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... <BR><BR>To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

 

I'm quite partial to the grille on 1942 Fords - probably because I owned one, and because they're a one-year-only design that is clean and simple.

 

I love all of the ones on the list for sure. I've also always like the '38 Plymouth grille and front. One of the last, examples of Deco styling.

 

'41 Lincoln

 

I love 40 chevys and part of the reason is the grille..not too flashy, not too plain.

 

unusual grille for a Model A Ford. Plymouth? or Hudson?

 

Rarely seen but interesting:
1942 Chrysler
1940 "Sharknose" Graham

 

The Graham Grill^ is pretty wicked. I have yet to see one in person.

 

One of the best designs of the era.

 

I'm partial to 40 Deeeluxe.

 

What about the 48 Cadillac? Used on many customs then and now. Or even the stock 46 ford grill. It looked really classy with the ribs and red striping, plus it is a one year only too.
Matt

 

LeSalle

 

The 40 Ford grille.

 

47 olds

 

I agree, the Cadillac grille seemed to be the must-have swap on a lot of early customs built in the 48-52 period. Seems like they were more popular then than they are now, which is a shame.

Also, I too love the 46-48 Oldsmobile grille, and I've seen it used in a ton of period customs, but I'm not sure I've seen a 46-48 Oldsmobile car that was customized in the late 40's or early 50's. I'm assuming if they were built, that stock grille would remain unchanged.

Would love to see pictures if anyone has any examples.

 

Looks like a 1937 Nash grille to me but I could be wrong - I was once....

 

The 1940 Mercury grill is by far the most beautiful grill ever made period.

 

I love the 41 Ford grille, not sure why as they are pretty plane and boring to look at.

Doc.

 

46 Chevy Grille...

 

10-4 on the '41showroom Ford grill!!!

 

I like the 40 std grille not too much chrome.

 

cool nose

 

The Graham is a work of art.

 

You aren't wrong...I looked it up and it's indeed a 37 Nash. Doesnt' quite fit the 1940's date the OP wants.
.
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41 Desoto......47 Packard (center)

 

1940 Studebaker Commander.

 

I'm partial to my '46 Olds, well any 46-48 Olds. Also love the rarer '42 Olds

 

The 41 Graham Hollywood was also a nice grille design...