Some cars tend to disappear into their surroundings, while others most definitely don’t. This 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Tudor undoubtedly falls into the second category and is the type of classic that would draw crowds on the streets or at a Cars & Coffee. It won’t suit all tastes, but no vehicle has ever achieved that feat. However, if total originality isn’t your bag, you will probably join me in saying a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this Ford listed here on Craigslist in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. It could be yours for $25,000, and it appears that the buyer won’t need to spend a dime beyond the purchase price.
Ford introduced the Custom in 1949 as the range-topping vehicle in that year’s model range. The designation was updated to the Custom Deluxe in 1950, remaining unchanged when our feature car rolled off the line in 1951. The history of this classic is unknown, so we can’t place an accurate date on when it received the numerous updates visible in the supplied images. The exterior is almost timeless, from the custom Purple Metallic paint to the multi-hued graphics, and the chrome steelies with their Mini Moon hubcaps and wide whitewalls. Builders utilized many of these features from the 1960s until the present, although the lack of visible flaws suggests that the build was probably completed during the past decade. The paint shines deeply, the panels are laser-straight, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. There are a few subtle modifications that aren’t immediately apparent, including the shaved door handles and the color-matched grille. The trim looks fantastic against the stunning Purple, and the glass is clear.
The same shade of Purple found on the exterior graces this Ford’s interior steel surfaces. It is contrasted by the Pale Beige cloth trim and the Black carpet. Other custom touches include a tilt wheel, a floor shifter, a Sun Super Tach, additional gauges mounted in the bright trim fascia, air conditioning, a timber sports wheel, and a modern CD stereo. The overall presentation is extremely tidy, with no major flaws or problems. However, I am surprised by the wires hanging below the dash near the A/C unit. These look untidy, although addressing that shortcoming will only take a few minutes for the buyer to complete, and should make an enormous difference to the appearance, while only costing a few cents. Otherwise, there are no obvious pressing needs.
This Ford would have left the factory with a 239ci flathead V8 under the hood, but the builder’s decision to substitute a more modern 302ci powerplant will have undoubtedly unlocked a significant performance gain. A three-speed automatic transmission tackles shifting duties, but it is unclear whether the suspension or brakes have been upgraded. I would describe the engine bay presentation as honest. The seller hasn’t bathed everything in detailing spray, and there is no evidence that they have made merry with the rattle can. The seller states that this Ford is great for cruising, suggesting that it is a turnkey proposition that is in sound mechanical health.
Although I typically prefer my classics unmolested, I find myself almost irresistibly drawn to this 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Tudor. It has an indefinable quality that appeals to me, and I’m sure that there are many Barn Finds readers who feel the same. It is ready to provide a new owner with some pretty enjoyable cruising, and while it isn’t the cheapest car on the planet, you would struggle to recreate it for the seller’s asking price. It has been on the market for almost three weeks, but do you think that it will find a new home?
Aw, jeez, Adam, must you? Yes, yes he must, lest we should forget. Last of the “Shoebox” Fords, and the standard issue for custom cars after the war. For those not there, Charley, this is only a visual of a vintage custom shoebox, and aside from looks, shares nothing with the originals, and that’s okay. Original custom shoebox Fords were dangerous, ill equipped cars, nothing more than grampas sedan with a fancy paint job and a fast motor piloted by gutsy ex-GIs that were full of P&V, and took manhandling not unlike that tank they drove in the war. Fortunately, we’ve moved on from that, and this is as cool as it could get. The chrome “Signal-Stat 900” turn signal was on every truckers wish list.
What the heck are you talking about? Enlighten us on how they were dangerous and I’ll equipped. I actually own a 50 shoebox and it’s a great car. Another friend of mine has had one for over 30 years and raised his kids with it putting thousands of miles on going to rod runs. I’m not offended at all, just trying to figure out where you’re coming from with that statement.
Calm down now, when these were initially built in the 60s, certain, um, shall we say, safety concerns were overlooked. To start with many hot rods like this were really worn out passenger cars that rode on worn tube, bias ply tires, 3 out of 4 brakes working, if that, worn steering and suspension, trust me, the custom paint job Fritz did in his parents garage with that new fangled air brush thing, was its biggest attribute. Later we found things like Mustang ll front ends, disc brakes, Jag rear ends( maybe) made these a lot safer, but unless you were there, I think you may be giving back yard hot rod builders of 1962 a bit too much credit.
“Dangerous”? This was the fifties. Any car from back then would be considered “dangerous” by today’s standards. Consumption Reports did a test where a 1959 Chevrolet was run into by a late 2000s Crown Victoria. The Chevy lost and so did the dummy inhabitants.
Thunder Road
Nice custom though I kind of wish they’d have kept the “bulleted” grill. And while the 239 flathead was slow for an eight-banger, it made sweet music when fitted with glass packs. Still, it’s a modernized head turner that should be fun to drive.
1950 was the last year for the bullet grill
This year they two smaller “gunsights”.
I’m shocked that they actually put a Ford engine back in her. I’ve seen too many “custom” Shoeboxes with the “wrong” engines installed.
Very neat old Ford. When I was first dipping my toes in the “hot rod” thing in ’65, ’40 Fords, ’50 Mercs, and these were just going out of favor, but as I had a “hot rod” sister that was 4 years older than me, I kind of grew up with old school hot rods. This little darlin’ brings back some pretty darn fond memories.
Howard, conversely, I think that you may be giving the old rod builders too little credit.
love shoebox Fords when I was young in early 50s I was born in 1945 just about all my friends parents had a shoebox Ford later on I also own a 1950 but my favorite always was the 1951 because of the one time only dash
Why does it seem that everyone who builds a “custom” car these days put in a godawful steering wheel and ruin the whole esthetic of the build, even seen some BMW with the same issue
My first car was a ‘51 Ford 2-door at 15 yrs. old. My customization was putting ‘49 Ford taillights, removing molding to taillights and filling in holes. Put spring clamps on front and reversed the spring shackles in the rear. Sanded and painted the car in flat black rattle cans, sanding and respraying. Got some auto parts store black/white seat covers, lucite teardrop knobs throughout the interior, a set of baby moons and I was styling! Oh, Mooneyes decals on 1/4 windows.
The sheer number of ’49, ’50, and ’51 shoebox Fords customized would amaze you. They were everywhere.
Very pretty car, and the paint is well executed except for the choice of purple.