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Prefect, But Not Perfect! 1948 Ford Prefect

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This 1948 Ford Prefect is a barn find with a clear title. It’s located in Bryan, Ohio and is listed for sale here on eBay, with bidding currently at just over $1,000 but it has not yet met reserve. 

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The Prefect actually started production as a pre-war car in 1938. Production restarted right after World War II and the car met the needs of the auto hungry British market, with over 150,000 made between 1945 and 1948, when production ended in the UK. As you can see, the brightwork on this one is quite pitted, but while there’s a lot of surface rust, there’s not a lot of hole. It’s common to see the two door version turned into hot rods; I’m guessing this one escaped that fate by being a saloon.

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Other than some holes in the running boards and at the very bottom of the doors, the shell as a whole looks really nice. It looks like someone has restored the wheels and caps already, or else they weathered the barn time without weathering themselves!

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However, the interior–well–I think you’re just going to have to start from scratch, beginning with a new floor. All the holes aren’t visible in this shot, but the floor is going to require some serious welding. And while the door panels may be good for pattern purposes, there’s no telling what’s under that shirt, but I’ll bet it isn’t good.

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Look at that crank! The seller says the engine turns over with it, so at least it isn’t frozen. That being said, I’m sure there will be a lot of work involved to get this one back on the road. And once there, we’re talking about a car that would be hard pressed to keep up with traffic. I’m not sure this one will find an enthusiast willing to put the time and effort in–what do you think?

Comments

  1. Avatar John S

    I am showing my geeky side here, but I would get it for two reasons. – One because for whatever the reason, I like the body style; and two, so I could have lettered on the back window “So long, and thanks for all the fish”

    Like 0
    • Avatar Rabbit

      Pull the original motor, & put an Improbability Drive in there.

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    • Avatar Brian

      A bistro math drive would be more reliable.

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  2. Avatar James Mogey

    These cars were ubiquitous when I was growing up in Oxford. They lasted quite well in that gentle climate. Not so over here!

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  3. HoA Howard A Member
    • Avatar Brian

      I guess even some sedans got the treatment.

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  4. Avatar Alexander Member

    Too bad it’s not a “number 42!”

    Referring to Hitchhikers.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Miguel Lopes

    Not a AUSTIN SEVEN or EIGHT?

    Like 0

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