1951 Ford Deluxe

1951 Ford Victoria Hardtop The 1951 Ford Custom Victoria was Ford's first hardtop, offered only in V8 guise. It appeared in the last year of the 1949 styling generation -- and a bit late at that.  Still, the Custom Victoria proved immensely popular, outselling Chevrolet's Bel Air by about 7,000 units that year.  The pillarless superstructure was styled by Gordon M. Buehrig, of Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg fame, who had come to Dearborn after leaving the Loewy team at Studebaker.  Despite exceptionally clean lines, a relatively posh interior, and good performance from the reliable flathead V8, the first Victoria used to be somewhat overlooked by collectors, but in the last decade has become more desired. This beautifully restored example of the height of Ford design in 1951 shows very 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 restored in 2014.  Spare parts, including a carburetor, wiper motor, and starter are included along with a folder of receipts for parts replaced and work done on this 92,762 non verifiable mile ride. Exterior Dipped in light blue with a complementing white roof, this paint job was the definition of attention to detail.  A few scratches, a run and a crack or two are around, but overall, it presents in very nice condition.  If you are into chrome and brite work spears aplenty, this car has it in tasteful doses with a 360 degree belt line trim, rear quarter spears that surround the taillights eventually, and lots of bumper, window surround and grille work to boot, all of which is in very good condition.  This writer loves the design of the rear of the roof which melts downward to a point on either side, a style that will be duplicated by other manufacturers over a decade later.  Throw in some wide white wall tires and we are ready to go to the local drive-in movie and vie for some backseat action. Interior Periwinkle blue vinyl on the benches in a tuck and roll pattern are flanked top and bottom with smooth white vinyl, which are front split, and rear bench. This periwinkle shows up on the door panels as well and have a seat matching smooth white vinyl panel above and black carpeting below.  Black carpeting is on the floors and is as clean as the day it was installed.  In front is the original dash with light blue sprayed metal top, and an interesting mesh chrome front board with all the standard insert knobs, and speedometer with a bonus of some aftermarket gauges down low to monitor engine vitals.  The original radio is not mounted in the dash but is included with the purchase.  A restored Ford bakelite black steering wheel in chevron styling fronts the dash.  The headliner in white is showing some minor stains and soiling.  Drivetrain The early 1950s Fords have the neatest engine bays with a gleaming copper colored block, heads, and intake then topped by a black painted oil bath air filter. This rebuilt in 2017 239ci V8 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 V8 with a new clutch and pressure plate installed in 2016.  Meanwhile a Ford 9 rear axle finishes off the drivetrain.  All hoses and other add-ons are in excellent condition. Undercarriage A clean black painted frame and suspension components provide the backbone for this classic ride.  Only tiny amounts of surface rust is evident and the correct plates on the frame are present as only being installed on Victoria's and convertibles.  A new dual exhaust system with Smithy's mufflers has been installed.  Drum brakes are all around and work in conjunction with independent coil sprung front suspension and leaf springs in the rear.  The floors are the highlight, being painted the body matching light blue and showing no rust as are the body hange