Vehicle Description
1951 Ford Custom Convertible
It took a few years after World War II for automakers to introduce
completely new postwar era cars. Most had been updates of pre-war
cars, and with demand high, Ford had to respond. Their troubles
began during the 1930's, as the Great Depression and increasing
competition had slowed some of the company's success. Henry Ford's
persistence on updating the antiquated suspension system had been
another factor, and as the war came to an end, the Ford Motor
Company emerged in declining financial health. They turned to
designer George Walter, commonly known as the 'Cellini of Chrome'
for a sleek new streamlined design to take them into the 50's, and
the Ford brand was off and running again.
For consignment, known as a "shoebox" convertible, a Custom that
retains its original exterior and interior look, but has had the
benefit of a body off restoration. An AACA First Place winner and a
fine example of Ford's postwar production ripe for the picking in
our Hallowed Halls.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a frame-off restoration, all body panels were
taken apart, reworked, put back together, then painted in gorgeous
light pea green hue. Panels are very straight, and gaps are well
minded. At the front of the car, a bold grille houses dual rounded
bullets between a guarded bumper, small inserted turn signals and a
classy Ford crest. At the sides of that crest, rounded fenders hang
chrome-cased headlights between aggressive hood trim and a chromed
spear that runs around the beltline of the entire car. The spear
flows to body-matched fender skirts, which parallel polished door
handles and capped lock cylinders. The restoration even went so far
as to include the not oft seen front gravel guards mounted to the
lower fenders. Above those spears, black cloth centers a plastic
backlight and makes up the near flawless new power canvas roof. A
full array of stainless-trimmed glass resides below this rag top
and at the back of the car, a second guarded bumper frame factory
stretched oval taillights with the trimmings wrapping around and
racing up the rear quarter panels. Matching light green steelies
are capped with shiny F emblazoned hubcaps and are wrapped in wide
whites.
Interior
Inside this Custom, a tasteful interior appears much more upscale
than the car's age would suggest. Broad bench seats, which sport
rich, 2-tone covers, in pale green and black ride atop of clean
black rubber flooring and tan carpeted floor matting. In front of
those thrones, a color-keyed dash, with a patterned aluminum insert
houses clear gauges and a correct AM radio above the factory Magic
Aire heater. At the sides of that dash and gracing the doors we see
2-tone door panels, matching the seat motif and framing correct
chrome handles. In front of the driver, an artful Ford steering
wheel spins a centered chevron design around a factory shifter. And
behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk features a correct
jack and full-size fully restored spare tire.
Drivetrain
In keeping with tradition, this stellar classic is powered by 239
cubic inches of 'flatty' V8. Spinning smooth compression into
roughly 100 horsepower, the throaty engine growls with the help of
a roster of stock parts. Air enters through a painted and decaled
oil bath air cleaner and, juiced by a small Ford carburetor, exits
through correct, cast iron exhaust manifolds. Aesthetically, the
block, which perches a pristine oil canister on 24-stud heads, has
been painted a stunning gold hue. And overall, the car's glossy
engine bay is a charming and 100% functional step back into a much
simpler, and some would say better, period of American automotive
history. And don't forget the 3-speed manual transmission with
overdrive strapped to the rear of this totally rebuilt mill and the
3.73 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Take a look under this roaring rag-top and you'll see just how much
the automotive world has changed when it comes to ride, handling
and structural integrity. The car's coated floors make a suitable
backdrop for a black frame and factory-accurate suspension. In
front of that drivetrain, control arms and coil springs remain just
as they looked back in 1951. And the same holds true behind that
drivetrain, where leaf springs and the aforementioned pumpkin add
integrity and grip. Stops are provided by 4-wheel drum brakes. A
dual exhaust suspends glasspack style mufflers in front of polished
chrome tips.
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 2bbl and Flathead. I rolled the windows down dropped the top
and drove with the obligatory arm bent out the window cruise just
for old time's sake. All went well on our drive save the radio not
turning on and the heater slides being jammed.
With its elegant looks and proven running gear, this finely tuned
classic deserves a future in the limelight. If you're ready to
start enjoying Sunday drives and making tons of car show friends,
it's time to park this buttoned up Ford in your garage!
VIN DECODE
B1KC115961
B-239ci V8 100hp
1-1951
KC-Kansas City Assy Plant
115961-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
