For Sale: 1951 Ford V8 in Torrance, California

West Coast Classics are proud to present an extraordinary example of this 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Victoria 239 CID V8 2 Door Hardtop with its 239 CID V8 engine.239 CI Flathead V-8 engine3 Speed Manual transmissionElectric Clock ($15)Heater & Defroster ($70)Radio ($85)Radio AntennaHubcapsWheel trim ringsWhite sidewall tiresTan interiorBench seatAM radio100 MPH speedometerVisually, the 1951 models were a refined evolution of the 1949 silhouette, boasting a redesigned front fascia and updated taillights for a more polished look. Inside, the cabin was completely overhauled with a modern dashboard designed for driver ergonomics. Under the hood, this particular example carries the iconic 100-horsepower, 239 CID V-8 engine, a $87 upgrade paired with a three-speed manual transmission.Historically significant for its production, these bodies were manufactured by the Iona Body Company following the closure of Ford's own Iron Mountain facility. This shift marked a transition point; only 29,017 units were built before Ford moved to all-steel construction the following year. At a base price of $2,059, it earned the distinction of being the first Ford to cross the $2,000 threshold.The 1951 Ford Custom Victoria was Ford's first hardtop, offered only in V-8 guise. It appeared in the last year of the 1949 styling generation and the Custom Victoria proved to be immensely popular, outselling Chevrolet's Bel Air by about 7,000 units that year. The pillarless 2 Door Hardtop for 6 passengers was styled by Gordon M. Buehrig, of Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg fame, who had come to Dearborn after leaving the Loewy team at Studebaker.This beautifully restored example of the height of Ford design in 1951 shows exceptionally 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 recently restored.The early 1950s Fords have the most striking of engine bays with a gleaming copper colored block, heads, and intake then topped by a black painted oil bath air filter. This 239ci V8 example 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 239 CID V8 with a Ford 9" rear axle finishes off the drivetrain.Without a doubt, this is one very fine example of this highly desirable 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Victoria 2 Door 6 Passenger Hardtop! Certainly, you will look long and hard to find a finer example or model available anywhere else!