1951 Ford Deluxe

1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Tudor Sedan For the third and final year of this model, Ford advertising boasted You can pay more, but you can't buy better!. Ford's first true post war design emerged in July 1948 and was quickly nicknamed the Shoebox Ford for its slab sided pontoon fenders. Thx Hagerty.com For consignment, a 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Tudor sedan showing 81,711 miles, but the true miles are unknown. The new '49 Ford, (continued to '51), was available with an economical inline six or the famed 239ci flathead V8 engine in a range of body styles, returning Ford to first place in sales among American manufacturers.  Exterior In a shade that would have been unique in '51, and definitely different for this vintage in 2025, Prowler Purple Metallic is the unique color of choice and it just seems to work. As an early 50's can and one intended as a commuter, this car predates the excessive use of ornamental chrome and is nicely understated with protruding trim that terminates with the tail lights, escutcheons on the door handles, and polished trim that borders the visor. Up front, big chrome starts to develop with a big central bar with torpedo accents under an arching grille surround, all in wide chrome. Out back however, the bumper has been painted body color while exhaust tips contrast in color as they emerge from underneath. 15-inch tan painted wheels wear moon style hubcaps, beauty rings, and white wall 205/75R15 tires, the rears partially obscured by ribbed fender skirts. The only imperfection we find is a minor one, a scuff or the rear bumper.  Interior The combo of purple and tan finds its way to the inside beginning on the door panels which alternate colors and materials with the tan painted window frame topping these handsome doors, both in very nice condition. Tweed coverage colors the split bench seat with accenting tan bands and the nice condition and layout is mirrored by the back bench. Full color coordination is maintained up front where the spokes of the steering wheel are painted tan along with the dash surround which houses the smart metallic instrument panel with clean black knobs and a gold centered speedometer that utilized a rotating circle to indicate speed instead of a needle. The AM radio fits right in, just under a modest analog clock. Plush tan carpet below and felt headliner above are both in excellent condition while the trunk is left barren and clean and home to a spare white wall tire and tan wheel.   Drivetrain A bronze painted 239ci flathead V8 completes our hat trick of clean sections, this one rated at 110 horsepower and fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor. The 3-speed manual sends power to the rear axle and 3.73 gears while drum brakes are found at all four wheels. Thus, the entire topside of this car is show worthy! Undercarriage More like driver quality underneath with peeling paint on the gas tank, some typical surface rust, and some oil sling at the front of the driveshaft. We also note some dampness at the rear differential. Beyond that, the dual exhaust system carries a pair of Raptor mufflers on its way to the back. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.  Drive-Ability We're always up for some flathead follies and this one cranks to life without protest and we set this clean purple people pleaser onto the test loop where it provides good power, a comfortable ride, and straight tracking. The open greenhouse provides nice visibility as well. We note the horn and clock are not working but all other functions operate as they should on this well sorted Ford. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.  If you're looking for a clean classic with some custom touches and room for the family and your car show supplies, this Tudor sedan fits the bill. It's fantastically clean and you'll likely ha