Like most U.S. automakers, Ford didn’t have an all-new post-war design until 1949. Before that, the 1946-48 Fords were largely redressed 1942 models, the last built before automobile production was curtailed due to the war effort (WWII). New in 1951 was the Custom Deluxe Victoria, the company’s first pillarless hardtop (with two doors). This sweet example has been restored, but the interior isn’t fully 1951-correct. Located in Somerset, Kentucky, this two-tone two-door is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $30,000. Thanks for the cool tip, “Pnuts”.
Chevrolet had success when they introduced their first hardtop in 1950 under the Bel Air banner. So, Ford decided to compete head-to-head the following year with the Custom Deluxe Victoria, which was also popular as it found more than 110,000 buyers in the first outing. Though an inline-6 could be had, most Victorias came with Ford’s 239 cubic inch “flathead” V8, which was good for about 100 hp. The style of the hardtop looked a bit like a convertible (with its top up).
These Fords were impressive to look at, starting with the double bullets in the front grille. They spared no expense in terms of loading the car down with chrome, which would be a big trend in the 1950s and 1960s. Most of the “Vickies” had a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, but an automatic transmission was finally in the mix, too (like Chevrolet).
The seller provides few details about this Ford, such as the odometer reading. We’re told the car has been restored, but when? It’s said to run well, and much of the car is to original specs. However, the engine has been rebuilt, and interior features bucket seats that look out of place for the era. It sports a Continental spare tire kit in back, bragging its identity as a “’51 Vicky”. If you’re looking for a show car of sorts, does this old Ford fill the bill?
I’m a bit disappointed NOBODY has anything to say, not early access, nothing? I’d say, for shame, but I’m only scolding myself,,,I’ve found. The ’51 Vicky, for cripes sakes, are we really all gone??? Someone asked Dxxx van Dxxx( filter, you know), what it’s like to be 100 years old? He replied, it’s tough seeing everything and everybody you held dear, disappear in front of your eyes. Just the fact I have to say this, is a monumental indicator of where we are, The ’51 Custom Victoria Deluxe, I mean, diddly-diddly, this was IT! This was the top of the line, folks, at almost $700 more($2100) than a basic Ford($1400), that “all-new” automatic wasn’t cheap, at $180 alone, many had no issues with a manual, as shown here. Many a WW2 GIs had no problem spending their war pay on this. To take it 1 step further, I see the gentleman’s name is”Harold”, an older name like mine, and selling his beloved ’51 Vicky,,,it’s okay Harold, we had a heck of a run, Amen to that. Best of luck, I only hope someone can drive it today. It’s a beautiful car.
It would make a good tanker.
‘Thunder Road’ ?
Well said, Howard.
Classmate had a red ’49 with white top and all white interior his dad restored for a graduation present. Put that top down and there was no problem with girls. Except for the rear tire kit this car is a real beauty.
Could lose the skirts, too. As Howard said, needs the bench… and a necking knob, too! (I may be old but I ain’ quite dead… yet! 0
Nice one in Jackson Ca that needs assembly. All painted in this color
Less than 10K
I’m ok with skirts and continental, they were what you wanted to look good.
It’s the color. Baby blue does not suit this look.
A dark blue, green, red would look better. The baby blue kooks like something gramma or your mother would pick.
There’s a reason why they barely show the front seats— covering up the crime. The equivalent of shoving a Home Depot kitchen into a beautifully preserved old home.
Not a fan of the Continental Kits, but I do love these late 40’s, early 50’s Fords. Glad it doesn’t have a 350 in it.
I am totally suspicious of this whole vehicle. The interior is a catastrophe. What’s up with those seats? The materials everywhere on the door panels etc. show that they’ve been around since 1951. This Ford is grossly over priced. A new coat of paint doesn’t make it worth another $28,000. Someone needs. You actually restore this vehicle. And I don’t like that baby blue color on it at all.
This is what I call a “DuPont restoration”.. Looks good on the outside from 30 feet, BUT needs a lot of TLC to bring it up to a showable state, especially the interior.
Nice rig. I saw a red one at a Vintiques function last night in Yakima. If I were fortunate enough to own it, first thing I would do is look for an original bench seat. I like buckets- but they don’t belong in this car IMHO.
Whatever the seller is smoking, I want some.
Way too much of an ask for grandpa’s dream car. And that color does nothing for this Vicky. Always wanted one of these shoebox Fords. But not this one.
I had one of these ‘cept it was black with the white top. Had 3 on the tree and overdrive. People would hear me drive away and wanted to know how I shifted a 4 speed on the column. That was my secret.
I had a ’50 coupe, Flathead V-8, 3 speed, rust. It ran fine when I bought it at age 12, but I proceeded to take it apart, which ended that. My mother had a ’51 Tudor, 6cyl, 3 speed, less rust. Daily driver. I taught myself to drive that at age 10 or 11. Both of them “went to the farm” when we moved shortly before I turned 16.
Surely they mean $3,000.
Had one of these back in the mid 60’s, aqua and white, flat head with OD paid $50.00 for a great ride and looked good.
Ah the good old days.