Vehicle Description
1951 Ford Custom
The 1951 Ford Custom Victoria was Ford's first hardtop, offered
only in V-8 guise. It appeared in the last year of the 1949 styling
generation - and a bit late at that. Still, the Custom Victoria
proved immensely popular, outselling Chevrolet's Bel Air by about
7,000 units that year. The pillarless superstructure was styled by
Gordon M. Buehrig, of Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg fame, who had come to
Dearborn after leaving the Loewy team at Studebaker. Despite
exceptionally clean lines, a relatively posh interior, and good
performance from the reliable flathead V8, the first Victoria used
to be somewhat overlooked by collectors, but in the last decade has
become more desired.
This beautifully restored example of the height of Ford design in
1951, shows very well. Consistent gaps, and full redux, including
the trunk, engine bay, engine, and undercarriage, you are buying a
near showroom car with a classic line.
Exterior
Dipped in matching Sheridan Blue of the sticker, this paint job was
the definition of attention to detail. A few scratchers and a dent
or two are around, but overall it presents in very nice condition.
If you are into chrome, and brite work spears aplenty, this car has
it in tasteful doses with a 360-degree belt line trim, rear quarter
spears that surround the taillights eventually, and lots of bumper,
window surround and grille work to boot. All in very good
condition. Throw in some horizontal ribbed fender skirts, wide
white wall tires and we are ready to go to the local drive in movie
and vie for some backseat action.
Interior
Mini white starbursts in a gray field would best describe the
fabric on the benches, which are front split, and rear bench. Both
have the classic tufts and buttons to show off the padding. The
front seats have a lighter magenta cloth that is attached to the
backing of the seats and is bounded by a dark gray piping. This
magenta shows up on the door panels as well and has matching
starburst and gray bottoms. Gray carpeting is on the floors, but up
front is covered by a full width rubber mat, custom fit to this
car. In front is the original dash with light gray sprayed metal
top, and an interesting mesh chrome front board with all the
standard insert knobs, radio and speedometer. A restored Ford
bakelite black steering wheel in chevron stying fronts the dash.
The headliner is tight and very clean.
Drivetrain
The early 1950's Fords have the neatest engine bays with a gleaming
copper colored block and heads, topped by a copper painted oil bath
air filter. This 239ci V8 is no exception, as it sits proudly in
the engine bay in its copper glory. The copper oil bath covers a
single 2-barrel carburetor, and the obligatory 3-speed Ford O Matic
automatic transmission is backing up the V8. All hoses and other
add-ons are in excellent condition.
Undercarriage
A thick coating of rustproofing covers the floorpans, rockers and
toe kicks. Frame shows just a teensy amount of surface rust but is
structurally sound. Body hangers, suspension parts, and gas tank
are good as well. A new exhaust system has been installed.
For a while these cars were largely ignored in the collector
market. Now they have become significant and this quality build
shows that in style, taste, and pure workmanship which is
exhausting to imagine all the time put into the restoration of this
super cool Ford cruiser. They are not making any more of them, and
examples are deteriorating by the day, so this one can be had and
enjoyed immediately.
VIN Decode
B1EG157018
B-239 CUI V8
1-1951
EG-Edgewater, NJ Assy Plant
157018-Sequential Unit Number
Serial Tag
BODY 70B-Custom 2 Door Sedan
COLOR B-Sheridan Blue
TRIM D-Custom Broadcloth W/ Blue Stripe
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
