Vehicle Description
1951 Ford Victoria Hardtop
The 1951 Ford Custom Victoria was Ford's first hardtop, offered
only in V8 guise. It appeared in the last year of the 1949 styling
generation - and a bit late at that. Still, the Custom Victoria
proved immensely popular, outselling Chevrolet's Bel Air by about
7,000 units that year. The pillarless superstructure was styled by
Gordon M. Buehrig, of Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg fame, who had come to
Dearborn after leaving the Loewy team at Studebaker. Despite
exceptionally clean lines, a relatively posh interior, and good
performance from the reliable flathead V8, the first Victoria used
to be somewhat overlooked by collectors, but in the last decade has
become more desired.
This beautifully restored example of the height of Ford design in
1951 shows very well. Consistent gaps, and full redux, including
the trunk, engine bay, engine, and undercarriage, you are buying a
near showroom car with a classic line that was restored in 2014.
Spare parts, including a carburetor, wiper motor, and starter are
included along with a folder of receipts for parts replaced and
work done on this 92,762 non verifiable mile ride.
Exterior
Dipped in light blue with a complementing white roof, this paint
job was the definition of attention to detail. A few scratches, a
run and a crack or two are around, but overall, it presents in very
nice condition. If you are into chrome and brite work spears
aplenty, this car has it in tasteful doses with a 360 degree belt
line trim, rear quarter spears that surround the taillights
eventually, and lots of bumper, window surround and grille work to
boot, all of which is in very good condition. This writer loves the
design of the rear of the roof which melts downward to a point on
either side, a style that will be duplicated by other manufacturers
over a decade later. Throw in some wide white wall tires and we are
ready to go to the local drive-in movie and vie for some backseat
action.
Interior
Periwinkle blue vinyl on the benches in a tuck and roll pattern are
flanked top and bottom with smooth white vinyl, which are front
split, and rear bench. This periwinkle shows up on the door panels
as well and have a seat matching smooth white vinyl panel above and
black carpeting below. Black carpeting is on the floors and is as
clean as the day it was installed. In front is the original dash
with light blue sprayed metal top, and an interesting mesh chrome
front board with all the standard insert knobs, and speedometer
with a bonus of some aftermarket gauges down low to monitor engine
vitals. The original radio is not mounted in the dash but is
included with the purchase. A restored Ford bakelite black steering
wheel in chevron styling fronts the dash. The headliner in white is
showing some minor stains and soiling.
Drivetrain
The early 1950s Fords have the neatest engine bays with a gleaming
copper colored block, heads, and intake then topped by a black
painted oil bath air filter. This rebuilt in 2017 239ci V8 is no
exception, as it sits proudly in the engine bay in its copper
glory. The black oil bath covers a single 2-barrel carburetor, and
the obligatory 3-speed manual transmission is backing up the V8
with a new clutch and pressure plate installed in 2016. Meanwhile a
Ford 9" rear axle finishes off the drivetrain. All hoses and other
add-ons are in excellent condition.
Undercarriage
A clean black painted frame and suspension components provide the
backbone for this classic ride. Only tiny amounts of surface rust
is evident and the correct plates on the frame are present as only
being installed on Victoria's and convertibles. A new dual exhaust
system with Smithy's mufflers has been installed. Drum brakes are
all around and work in conjunction with independent coil sprung
front suspension and leaf springs in the rear. The floors are the
highlight, being painted the body matching light blue and showing
no rust as are the body hangers and rockers. A new fuel tank and
lines are also noted.
Drive-Ability
Being a sucker for these early 50's Fords, I hopped in and had a
great test ride. It had decent acceleration, easy shifting, and a
nice smooth ride and handling. The heater blower didn't blow, the
wipers didn't wiper, and we could tell by the acceleration that the
car could use a tune up and some fresh fuel. Flaws aside, a
pleasant drive with all else working as it should. While Classic
Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time
of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be
working at the time of your purchase.
For a while these cars were largely ignored in the collector
market. Now they have become significant, and this quality build
shows that in style, taste, and pure workmanship which is
exhausting to imagine all the time put into the restoration of this
super cool Ford cruiser. They are not making any more of them, and
examples are deteriorating by the day, so this one can be had and
enjoyed immediately.
B1BF141459
B-239ci V8 100hp
1-1951
BF-Buffalo, NY Assy Plant
141459-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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