Bigfork, Montana is a village located at the north end of Flathead Lake. Bigfork is the home to the Classic Auto Museum—The Flathead V8 Ford Collection which has about 80 Fords and other items on display. Shown below are photographs of some of the 1940s Fords displayed in the museum.
One of the major events of this decade was World War II. During the war, American automobile manufacturers stopped making cars and turned their factories to the production of war materials. During the war, Ford manufactured bombers, jeeps, and other war vehicles.
Once America’s leading car manufacturer, by 1940 Ford had dropped to third place, behind General Motors and Chrysler. By the end of World War I, the company was deeply in depth and disorganized. Henry Ford continued to run the company with an iron hand and, in 1945, with the prodding of the U.S. government which was alarmed at the worsening conditions as the company (a major defense contractor), Henry Ford II took control of the company. Salvation came in 1949 with the all-new Ford. Developed in haste, this model became a hit and paved the way for the company to succeed.
1940 Deluxe Coupe:
This model was commonly called the Opera Window Coupe. It had fold down seats in the back and the gear shift was now on the steering column.
1940 Business Coupe:
1942 Business Coupe:
Ford stopped production of automobiles on February 10, 1942.
1941 Ford Jeep:
This is a 1941 Ford GP. According to the display:
“The engine is from the 2N Ford tractor. It was under powered, so it didn’t get the contract with the government.”
1946 Ford Coupe Sedan:
1947 Convertible:
According to the display:
“Cars were selling like hot cakes after the war so there was no need to make changes. The only visible change was the parking lights that were moved to the side of the grill.”
1948 Coupe Sedan:
1949 2 Door Custom:
This was the year of the big change, perhaps the most notable in Ford’s history.