There is something unmistakable about a traditional Ford street rod
with glossy Black paint, bright red wheels, and wide whitewall
tires. This 1946 Ford two-door Sedan captures that timeless appeal
while hiding a long list of mechanical and comfort upgrades beneath
its vintage styling. Featuring 1947-1948 front fenders, a custom
Tan interior, Chevrolet small-block V8 power, and a carefully
updated chassis, it combines the character of an early postwar Ford
with the ease of a modernized cruiser.
The body retains the graceful proportions that made these early
Fords favorites with generations of hot rodders. Its sweeping
fenders, rounded roofline, and prominent front end reflect styling
with roots in the prewar era, while the later-style front fenders
give this particular sedan its own distinctive look. The Black
exterior is accented with tasteful pinstriping rather than
excessive ornamentation, allowing the shape of the car to take
center stage. Multi-pattern Wheel Vintiques wheels, finished in
1965-1968 Mustang Poppy Red, provide a vivid contrast against the
paint. Wide whitewall Diamond Back tires complete the traditional
street rod presentation.
Beneath the hood is a Chevrolet 350 cubic-inch small-block V8
featuring a four-bolt-main block bored .030 over. A COMP camshaft
and Edelbrock intake manifold and carburetor provide a familiar and
proven performance combination. The engine is backed by a Turbo 350
automatic transmission, making the sedan easy to drive in traffic
or on longer outings. At the rear is a Lincoln Versailles nine-inch
differential with a 2.73 gear ratio, selected for relaxed highway
cruising. Dual exhaust with 26-inch Smitty's glasspack mufflers
supplies the classic hot rod soundtrack that suits the car's
appearance.
This Ford's chassis has been extensively updated from its original
configuration. Up front, a 1978 Chrysler Cordoba suspension setup
incorporates torsion bars and a Gibbons kit, while Dodge Omni
rack-and-pinion steering and power assist make maneuvering more
manageable. A Chassis Engineering rear spring kit with a sway bar
provides an upgraded foundation at the back. Four-wheel disc brakes
add welcome stopping capability, and the frame has been painted
Red, a detail that continues the exterior's classic color theme
underneath the car. These are the kinds of improvements that help
transform a vintage sedan into a more practical street-driven hot
rod.
Open the doors and the personality shifts from traditional exterior
styling to a warm, fully customized cabin. Tan cloth upholstery
with leather inserts covers the seating surfaces, with coordinating
materials extending across the door panels and headliner. The
carefully finished interior provides a striking contrast to the
Black body and makes the car feel more refined than its old-school
exterior might suggest. The trunk has also been completely
upholstered to match, giving the custom work a finished appearance
from front to back.
The dashboard is another standout feature, with a Wabbit woodgrain
dash treatment and Dakota Digital instrumentation. The display
includes a tachometer along with readouts for voltage, coolant
temperature, and oil pressure, providing the driver with useful
information in a clean, modern format. A GM-style tilt steering
setup with a Grant steering wheel adds comfort behind the wheel,
while power windows in both the front and rear bring a level of
convenience rarely associated with a 1940s Ford.
Air conditioning makes this sedan especially appealing for
warm-weather cruising and summer car shows. The electrical system
has been updated with Ron Francis wiring and an Optima battery,
supporting the vehicle's numerous modern accessories. Entertainment
is handled by an AM/FM radio system with a trunk-mounted Kenwood
amplifier, remote control, and a custom roof-mounted antenna,
keeping music readily available without overpowering the interior's
traditional presentation.
As with many street rods built to be driven and enjoyed, this Ford
is not presented as a flawless, untouched showpiece. A few minor
paint blemishes are noted, although they do little to detract from
the car's overall appeal. Its real strength lies in the combination
of classic styling, custom craftsmanship, familiar V8 mechanicals,
upgraded suspension and brakes, and amenities that make getting
behind the wheel more enjoyable.
From its Black paint and Poppy Red wheels to its well-appointed Tan
interior and 350-powered drivetrain, this 1946 Ford two-door Sedan
has the presence of a traditional hot rod with the usability of a
thoughtfully modified cruiser. It is the kind of car that draws
attention parked at a show and offers just as much enjoyment on the
drive there.
South Jersey Classics is a 10,000-square-foot classic and specialty
collector car dealership featuring an inventory of over 50
vehicles. This vehicle is available for viewing at our showroom in
Newfield, New Jersey, conveniently located on US Route 40, just off
NJ Route 55 at Exit 39B toward Elmer. We are approximately 40
minutes from Philadelphia, 40 minutes from the Jersey Shore, and 30
minutes from the Delaware Memorial Bridge, with easy access from
all major Southern New Jersey highways. We welcome you to visit our
showroom and experience this vehicle in person. For customers
unable to visit in person, we can assist with shipping nationwide.
For additional information or to schedule a visit, contact us at
(856) 521-0832, by email at
[email protected], or visit
www.SJClassics.com. Be sure to view our complete collection of
high-definition photos directly on our website for the best viewing
experience!
