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Hello, everyone.
I've had my eye on a car for a while - it's a 1939 Business Coupe located near Halifax, Nova Scotia. I'm headed there to take a look at the car enxt week, but I don't know much about these cars - what to look for, what's great about them, what isn't great, what to ask, what they are worth etc.
Hoping some of the knowledgeble folks on here could maybe help me out. I don't know what I don't know about these particular cars.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/dartmouth/1939-desoto-business-coupe/1707370813
Thanks in advance!
The '39s are not my area of expertise, but be sure to check for rust in the usual areas - back sides of the rockers, the tail panel by the trunk, taillights, and bumper, etc. If you have not already, you can also reference some general information here: https://www.desoto.org/1939-2
Hi David,
I am the 39 Model Year Coordinator for the NDC. I have a 39 4 Dr Sedan. The 39 is a unique model. First, it is the first year that DeSoto put the headlights in the fenders, it is also the first year for the shift to be on the column. The dash gauges are unique to the 39 and the speedometer indicator changes color as the car goes faster. The body panels are also unique for the 39 model year. The engine however, is the same displacement as was used in 37, 38 and possibly 40. If the car that you are looking at has the original brake system, then the wheel cylinders have a stepped bore. Meaning that one side of the cylinder is bigger than the other. There are a couple of Canadian 39's that I am aware of. The Business Coupe is cool because of the huge trunk area. The description in the ad indicates that the engine was rebuilt and the brakes have been done. It should be a good running and driving car. You'll certainly get a lot of attention driving down the road and at car shows. Please let me know if you have any specific questions or just want to talk about the 39 model year.
Al
allans270@gmail.com
Hello Dave,
I'm not a '39 expert though have some comments. Assuming the price listed is CDN, then the price seems fair. Hard to tell from only a handful of photos as there are no interior, engine, or trunk photos. The seller says "modern electrical system" yet says the car still has a 6-volt battery. Be sure to investigate. Good luck.
