in 1940, thanks partly to the 1940 Buick Special Convertible Sedan. The company turned out thousands of those cars and set the stage for even better results the next year. Learn about the 1940 Buick Special Convertible Sedan.