The Five Freshest Grilles of the 40s

Following up on my 1940s taillight post, it’s time to turn our attention to the front of the car. Obviously grille swaps were one of the most popular body changes that a customizer would tackle first. With just a new set of shiny teeth and some de-chroming, an average sedan could start looking very sinister. There were so many beautiful grille designs throughout the 1940s, as they were transitioning away from being merely “radiator grille shells”, and integrated into the face of the entire car. Below I’ve listed my favorite pre-war through ’48 grilles, in no certain order. (Obviously, 1949 was a complete redo for American car design, so we call those ‘cars of the 50s’ in this case.) Please add your favorite forties frontend brightwork as well…

1. 1939 and 1940 Ford: The iconic grille is hard to replace with something better… That says something.

2. 1939-41 LaSalle: The quintessential custom tombstone. Just look at the Jack Calori ’36 3 window. Or the Dee Wescott ’36 Roadster. Yes, perfect.

3  1940-41 Packard Clipper: Ray Giovanni’s 36 Roadster was the bookend to Jack’s classic coupe. Same idea, different grille. Both beautiful.

4. 1946-48 Chevrolet: All new for ’46 and made popular in the Snooky Janich ’41 Ford. Looked like it came off of an expensive car!

5. 1946-48 Oldsmobile: Way Ahead of it’s time. The Olds waterfall grille made just about any postwar car look downright futuristic.

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