Vehicle Description
In the wake of World War II, the automotive industry witnessed the
birth of an icon: the Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible. This
model emerged from the inventive minds at Ford, spearheaded by
Henry Ford II, designer Bob Gregorie, and head illustrator Ross
Cousins. The initial inspiration came from a nostalgic piece of
Henry Ford II's youth-a wood-bodied Model A roadster. Seeking to
recapture this essence, the team embarked on creating a "halo car"
for Ford dealerships, a vehicle that, while not mass-produced,
would draw in customers and showcase Ford's pinnacle of
craftsmanship.The Sportsman was manufactured at the Iron Mountain
plant in Michigan, employing standard convertible body shells
augmented with sedan delivery fenders and taillights. The exterior
was a testament to fine craftsmanship, featuring panels of the
finest maple, birch, and mahogany, each carved from solid wood. The
attention to detail extended to the interiors as well, with seats
adorned in genuine leather facings, available in tan or red, and
complemented by French stitching. The car boasted a power top and
power windows, including rear quarter panes-a luxury at the
time.Production of the Sportsman was limited to the years 1946 and
1947, with a few models retitled and sold in 1948. Priced $500
above the standard convertible, it was a luxury item, offering a
style and quality that rivaled the top-end models from competitors
like GM and Chrysler. Despite its limited run, the Sportsman left a
lasting impact, with a total of 3,629 units built over three years,
including 205 Mercury's exclusive to 1946.Design-wise, the
Sportsman was a harmonious blend of practicality and luxury. The
car was structurally steel, differentiating it from competitors
like Chrysler's Town and Country, which used structurally wood body
panels. This design choice ensured durability, as the doors were
less prone to sagging over time. The vehicle incorporated the rear
fenders from a 1941 sedan delivery model, facilitating easier wood
fitment. The power hydraulic window system was a feature borrowed
from the Lincoln Continental, adding a touch of elegance and
convenience.Benefiting from a high-quality, frame-off restoration
by marque expert Nick Alexander in the mid-2000s, this wonderful
example has accumulated few miles since that time. According to its
previous owner, this is the final car produced by Ford in December
1946 and is one of fewer than 100 examples believed to have
survived. The woodwork is of exceptionally good quality inside and
out. The fenders and hood are beautifully finished in Black, with
matching wheels which have hand-painted red pinstripes for added
style are fitted with Super Deluxe wheel covers and trim rings and
fitted with BF Goodrich Silvertown wide whitewall tires. Chrome and
brightwork are in very nice condition and the engine bay is
extremely well detailed and fitted with period-correct decals,
wiring, and hoses. Installed options include a Ford branded
spotlight, bumper guards, radio, and a factory heater.The interior
of the Sportsman was a work of art, featuring an Art Deco-inspired
dash in mahogany, accented with handsome color-keyed trim. Every
aspect of its design was aimed at showcasing Ford's ability to
produce a premium model. It served as a flagship vehicle, not just
in terms of luxury and aesthetics, but as a symbol of Ford's
innovation and commitment to excellence in the post-war era. The
tidy interior is fitted with correct red leather upholstery with
red carpets and a black Hartz cloth hydraulic power convertible
top, and this car is fitted with a Columbia two-speed rear axle,
giving it longer legs for highway cruising.A timeless design
coupled with a low survival rate has made the Super Deluxe
Sportsman Convertible one of the most sought-after of the great
woodies, as well as one of the most collectable post-war Fords, and
this example is made all the more appealing by its high-quality
restoration by Nick Alexander. In essence, the Ford Sportsman
Convertible was more than just a car; it was a statement piece, a
testament to Ford's vision and craftsmanship in an era of renewed
hope and progress.Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7882-1947-ford-super-deluxe-sportsman-convertible/
