Description
The Ford Super DeLuxe Sedan Six, introduced for the 1941 model year, was part of Ford’s effort to modernize and broaden its range on the eve of World War II. It represented one of the more refined and comfortable models in the Super DeLuxe trim line, combining a practical sedan body with the economy and smoothness of Ford’s six-cylinder engine. While Ford was already famous for its flathead V8, the six-cylinder option offered buyers a less expensive and more fuel-efficient alternative, at a time when consumer choice was becoming more important in the automotive market.
The Super DeLuxe series was introduced as the top trim level in Ford’s 1941 lineup, sitting above the Standard and DeLuxe models. The Sedan Six featured clean, modern styling that reflected the streamlined design trends of the early 1940s. It had integrated front fenders, a wide horizontal-bar grille, and a longer, lower stance than its 1930s predecessors. The sedan body provided seating for five passengers with four wide-opening doors, making it one of the most practical and family-friendly body styles Ford offered.
Inside, the Super DeLuxe Sedan Six was more luxurious than lower trims. It featured upgraded upholstery, woodgrain dashboard finishes, armrests, and more chrome detailing, along with amenities such as a clock and optional radio. The interior design emphasized comfort and style, aligning with Ford’s strategy to compete with Chevrolet and Plymouth for middle-class buyers who wanted more than just basic transportation.
Under the hood, the Sedan Six was powered by Ford’s 226 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine, producing around 90 horsepower. Smooth and durable, the engine was less powerful than Ford’s 85-horsepower flathead V8 but appealed to customers who valued its simpler construction and reputation for economy. The six-cylinder cars were often slightly cheaper than the V8s, broadening Ford’s appeal during a time when affordability and efficiency mattered to many buyers.
The chassis used Ford’s traditional ladder frame with transverse leaf spring suspension front and rear, a design carried over from earlier models. Hydraulic brakes, introduced in the late 1930s, provided more reliable stopping power than the mechanical systems of the past. Combined with the six-cylinder engine, this gave the Sedan Six a solid, dependable character, suitable for everyday family use or business transport.
Production of the Ford Super DeLuxe Sedan Six was cut short in early 1942 when Ford, like all American automakers, shifted to military production for World War II. This makes surviving examples rarer than postwar cars.
Today, the Ford Super DeLuxe Sedan Six is admired by collectors for its streamlined prewar styling and its role in Ford’s transition into the modern era. While V8-powered cars often attract more attention, the six-cylinder models have a quiet appeal of their own, representing the practicality and economy that many families sought in the early 1940s. Restored examples showcase the understated elegance of the Super DeLuxe line and stand as a reminder of the last civilian Fords built before America’s wartime mobilization.