Always a favorite, the “shoebox” Ford that appeared in 1949 and lasted through 1951 ushered in the modern era of automaking with its fully enveloping body that did away with separate fenders. These were some of my favorite hot rods back in the day, when I’d see the older guys in the neighborhood driving them around.
The Pick of the Day is a 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe in rare stock condition, complete with fender skirts, chrome rocket side trim and front bumperettes that looked like torpedoes about to be fired. This beauty has a flathead V8 that looks like it’s made of gold, and a three-speed with a column shifter.
“This is a very nice car that had been restored back to original style,” says the Simpsonville, South Carolina, dealer advertising the Ford on ClassicCars.com. “She has a great-running flathead V8 and a 3 on the tree. The interior is in excellent restored condition. The body is very straight and the paint looks good.”
The simple but attractive styling of the mid-century Ford looks good in black with chrome trim, although the seller notes there are “a couple of spots on the paint so you won’t be afraid to drive her to the shows,” as well as some minor pitting in the smaller chrome bits, although “most of the chrome is in really good shape.”
Overall, a fine-looking Ford that has avoided being turned into a street rod. Nothing wrong with a hot-looking shoebox custom, mind you, but it’s nice to see one looking so nice and original. The seller describes the car as a two-door sedan, but I’m thinking that it’s actually a club coupe.
The Ford looks clean under the hood, with the engine and some of its external parts painted a vibrant gold, which seems a bit off from the original coppery color. But it looks pretty cool and doesn’t get any demerits from me.
The original 239cid V8 was rated at 100 horsepower. No word about overdrive, which was an option that year.
This sharp Ford Custom Deluxe is reasonably priced at $15,900, which is about the going rate, according to the Hagerty Price Guide.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day
