Vehicle Description
By the early '50s, Detroit was getting its stylistic groove back
after putting a halt to any new designs in the aftermath of WWII.
This 1951 Ford Customline, with a noticeably more adventurous style
than its predecessors, is a great representative of the American
automotive industry's renewed enthusiasm as things were returning
to normal, and it's armed with some modern upgrades to give it
road-readiness on a par with its outstanding vintage looks.
Clad in an understated shade of gray that really makes its
collection of chrome stand out, this '51 features great styling
cues all over. Ford created a more elaborate dual bullet design
over the front bumper just a year earlier to distinguish their new
models from those coming before and when viewed from the front, the
sheer amount of chrome collectively displayed by those bullets, as
well as the front bumper, front grille and headlight casings - all
of which are in impressive condition - is a sight to behold. With
its vibrant badging sitting on the hood and deck lid, and its
overall clean look, this vintage Ford looks as if it's been
transported into the present from its original era. Taking a closer
look, you can see how its more refined form, with its fenders
smoothed into the contour of the rest of the body and a defined
trunk area in back, would set the stage for generations of sedans -
it really does represent a pivotal time in automotive
evolution.
The two-tone, black and gray interior inside the doors is a
definite winner. It combines a largely original look with some
well-chosen modern touches to create a great driving environment.
You'll find almost no evidence of use on the surfaces of the
seating in front or back and a sizable center console has been
integrated between them to offer some welcome storage space.
There's a lot of room inside - the Customline isn't a huge car by
any means, but its inspired design also features a generously
proportioned cabin. The dash area has been brought to top condition
and features a set of Dakota Digital analog gauges in its
instrument cluster whose blue glow is matched by the clock sitting
at the center above the original AM radio. A lot of prep work was
put in before the modifications started, and the gray steel of the
dash's surface is smooth and even all over. An AM/FM/CD stereo
waits inside the glove box to provide your personal soundtrack
while on the road and you'll find a spare sitting inside the
spacious trunk, surrounded by clean gray carpeting.
The collection of well-chosen modern components on hand give this
classic Ford a level of drivability that would be impossible in its
original form. There's a 350 cubic inch crate engine sitting under
the hood that features an Edelbrock carb and intake manifold, as
well as an MSD ignition and, due to its light usage, it's just now
coming into its own and sounds great as it sings out into its
ceramic coated headers. The V8 pairs with a 4-speed automatic 700r4
transmission, so you'll have the benefit of low, overdrive RPMs at
highway speeds. A Mustang II front end sits in place underneath,
offering front disc brakes, slop-free rack and pinion steering and
a markedly improved ride over the original components. Riding on a
set of 15" American Racing Torq Thrust wheels outfitted with LeMans
A/S Touring tires, this vintage Ford is sure to attract attention
wherever you take it and it's a blast to drive, as well.
This 1951 Ford Customline blends the magnetic curb appeal of a
bygone era with very enticing streetability. Call today!