In its current state, this 1946 Ford Coupe will offer the new owner a number of different options to follow with their project. They may choose a complete restoration, a rod project, or to tidy up a few of the details on the interior, undertake any required mechanical work, and then drive it as it is. You will find the Coupe listed for sale here on eBay. Located in Laporte, Colorado, it comes with a clear title. Bidding on this Ford has reached $3,600 at the time of writing. A big thanks must go out to Barn Finder Ikey H for bringing this classic Ford to our attention.
I have always like the lines of the Ford Coupe, and this one is no exception. The body and trim of this one appear to not only be complete, but it all looks to be remarkably straight. There is some minor rust in the floors, but it doesn’t seem to be too severe. There is no word on the state of the frame, but if the rest of the car is any indication, then it should hopefully be alright.
Regardless of which project path the new owner follows, there will be a certain amount of restoration work required on the interior. While the dash is complete, there is a certain amount of surface corrosion. The interior trim has deteriorated quite badly, and all will require re-trimming. Still, all of the components are there as a starting point.
The seller states that the 239ci V8 is not running, but he doesn’t indicate whether or not it turns freely. We get no indication of how long the car has been sitting, so the amount of work required to get the car running is an unknown quantity. What I personally don’t like is seeing items such as air cleaners missing, leaving unobstructed openings into the internals of the engine. It is unlikely that anything has found its way in there, but it is always a possibility to consider.
Overall this 1946 Ford Coupe offers a number of interesting possibilities for its next owner. I would probably pursue a full restoration, but that is a personal preference. To me, it really doesn’t matter which path is eventually followed, as all will result in returning an attractive car to the streets. What would you do with it?
I am Not fan if 40s cars but regardless I hope this Ford be kept as Original as possible I am a Fanatic for keeping classics Original !!
I could see this one with a very light Dove gray paint job, the upholstery replaced with original materials, all the chrome replated and, all the original running gear back in top shape. That’d be the plan if it was mine.
I like this car. For some silly reason the ’42 and ’46 appeal to me more than the ’47 and ’48 models. It must be the park lights. A restoration would be the order of the day for me. It looks like the original color was Washington Blue and that would be just fine with me. A lot of enjoyment to be had, both in the restoration and the driving afterwards…
I’m going to be the fly in the ointment again, just as with that great old Stude pickup (love that truck). I’d either gently hot rod the flathead (twin Strombergs, aluminum heads, balance, blueprint etc.) or install a nicely done little 289/302, either with a set of Cherry Bombs for a really great sound, then take ‘er down a bit, with a set of aftermarket reversed stock rims in body colour, with original Ford logo dogdish hubcaps and trim rings (larger out back) and do a close-to-original interior and possibly even an original paint colour like the Washington Blue or a nice maroon…so stock-but-not-quite…it’d be awesome…
Personally, if a car is in very original, solid condition like this one, I think it’s a shame to rod it. Restorations are difficult if you’re missing pieces. Rodding or restomodding in my opinion is better suited to vehicles with more needs, considering your’e going custom anyway.
I love the 46 Ford coupe!…….especially this one! Looks laser straight and all original! If I was lucky enough to own this one, I’d work on the mechanicals to get it running/driving and redo the interior back to original and drive it as is. Eventually I’d repaint the original color and re-chrome everything. However I really like the idea jw454 had with the very light dove gray paint job…….understated and sharp looking!
Two words “Rat Rod”
With red heater hoses.
UGH!!! Over done, over rated, lazy way to do it!
I did some further research and it looks like the only blues they offered on a 46 Ford was “modern blue” and “navy blue”. Washington blue wasn’t an option this year. My favorite color is blue. However, they did offer “light moonstone gray” this year, which I think looks really sharp on this body style!
Not sure what color this is called but it sure looks like the same color that’s left on the car.
Comparison pic
I love the curves of these cars. My grand son (7 at the time) picked the color for this one. I also have a conertible, same year, in process.
Side note, this is the ” Super Deluxe ” model. A lot more stainless and chrome trim.
I suspect there are some sharp eyed bidders on this one as it’s got a stronger number bid than often happens of late. It appears this has the Columbia two speed rear.
Uncle Bob, I don’t know much about values of the 46 Ford Coupe, what do you think this car is worth as-is? How can you tell it has the Columbia two speed rear? Mike
Mike, hanging a value is always a bit tough as you don’t always know who’s looking at a given time, and what do they value, but if you watch a number over time you get a trend idea. As a pointer, ebay has a search criterium called “completed listings”. If you zero in on, for example, 1946 Ford, you’ll see listings that have closed. The sold items will be highlighted in a different color for the price, so those that sell are a reasonable indicator. There are other criteria as well to narrow, or rearrange the info available depending on what you want to focus on. Personally I’ve noticed that cars like this either don’t get any bids at all or typically don’t get bid above a couple to few thousand dollars. Presentable drivers have recently been bid around the $7k-10k range, I made note of the Columbia because that alone may be worth $1k-3k depending on who’s looking and how complete it is.
As for the tell, it’s that hardware on/near the firewall just below the coverless voltage regulator. The gear unit for speedo with the cable to it, and the two hoses below that that are part of the control/selector hardware. If I were interested in this one I’d want to verify with the seller via contact option.
Here’s a good example of one that sold a month and a half ago that has a Columbia and is a pretty presentable car; https://www.ebay.com/itm/1946-Ford-Super-Deluxe-/173486533579?hash=item28649a6bcb%3Ag%3AFO8AAOSw3JRbeIqh&vxp=mtr&nma=true&si=%252B5ezhOlk%252BCPT3u3Riw7LtCjcW8s%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 Just click “view original item” to see the full listing.
If it had been more centrally located geographically it might have pulled a higher bid, but who knows for sure.
I love this car. I bought one from a co worker in 1961 for 20 bux. The exhaust was pretty much gone and the gas tank leaked, the driver’s front fender was crunched and the wiring was a nightmare, but I used to drive it to driver’s training class lol I think the 46 looks much nicer than 47 and 48 cause of the trim which is ribbed rather than just bullnose and they have the two spears across the trunk. I guess a boy always remembers his first love, and that old wreck was mine.
When I was in high school back in the late 60’s, there was a mechanic at a local service station who had a really nice coupe like this, painted Marina blue, blue dot taillights, shaved bumpers, modern V8 and mag wheels, I was very envious…
I own a 46 Ford 2-door Coupe. Everything has been modified. This car is definitely a head turner, black with black windows and Cragar Wheels. Has a 350 Chevy engine that’s been built. Just about power everything. I love these cars.