In the middle of the 1949 model year, the Specials received a completely new body, the first complete post-war design of the series. New era also the 40D series, a better equipped version called Special DeLuxe.  The engine remained the 248 cu in (4.1 L) that had been used since 1937, but by 1951 this was replaced by the larger “ball of fire” straight-eight. A two-door hardtop coupe was also new for 1951. The 1954 Specials had a brand new body and chassis, much wider and lower, and were now equipped with all-new V8 “Nailhead” engines. more powerful.