Vehicle Description
There are still plenty of interesting classic cars out there that
don't cost much money, yet look like a million bucks. Take a look
at this handsome 1951 Ford Victoria, which is a very attractive
hardtop body style powered by a legendary Flathead V8, features a
gorgeous white-on-black color combination, and sports a no-frills
attitude that's incredibly refreshing today. Not over-done, not
modified, just a very nice, clean little Shoebox Ford that still
has all that Flathead magic under the hood.
The colors are Sungate Ivory over Raven Black, and the combination
works rather well on this neat Ford coupe. Representing the final
year of the 1st generation, slab-sided, 'ponton' design, the
1949-51 Ford are largely credited with saving Ford from the brink
of extinction. Believe it or not, the Blue Oval was that close to
shuttering its doors, but this modern streamlined design with its
integrated fenders, heavy bumpers, and 'Bullitt-nose' grille
(although the 1951 facelift actually featured a dual-bullet grille)
brought Ford back to prominence. Cars like this 1951 Victoria were
extra important, as they were higher-end models specifically
produced to rival the popular Plymouth Belvedere and Chevrolet Bel
Air, consequently kicking off a competition between the Big Three
automakers that would last for decades. They were an instant hit
and outsold Chevy and Mopar straight away, highlighted by that very
modern, sleek hardtop Victoria look with its split front
windshield, wrap-around rear window, and abundance of chrome. The
restoration on this Shoebox is more than a few years old, but it's
holding up well and the car wears an honest, driver-quality look
that's certainly appropriate for Ford's best-seller. It's
affordable, but that doesn't mean you need to put up with
second-rate bodywork and cut corners, although there are a few
signs of use and age that are all but unavoidable. The bodywork is
nicely done, and you'll note that the slab-sided panels show none
of the usual ripples and waves. Gaps are good and the panel
alignment is decent overall, suggesting a car that didn't need
major reconstructive surgery when it was restored. The front and
rear bumpers are in decent shape as well and the rest of the
brightwork has been shine up and looks quite correct against the
handsome black paint.
The understated yet beautifully designed interior is comfortable
and ready to hit the road, with two-tone black-and-white vinyl in
the original patterns adorning the seats and door panels. The wide
front bench shows minor signs of use and age, while the rear shows
hardly any wear at all, and both are adorned with tuxedo-style
upholstery that wears like iron. The door panels were upholstered
to match, with a nice combination of the exterior paints on the
window sill and striking chrome accents and hardware. All the
original instrumentation is complete, highlighted by a big
speedometer front and center with auxiliary dials and controls in a
mesh-like insert that covers most of the dash, and please take a
moment to note the cool round indicator needle on the speedo
itself. A Magic Air heater box was attached under the dash right
where it belongs, and there's an original AM radio in the center of
the dash. Three-on-the-tree shifting retains a period feel, so
getting behind the wheel delivers an authentic experience that's
easy to get accustomed to. That dual-ring steering wheel is a
precursor to some of the absolute beauties Ford would design in the
future, and the surprisingly sizable trunk features a thick mat and
full-sized matching spare tire.
Traditional power comes from a dressed-to-stock 239 inch Flathead
8BA V8 that could easily be the car's original powerplant. Other
than the Optima battery and aftermarket horns, everything is
bone-stock under the hood, from the 2-barrel carburetor and oil
bath air cleaner up top, to the massive generator in front and
Flathead cylinder heads at the flanks. Lots of goldish-brown paint
and proper details make it an engine bay you'll enjoy showing off,
and a weekend spent cleaning things up would easily kick things up
a notch if trophy hunting is the goal. An upgraded dual exhaust
system with glasspack mufflers was fitted underneath, so it purrs
and cackles in proper flathead fashion, exiting underneath the rear
chrome bumper. The undercarriage isn't detailed, but it shows off
an incredibly solid frame and floorpans, and with independent coil
springs up front and upgraded shocks out back, you can carry
friends and their gear without hammering the rear bumper on
driveways. Stock wheels with bright 'Full Moon' hubcaps and wide
whitewall radials complete the 1950s look, showing one and all that
nothing's been overlooked in this car.
Entry-level cars are out there and you don't need to start with a
project or a goofy '70s 4-door. Get a '50s Ford with a lot of
panache instead and call today!
