Vehicle Description
1951 Ford Custom Business Coupe
From a customer's perspective, the old Custom, DeLuxe, and Super
DeLuxe lines were replaced by new Standard and Custom trims and the
cars gained a modern look with completely integrated rear fenders
and just a hint of a fender in front. This way, Ford was the first
of the Big Three automotive concerns to introduce an all-new
postwar popular model, beating Chevrolet by six months and Plymouth
by nine months, and in addition, presenting the most modern-looking
car of them.
While the phrase "factory-correct" often conjures images of tired
museum pieces that hang out with clueless volunteers, it can also
stand for something truly great. Classic designs like this cool
Custom Deluxe often feature an impressive mix of style and
reliability. With that in mind, this attractive '51 Ford is a
living example of why, decades after their introduction, these cars
still enjoy a dedicated fan base. Featuring a correct flathead
power and a tough 3-speed transmission, this solid two door hardtop
probably spent the better part of its 67 years as a stylish cruiser
used for family fun. Today, decked in timeless aesthetics, it's
poised for the spotlight and destined for the car show. If you're
ready to step up to the charm and class that made America great,
take a close look at this chrome-clad cruiser!
Exterior
In the early 1950's designers were sure of one fact, that the more
chrome on a car the better it sells, and this coupled with the
rounded integrated fender design, and overall bulbous aerodynamic
look was a real hit with the public in 1951. From its dual bullet
grille and heavy chrome bumpers beautifully curved steel panels,
all rust free, have been massaged to ultra smooth status then
bathed in maroon paint that is definitely the deep end of the paint
pool. Chrome trimmings around headlights, and glass, and the lower
spear running from stem to stern, along with the fender skirts, we
have a sense of a low and slow cruise, arm out the open window,
turning that large wheel with the other hand. On the back flanking
the rounded big trunk lid are smaller oval taillights within their
metal formed capsules which grow out of the rear quarters, and poke
from the rear like 2 squinting eyes. Dual chrome exhaust peek out
from underneath a pristine rear bumper. 15-inch wheels beautifully
polished and showing with a centrally capped star pattern are
wrapped in wide whites and add bling to this cruiser.
Interior
A deep red velveteen in a folded pattern graces the bottoms of the
door panels. Above is a white swoop styled panel which has the
armrest/door pull, actuator and a chromed border to separate it
from the velveteen. Exterior maroon paint is reserved for the sills
of the doors. Inside a gorgeous white vinyl bolstered split back
bench with more of the folded velveteen for inserts is definitely a
stunner! In back a bench in the same pattern is not to be outdone.
Fronting all this comfy seating is the original rounded styled dash
with a simple round speedometer in the center creating a semi
circle bump on the driver's side dash top which is all bathed in
maroon. A screen textured aluminum rounded insert panel sports
round knobs which are deeply embedded into chrome bezels. On
drivers right at the end of this metal panel is a Custom badge in
your grandmother's handwriting and a tri color Ford cloisonne
badge. Below the dash is a water temp aftermarket hanging gauge,
all this floating above deep red carpeting. A chevron insert styled
bakelite steering wheel is fronting this beauty of a dash, and a
white stitched headliner is above.
Drivetrain
The original but completely rebuilt flathead 239ci V8 is under the
hood, and now sports Offenhauser aluminum heads. On top we see a
Holley 4-barrel carburetor feeding fossils to the mill via an
Offenhauser intake. All bolt ons are like new, and a beautiful red
block with shiny hoses and yellow ignition wiring has things all
buttoned up underneath the hood. A newer C4 3-speed automatic is
now installed, and a 3.54 8-inch rear axle courtesy a Ford Maverick
is seen.
Undercarriage
No rust noted anywhere, just nicely applied texture undercarriage
paint, solid independent coil springs for the front, and leaf
sprung suspension on back. Drum brakes are all around, and a dual
exhaust with Smithy mufflers are installed.
Drive-Ability
Being a sucker for these early 50's Fords, I hopped in and had a
great test ride. All was working famously, great acceleration with
the 4 bbl, Offey heads and new automatic transmission. I rolled the
window down and drove with the obligatory arm bent out the window
cruise just for old time's sake. 12 volts with electronic ignition
eliminates any worries about electrical power. A close observance
walk around post test ride reveals a slight dent in the middle of
the rear bumper, but all else is nearly perfect.
Just a fine example ready to go and show, with a super duper
interior combo, snappy rebuilt and improved flathead V8, and a
Holley 4 BB atop, let's go burn some gas, and turn some heads.
VIN DECODE
B1CS154664
B-V8
1-1951
CS-Chester, PA Assy Plant
154664-Sequential Unit Number
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.