For Sale: 1946 Ford Deluxe in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1946 Ford Deluxe 2 Door Sedan

The pent up market created an unprecedented demand for new cars. Ford's advertising agency, J. Walter Thompson, created a brilliant teaser campaign: "There's a Ford in your future". Until July, it showed only parts of the "new" Ford in a crystal ball; then there was a publicity blitz culminating in "V8 Day" on October 26, 1945. More than a million Americans flocked into showrooms for the public introduction, and nearly half a million promptly placed their orders.

For consignment, a 1946 Ford Deluxe 2 door sedan showing 7,928 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This one packs a 350ci engine topped by a 600 cfm four barrel carburetor and that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Exterior
Two stage Dark Red Metallic adorns this classic, likely not one of 11 colors offered by Ford in 1946. It's a stunning look, especially when you consider the monochromatic coverage enhanced by shaved handles, absence of stainless trim, and addition of pinstripe flourish on the back. A drip rail defines the slope of the roofline and terminates at the decklid gap. Big fenders prevail in 1946 and are just about equal in size and shape, front and back, with the symmetrical balance and 15-inch Cragar Street Stars are tucked neatly underneath. Frenched Cadillac style tail lights are accompanied by a color keyed bumper and dual exhaust tips while the headlights cap the enormous flat fenders, flanking a body colored grille, one of the many visual treats on the exterior. Imperfections include scratches and scrapes on or near the lower edges including some uneven filler under the door and rock chips on the front of the rear fenders.

Interior
The palette of choice on the inside is light red and gray, applied here in tweed that begins with two layers on the door panels with a gray plastic armrest and modern speaker, all in great shape. Front there, we turn to the split bench, also in our two tone gray and red tweed, a pattern mirrored in the back bench where the sidewalls keep the palette alive and include more speakers. A red Grant steering wheel greets the driver ahead of a body colored dash with its share of pinstriping and clean, white faced AutoMeter gauges lining the face along with an AM/FM/CD radio, A/C controls, and a clock embedded in the glovebox door. Gray colors the carpet and headliner, both nicely presented, and the trunk is finished in gray cloth panels and holds a spare.

Drivetrain
Dressed for show with chrome components and a clean presentation, the 350ci V8 is topped by a Holley 600cfm 4-barrel carburetor. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the Ford 8" in the back. The car has power steering and power brakes and runs on a 12 volt system.

Undercarriage
Driver quality clean underneath with some typical surface rust, some residual oil on the pan and flywheel cover, and some red drops on the drain plug of the transmission. Headers send back dual exhaust which snake through the X-brace, join Turbo ,mufflers, then head back to the polished tips. The power brakes are configured as front disc and rear drum and suspension consists of a Mustang II front end and leaf springs in back.

Drive-Ability
The tweed lined interior creates a nice space to be as we fire up the V8 and benefit from the healthy exhaust note and put her into Drive. The 70 series tires do a nice job of smoothing tarmac imperfections and the 350 provides plenty of power underfoot. She tracks straight and handles well and the large rear side windows help counter the significant C-pillar. All functions work including the wiper motor even though there are no arms on the cowl. 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.

A stunning street rod that checks all the boxes with great paint and body modifications and a clean interior with room, and seat belts, for guests! "Smart, swift, sturdy, and more fun to drive than any car you've owned!" promises the 1946 brochure, and after a thorough update, this might still ring true for this car 79 years later!

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 automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!