Nicely done older restoration in great colors. Runs and drives
great, recently serviced, radial tires, dual exhaust, and loaded
with accessories. A great flathead Ford for people who love to
drive!
Ford called the color “Maize Yellow” and it’s a cheerful
alternative to all the maroon and dark blue Fords you see at shows.
It’s not a bright yellow, but a creamy soft yellow that looks great
and attracts a lot of attention whenever it’s out in public. Paint
and bodywork are quite good and there are no signs that this was
ever a rusty car. The doors open and close properly and you’ll note
that the gaps are quite tight all around. All the chrome was
refinished, including the bumpers and door handles, but the good
news is that most the trim is stainless steel, so it can always be
polished up to look almost new (not that it needs it). Other
accessories include twin side mirrors that are cleverly integrated
into the side trim, twin fog lamps up front, and a pair of spot
lights on the windshield posts.
The seats are finished with a Bedford cord style fabric that looks
right and the leatherette trim remains in excellent condition.
Simple door panels include more stainless trim and ivory-colored
plastic trim rings on the handles, and they’re not cracked or
missing as you usually find on these cars. Black carpets fit nicely
and are bound at the edges so they’ll look good for a good long
time. All the gauges are fully operational and show beautifully
ornate faces with a fun font on the speedometer. You’ll also be
pleased to find that the clock ticks away reliable, the heater
kicks out some serious BTUs for those cool evening drives, and
things like the turn signals, lights, wipers, and horn all work
properly. The radio powers up but doesn’t play, but it seems to
really want to. Overhead there’s a tan canvas convertible top that
shows some age, but isn’t ripped or torn and it seals up well.
Besides, if you’re using your convertible properly, you’ll only use
it in emergencies anyway! The trunk is neatly finished with new
cardboard side panels, a rubber mat, and a spare tire with correct
jack assembly.
But the real reason people love the early Ford V8s is because of
the engine. This is a correct 239 cubic inch flathead which we
believe to be the car’s original engine, although there’s really no
way to be sure. Given the way it starts and runs, plus the fact
that it’s not much of a leaker and there’s zero smoke or serious
oil consumption, we believe that it was rebuilt when the car was
restored. Today you will find a lot of recent components, including
a rebuilt carburetor, new mechanical fuel pump, fresh tune-up
parts, and an electric fuel pump mounted on the frame which we’ve
never had to use. We just installed a fresh battery and the little
Ford cranks right over and fires without much effort, settling into
an easy idle with just a bit of choke (yes, Ford still used manual
chokes in 1948). Once it’s warmed up, it’s torquey and eager to
run, pulling the yellow ragtop up to speed without working very
hard and is happy to cruise at modern highway speeds without
complaint. It doesn’t seem to get hot or fussy, even idling in the
heat, suggesting someone did their work on the cooling system. It
isn’t detailed for show, of course, but there are no signs of
trouble and an afternoon of cleaning and touching up paint would
really make the engine bay sparkle.
The chassis is likewise clean and solid, but not shiny and perfect.
The 3-speed manual transmission shifts easily and clutch action is
light, with just a little chatter in reverse for some reason. 3.55
gears in the banjo-style rear end make it feel quick and agile
around town but still allow the V8 to hit the meaty part of its
power curve at speed. Dual exhaust with glasspack-style mufflers
was installed when the car was restored and it sound great, with a
wonderful V8 burble that never gets annoying at cruising
speeds—we’d drive this car every day just to listen to the sound it
makes! Brakes are hydraulic drums, so they’re good at their job and
stop the car without any tugging or drama. Color-matched steel
wheels wear trim rings and deluxe hubcaps, as well as a recent set
of wide whitewall radials that look right and handle great.
This is not a show car, so don’t make the mistake of thinking
you’re going to win trophies. But if you want a cool vintage
convertible with plenty of power and that flathead charm, this one
is a definite winner.
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
