- Seller: Chris G (Contact)
- Location: Downers Grove, Illinois
- Mileage: 0 Shown
- Chassis #: B1CH100651
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 371cui Oldsmobile V8
- Transmission: Cadillac Lasalle 3-Speed Manual
I was on vacation with my lovely bride last week for a few days, and before we headed out for our day’s activities, I had the TV on in the background. Since I like old things, I found myself half-watching reruns of Leave It To Beaver, which I’ve half-watched for years because it’s been in syndication my whole life. My favorite part of the show is how Wally looks after his younger brother Theodore (the Beaver himself), but then I’m reminded that kids Wally’s age were car crazy. Wally himself wasn’t a green thumb with auto mechanics, but kids all over the country were taking auto shop and doing amazing things with cars. Take this 1951 Ford, for example: It was built by a 17-year-old from Wisconsin back in 1957, and it’s essentially a picture of what a mild custom/hot rod would look like back in those days. I say “hot rod” because there’s no stock flathead under the hood. It’s not currently running, but it’s the perfect car to clean up and drive around as it is. The owner from Downers Grove, Illinois, is looking for $17,500 to take it home.
The engine itself is a then-new Oldsmobile 371 with three two-barrel carburetors. The H.A.M.B. forum has a good discussion on the 371; although it was produced from 1957-1960, only the 1957 and 1958 model had the classic “look,” as in, it looked like the original 303 that was released in 1949. Oldsmobile offered a J-2 package in 1957 and 1958, which not only had the three-two-barrel intake manifold, but also a higher compression ratio (10:1). I can’t say whether or not this is an original J-2, but it definitely does not have stock carburetion; it appears to have three Stromberg 97s up top, and the 97 is what many people think about when they talk about a “hot rod” carburetor. The final result (in the J-2’s case) was 300 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque, which must have made for a pretty hot street machine back in 1957 (especially in a little Shoebox Ford). Imagine going to the junkyard, finding a brand-new Oldsmobile V8, and saying, “Yep, let’s swap it in this weekend.” I love that “can-do” spirit.
The transmission is a Cadillac-LaSalle three speed, a fairly common swap back in the day because it was a tough manual transmission from those days before four speeds were readily available. The interior looks mostly stock apart from some custom upholstery (are those knock-off T-Bird logos on the seats?) that has held up surprisingly well considering that the car has been sitting since 1962. Yes, this car has been sitting for 63 years. I hate saying it because it’s so overused, but it’s a time capsule. Aside from needing a headliner, the interior will likely clean up well.
The Ford’s stance is also something you’d expect from a 1950’s home build…low, almost too low, with a slight “tail-dragging” stance. The only thing it’s missing is a set of period wheels, your choice at this point. The seller includes plenty of pictures of the undercarriage (but check the fluids before you drive it…it has a leaky pinion seal), and it is extremely solid for a Wisconsin car; there are only a couple minor rust spots on the exterior. They are also including lots of spare parts, including the original wheels, extra chrome, and glass taillights. If you’re into historical hot rods and customs, this Ford might be the car for you. It’s a car with history from a time when it was not at all uncommon for kids to do an engine swap in the family garage. What would Ward and June Cleaver have to say about that?
I think $17,500 is extremely “ambitious” for this car. It’s pretty cool, but not for his asking price.
I will be lowering the price. Keep looking!
Just one small correction, Aaron:
The ’51 Ford had plastic tail lights, not glass.
Nice write-up, though.
this is my father’s car. He has the glass lenses with blue dots in boxes not on the car purchased from ford parts new old stock. They come with the car along with a slew of other parts. Fyi supposedly early production 51’s came with glass and then moved to plastic because of easy breakage due to them sticking out much further than the 49-50 models
Hope the “extra parts” include the flatty.
This is a #4 condition car with obvious rust issues. While a period hot rod, it needs a LOT of work. I agree with Big C on the flat V-8 that may be missing.
This car is super cool. I have a 50 Meteor with a 348 in it that was built a long time ago. I’m the third owner as the guy I bought it from bought it from his uncle who bought it new. I like flattys as much as the next guy but I really dig the suprise people get when my hood is up at a show. I also like how hard it leaves the line. Surprised a few kids at the stop light lol.
Was directly involved with 4 Olds engine transplants while in college. First was my roommate’s ’53 Studebaker coupe with a LaSalle transmission. 2nd was his ’56 Olds with a huge almost full race 2 four barrel over 400 hp that was his daily driver. 3rd was a student with a ’40 Ford coupe that was fast enough to where he pleaded with me to drive it at the drag strip. Not that I didn’t jump at the chance or anything…. 4th was my own ’53 Studebaker coupe with the small block Olds with huge late model heads and huge carb in front of a modified Olds 4 speed automatic transmission. yes there was a lot of that going on then. This car is typical of the era. The slight lowering not only is cool but greatly improves what is normally a lousy handling car. I like it.
It’ll pass everything but a gas station when it gets up and going again! Olds engines were real gas hogs anyway and that three deuce setup isn’t going to help. Still, what a car to take to Karz and Kaffeine!
I have extra parts and pictures of them. If you are interested, I would be happy to send pictures of the many parts that I have that are included.