For Sale at Auction: 1947 Ford Super Deluxe in Williamston, Michigan

From the Don Henley Collection VIN: 799A1734554 Clean IL Title See it run and drive! Iron Mountain Body #2418 June 1947 One of Ford's Most Beautiful and Exclusive Postwar Automobiles A true American classic, this 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman represents one of the rarest and most desirable production Fords ever built. Conceived by legendary Ford Chief Stylist E.T. "Bob" Gregorie at the direction of Henry Ford II, the Sportsman was designed to capture the optimism and elegance of postwar America while showcasing Ford's engineering and craftsmanship.Built for only three model years (1946-1948), approximately 3,600 Sportsmans were produced, with fewer than 100 examples believed to survive today. Highlights • 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible • One of fewer than 100 known survivors • Ford's flagship model for 1947 • The most expensive Ford offered that year • Engine & Chassis Numbers Match • 239 cu. in. Flathead V8 • 100 horsepower • Three-speed manual transmission • Finished in factory-correct Monsoon Maroon • Handcrafted Hard Maple framing with Ribbon grain Mahogany body panels • Built at Ford's Iron Mountain, Michigan wood manufacturing facility • One of 3,600 produced for years 1946-1948 • Factory-equipped with Electro-Hydraulic Power Windows, a first for Ford • Premium leather upholstery with elegant French stitching • Designed by renowned Ford stylist E.T. "Bob" Gregorie Exceptional Provenance This remarkable Sportsman remained tucked away on a central Illinois farm for more than 58 years, preserving an extraordinary level of originality before being discovered in 2012. Purchased by its current owner, the car underwent a meticulous four-year, concours-quality restoration, completed in May 2021 while retaining its original components wherever possible. Finished in elegant Monsoon Maroon with a beautifully restored red leather interior, complemented by a tan canvas convertible top and matching boot, the presentation is both authentic and striking. Award-Winning Restoration Following restoration, this Sportsman achieved the coveted Antique Automobile Club of America Triple Crown coupled with the distinguished Dearborn Award from the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. Achieving perfect scores multiple times at the AACA National Meets also scoring an outstanding 999 judged points at the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. • AACA First Junior, 2021 • AACA First Senior, 2021 • AACA First Grand National, 2021 • AACA Senior Grand National, 2022 • AACA Multiple Preservations • AACA Zenith Award Nomination, 2022 • AACA Annual Grand National Postwar Car National Award, 2021 • AACA Postwar Car Award Eastern Division, 2021 • Dearborn Award Early Ford V8 Club of America Historical Significance The Sportsman's distinctive body was crafted at Ford's Iron Mountain, Michigan wood plant using hardwood harvested from Henry Ford's own timberlands. The contrasting Mahogany and Hard Maple construction created one of the most visually stunning automobiles of the late 1940s and remains an enduring symbol of American craftsmanship. Unlike most production automobiles of its era, the Sportsman was never intended as a mass market vehicle. It was created to showcase Ford's design leadership and luxury aspirations, making it one of the company's most celebrated collector cars today. Auction Opportunity Rarely does a Sportsman of this caliber become available. Combining outstanding provenance, exceptional restoration quality, prestigious national awards, and remarkable originality, this 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman presents an extraordinary opportunity for discerning collectors. Whether destined for concours competition, museum display, or an elite private collection, this iconic Ford stands among the finest examples of postwar American automotive artistry.