Vehicle Description
1951 Ford Victoria Tudor Hardtop
Some of the most popular Fords during the early 1950s were the
great looking 1951 models. Even today at various car shows, the
1951 Fords still generate a great deal of conversation among
automotive enthusiasts. They also have a huge following among
custom and hot rod car collectors as well. The 1951 Ford models
were introduced to the public on November 2, 1950 and became so
popular that consumers were signing up for waiting lists just to
purchase the cars at dealerships across the country. Some
automotive historians have said the cars' front end double-spinner
look created a huge sensation. The 1951 models shared some styling
features with their 1949 and 1950 counterparts that also became
popular among consumers in later years. That same year, Ford
introduced a Deluxe line, which included a Business Coupe, Tudor
model and Fodor models as well.
For consignment, a 1951 Ford Victoria Tudor offered a great looking
design, combining a sport hardtop look that the public thoroughly
enjoyed with a price tag of $2,060. The Victoria name plate was
first used on the popular Ford Model A in 1931. Aptly known as a
"shoebox" Tudor, this Victoria retains its original looks for the
exterior and interior and has undergone a restoration at some point
in the past. It came from the Keller Brothers Ford dealer
collection in Lebanon PA. A fine example of Ford's postwar
production ripe for the picking in our Hallowed Halls.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a prior restoration, all body panels were taken
apart, reworked, put back together, then painted in a gorgeous
factory correct Hawthorne Green hue. The panels are very straight
and gaps are well minded with a few scratches and scrapes are noted
in the rocker area and just a slight bit of rust is noted in a
chrome trimming or two. And there is plenty of the trimming as it
surrounds nearly every panel and surface in this wonderful bean
shaped car. At the front of the car, a bold grille houses dual
rounded bullets between an extra chrome added 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 chrome spear that runs around the lower
part of the beltline of the entire car. The spear flows around the
back of the car and takes off again without pause, and up the
opposing side. These blingy spears, parallel polished door handles,
and capped lock cylinders are all in excellent condition. Above
those spears, and doors is a light green roof which takes over from
the front split windscreen. Also, a full array of stainless-trimmed
glass resides below this green topper. At the back of the car, the
rear split glass sports some extra chrome trimmings just before it
turns the corner on either side. Below, a second guarded bumper
frames factory stretched oval tail lights with the trimmings
wrapping around and racing up along the rear quarter panels.
Matching 15-inch dark green steelies are capped with chromed spun
hubcaps and deep dish trim edges and are wrapped in wide whites.
Some original fender skirts are on this car and it is believed
these have the original paint on them which is cracking and
crazing.
Interior
Inside this Victoria, a tasteful interior appears much more upscale
than the car's age would suggest. A broad bench split backed seat,
which sport rich 2-tone covers in khaki inserts and light cream
bolsters delineated by stitching and piping. A rear bench matching
the front is also in stretching from rear glass to rear glass. All
this rides atop a sea of clean brown carpeting over the flooring
and it has some brown rubber inset floor matting. In front of those
thrones, a color-keyed dash, with a patterned aluminum insert
houses clear black faced gauges, and deep large bezel round
surrounded knobs and pulls. The factory radio is still in and a
light tan dash top is above. 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 and polished delineation spears. In
front of the driver, an artful Ford steering wheel spins a centered
chevron design around a factory 3 on the tree shifter. And behind
the passenger compartment, a tan with gray zig zag line pattern
rubber mat lined trunk features a correct jack and full-size spare
tire.
Drivetrain
Just the way it left the factory, this classic is powered by a
bronze painted 239 cubic inches of 'flatty' V8. Spinning smooth
compression into roughly 100 horsepower. Air enters through a
patina bronze painted oil bath air cleaner and is juiced by a
2-barrel Ford carburetor, then exits through correct cast iron
exhaust manifolds. Overall a wonderful presentation of early
American motoring and ingenuity under the hood. Lest we forget
about the 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive strapped to
the rear of this mill and the 4.10 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Take a look under this light green hard topped stunner and you'll
see just how much the automotive world has changed when it comes to
ride, handling, and structural integrity. The car's patina'd and
very light coating of surface rusted make a suitable backdrop for
the road dirt coated and lightly surface rusted black frame,
suspension, flooring, and rockers. In front, an independent control
arm and coil spring suspension remain just as they would back in
1951. And the same holds true in the rear of the car, where leaf
springs and the aforementioned pumpkin add integrity and grip.
Stops are provided by 4-wheel drum brakes. A single exhaust snakes
its way rearward to an under the bumper exit.
Drive-Ability
Being a sucker for these early 50's Fords, I hopped in and had a
great test ride. It had nice smooth acceleration, easy shifting,
and nice smooth ride and handling. The radio did not work, the
clock is stopped, the brake lights were not working, and there was
a slight clutch shudder when initially pulling out from a stop. The
consignor has just put in a new fuel tank, fuel pump master
cylinder and wheel cylinders, new hoses, new water pumps, new
thermostat, a new clutch, and new pressure plate.
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 51 Ford Victoria in your
garage.
B1BF129260
B-239ci V8
1-1951
BF-Buffalo, NY Assy Plant
129260-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 60-Custom 8 Victoria
COLOR KR-Hawaiian Bronze, Sandpiper Tan
TRIM AB-Tan Bedford Cloth
DATE 24E-April 24th
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
