Ford’s first all-new cars after World War II were introduced in 1949 and ran for three model years. The top-trim version was called the Custom Deluxe (the latter word being used on a lot of cars in those days). The seller’s stunning ’51 4-door sedan appears to be wearing a custom paint job and interior as factory automobiles weren’t that flashy in those days. Located in Polk City, Florida, this Ford has no immediate needs and could be a show-off car right from the get-go. It’s available here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $9,500.
The post-war demand for automobiles was still strong as the 1950s rolled out, with Ford producing more than one million automobiles in 1951. Of those, nearly 800,000 were the more upscale Custom Deluxe, and – of those – more than 232,000 examples were the 4-door Six Series Sedan like the seller presents. This Ford looks to have been restored in the not too distant past and doesn’t seem to offer any challenges for the next owner to conquer.
Perhaps the most noticeable feature of this car is the liberal use of two-tone colors, cream and orange, both inside and outside of the Ford. The seller rates the body and paint as an “8” on a scale of 10, so they’re not perfect. The interior carries the same self-rating and looks good unless you wanted to get picky about stretches in the headliner. We’re told everything works as it should
Under the hood should reside a 226 cubic inch L-head six-cylinder engine which was rated at 95 hp from the plant. Naturally, it’s paired with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. The seller says it runs well and would shuttle you nicely back and forth to Saturday’s Cars & Coffee. When you drive the car home, you’ll take along some spare parts, operating manuals, how-to books, and the like. Given the car’s bold appearance, you’re likely to attract a lot of attention.
I loved the color combo, until I saw the back end. Not the brightest move you could make painting a car that’s for sure. Gooooooood luck with the sale. You’re gonna need it.
Creamsicle coloring sure turns me off but gosh, I would love to have a car like this to spin around town in. And it is only about 125 miles away from me. It looks nearly perfect but gosh, who made that custom paint color design. I can hear the paint shop guy now….”you want me to use what colors?” And is it just me or is the top metal above the window not done properly or is it just the picture. 3 on the tree would make it fun to drive. Don’t need to ever put it on the interstate so would be a great drive. And not a land yacht either so wouldn’t take up the entire garage. I think driving something like this every day would make me proud if it had different coloring.
Interesting car and I don’t think the price is out of line for a turn-key vintage Ford. I really like the interior colors, they just scream 1950s. Like Will Fox noted, the color scheme on the trunk is a little odd but I suppose you could repaint around the trunk so it would look better. It’s not perfect but it’s a decent car for the money.
Hate the color. Shucks my first car in 1961 was a two door 1951 Ford and it had a V8 motor
Ya..that aint stock paint..only the Crestliner could be had with wild paint back then.
Nice looking car. I agree with above comments. I also note that some of the ‘bright-work’ of the grille appears to be silver-painted. Note the bullets and grille extension, in particular. And, no side molding. And, no bright trim on the windshield or rear window gaskets. Looks like a base, or low-level model to me. Non-the-less, a very nice looking car.
Totally getting rid of the orange paint, making it all cream, would work well with the two tone interior and orange wheels.
Sell it to the circus. It would make a good clown car.
Vintage fan down here has a ’52 4 door, white over light blue, slightly lowered on stock suspension with an early ’70s Ford V8 nicely done. It really makes a neat cruiser and with the V8 he says it’s fun to drive. This car could use some of his modifications, especially the paint and no, he doesn’t have fender skirts.
About the time this car was built the 6 & 8 were about equal in performance. Even few years down the rod my Dad had a a pos 61 Ford with three on the tree and a six it always had more than enough power to get out of it’s own way and decent mileage.
Must be a Florida Gator fan. Or Tennessee Volunteers. Nobody else would ever think this shade of orange is made to put on everything from cars to can cozies to dog sweaters. Ridiculous waste of paint. Could have masked it off just above the trunk lid at the base of the roof to make it more traditional. But still, ORANGE!
I love the car! I think I would be proud to own it! All of you who think you are the car experts. just leave this pretty 51 alone!!!!