A very special Fathers Day-- 39 Ford cabriolet!!

[Hamtown Al]

I have to share this great story. Last year I took 4 pals with me to tour a friend's car collection that was some 4 hours a way. Loaded the suburban and off we went. While touring the collection, my friend told us that a few of the cars were for sale and shared his prices but did not really try to sell us on anything... he was just sharing his treasures and giving answers and prices when asked. It was a great trip and a good time was had by all.
One particular car was especially interesting to several of my pals; a 39 Ford cabriolet that was very complete and kept in very good storage for a long time.
One of my pals favors 39 Fords about all others so he was very interested in the car and liked it a bunch but couldn't bring himself to buy it as he didn't have room for it and he didn't want to put forward that much money just on himself. I later talked with the owner and with him but couldn't get my pal to step forward.
Fast forward to this year at York, PA where I was attending the NSRA nats east.
My pal's son called me and told me he wanted to get the car for his Dad for a surprise on Fathers Day and wanted me to help make it happen.
As luck would have it, my friend that owned the 39 was at York, too.
It took a while but I immediately went looking for him and told him the situation. Being the good guy he is, I think he made the son a bargain he couldn't refuse and the son didn't. He also threw in some additional parts that he had already purchased for the car; making the deal even sweeter.

Here is the picture the son sent me before leaving my friend's garage.

The car was hidden in the son's friend's garage until it was parked in front of Bob's house about 4:30 this morning. They expected Bob to find it when he went to get the paper about 6:30. I've been dying to tell but the son swore me to secrecy.

I spoke to the very surprised Father this morning and he was stunned to say the least. His son and grandson hid in the bushes and filmed the whole thing.
My pal said he immediately recognized the car but was befuddled that it was at his house! He first thought I bought it and had left it for him to work on!!
Needless to say there was a great Fathers Day celebration at my pal's home this morning!!

[hotrodA]

GREAT story!!

[glennpm]

Great story and son!

[JM 35 Sedan]

Good story Al.

[Vic Piano]

That is one EXCELLENT Fathers Day gift.

[Scotty's 52 F3]

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That's AWESOME! Thanks for sharing.

[Carl]

...we all need more good, happy stories like this one.

[40cpe]

What a great story of a son's love for his father! I love the '39, It looks to be a great original survivor.

Thank you for sharing

[KDL]

Very cool story.

[mhsprecher]

Good story and nice car.

[mercman from oz]

What a great story. That dad must be mighty proud of his son and visa versa. The 39 Ford looks to be in great shape.

[Pat/Ohio]

Great story! Now...Where's the Kleenex! Thanks for sharing. Pat

[LBs 37V8]

Originally Posted by Pat/Ohio

Great story! Now...Where's the Kleenex! Thanks for sharing. Pat

Totally agree! And without such great friends, none of this would have happened...

[Hamtown Al]

Here is the moment!
Turn your volume all the way up.
Enjoy,
Happy Al

MVI_7540.MP4

[Seth Swoboda]

I too enjoyed this post. That looks to be a great car. I'm sure the father and son will enjoy it together for many years.

[Bored&Stroked]

That was a wonderful story, with a happy ending and all! That car looks awesome and it is cool that you guys pulled off the 'big surprise' the way you did - nice job!

[Hamtown Al]

The good news is that I went to see the car today and take pictures. The bad news is my dang smartphone outsmarted me in getting them to my computer!!

The engine turns over by hand pretty easily. The oil on the original dipstick seemed pretty fresh and smooth to the touch on the original Ford dipstick that said 40W for summer and 20W for winter!!

Car is more impressive in person. Very solid and well kept. I expect it to run with a minimum of effort.

My pal was still somewhat starstruck even today... and I don't blame him!

I'll try again to get the pictures.

I knew everyone would love this story. I was honored to play a part in it happening.

Forgot to mention that the tags were good thru May of 1977 and the inspection sticker was marked to expire in January of 1978.

[Hamtown Al]

Round two for pictures!

[47Merc]

Great story. I wish my kids would buy me something like that.

Knowing nothing about 39 convertibles, can you tell me about the trunk lid.
Does the handle actually open the dicky seat lid and is the groove around the bottom that looks like a coupe trunk lid just a pressing in the metal?

How about the spare wheel. Does it normally live behind the seat? Thanks

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Great story, AL - I've PM'd you regarding this story .....