Vehicle Description
1948 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe
Ford had a number of leftover 1942 body parts that went into 1946
Ford models. Henry Ford II got the first postwar car into
production, and the very first one - a white Super DeLuxe Tudor
sedan assembled on July 3, 1945 - went to President Harry Truman.
Alas, only 34,439 more were assembled during the 1945 calendar
year, but it was the quick return to production that put Ford ahead
of Chevrolet. However, there was no end of problems with the War
Production Board, which controlled output and materials supplies,
and the Office of Price Administration, which put many controls on
the price of parts and cars. Henry Ford II claimed that he was
losing $300 per car because he couldn't achieve volume production,
and indeed the company was hemorrhaging about $10 million per month
at one point.
For consignment imagine if you will, a frame off restored beauty,
all buttoned up and one of the nicest classic car restoration in
our halls here at Classic Auto Mall, and we have over 800 cars in
here, so pay attention! Meanwhile I'll give you some ticklers:
Heidt's air ride suspension, excellent black paint, tight
suspension, powerful engine, heat and air, classic look all
excellent condition. Enough! of this carrot dangling...let get
after it!
Exterior
2,400 miles ago, the consigner took this original car off the frame
and the saga began. All rust (mostly none) was removed, panels were
painstakingly sanded and smoothed, re assembled and now they have
perfect gaps, and black paint (12 coats mind you) that can best be
described as the Mariana Trench...I dare you to do a deep dive and
find a fault in it. Meanwhile back at the shop, the handles were
being shaved, the front headlights and signals were being frenched,
and some nifty electronic door and hood actuators were being
installed. All chrome that was to remain was being perfected, all
looking freshly dipped. You've gotta love those towering hoods, and
the flanking fenders, still rounded, but now sans a running board,
and just a hint of a flared rocker until you get to the back
fender. The windshield has had the central split windshield chrome
trim removed, and two pieces of glass seamlessly melt together in
the angled center. Also, a tinted band on top add some protection
against the sun glare that you will inevitably get from that paint
which is killer. On back, a slight bulge frames the rear tires, and
melts into the original looking back design of the car as it
appeared in 1948. Some sleek Italian design rear view mirrors are
now on, and I have to say a real convenience when maneuvering this
special car. All 4 corners sport Chip Foose chromed 5 spoke wheels
wrapped in medium low profile all season radial tires.
Interior
Tasteful, tasteful, tasteful gray tweed makes up the door panels
and just a hint of some turquoise in a vertical strip that runs
through the center of the panel. Machined sunken door handles, and
a billet style upholstered in tweed door pull is all it needs.
Inside late model stuffed buckets in low back presentation, again
with the vertical turquoise stripe make up the seats in front.
These flank a custom center console which has an air ride digital
controller and the obligatory cup holders, along with some power
window toggles. In back a rear bench even more comfortable than
your grandmothers couch is looking similar in design to the buckets
and affords plenty of room. An Art Deco style dash with back
background and plenty of horizontal and vertical ribbed chrome
sports new white faced VDO gauges, and a digital speedometer. A new
sound system is installed in the center, along with heat and A/C
controls. On the other side of the dash is a corresponding large
round white faced tachometer now replacing the original clock.
Beautiful gray carper floods the floors, and above is a matching
gray tweed headliner. A shout out to the rally steering wheel
courtesy of LeCarra, now spinning power steering, AND the finished
off trunk now with battery in there.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 350 ci V8, all like new with plenty of bling
chromed and polished accents added on. Even the hoses have been
changed over to ribbed stainless, and in front is a custom radiator
to keep things all cool. On back is a 350 transmission, 3-speed
automatic, and on top a 4-barrel carburetor.
Undercarriage
Frame off denotes no rust, plenty of structurally strong frame,
floorpans and rockers, as well as toe kicks, and underside of wheel
wells. A new fuel tank, drum brakes for the back, and shocks along
with the air ride can be seen here too. Upfront, big disc brakes
now added, and more shock absorbers and air ride bags. The pans on
the engine show no runs, drips, or errors, and a shiny dual exhaust
snakes its way rearward, culminating under the floor pans in the
middle.
Drive-Ability
This car is a perfect example of what it's like to drive a new 72
year old new car. Very tight, quick start, and great runner.
Steering is easy, and the ride just downright great with the bags.
All functions were working just peachy, and the best work. To
describe my experience on the test track would be: TIGHT!
A truly wonderful meticulous rebuild from the frame up, having no
stone left unturned, and adding some snazzy conveniences on the
way. Electronically actuated doors and windows, A/C & Heat, power
steering, Chip Foose Wheels which are so sexy, and deep, deep black
paint, we are now entering the twilight zone and are in a new car
from 72 years ago! Buckle up!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.