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?
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