Before World War II, Ford last reworked its automobiles in 1941. That design was in place in 1942 when all domestic auto production was halted to shift efforts to the war campaign. When output resumed in 1946, the cars were largely pre-war carryovers through 1948. That would include the seller’s ’47 De Luxe, a project that has been stalled for more than 16 years due to the death of the owner. The time has finally arrived for the car to move on and it’s available in Moon Valley, Arizona, and here on craigslist for $9,000. Thanks for the cool tip, PaulG!
The post-war Fords were available in three trim levels, Special, De Luxe, and Super De Luxe. So, the seller’s car is the middle-level model of which nearly 45,000 copies rolled off the assembly line as 2-door sedans, though they were little changed over 1946. The history of this particular automobile isn’t known as the car is being sold by a third party on behalf of the owner’s widow.
This Ford started as a project/restomod a couple of decades ago. The owner took it apart for restoration and wasn’t able to put it all back together before passing away. Changes from stock condition include the addition of a Ford Mustang V8 (vintage not specified) and an automatic transmission. Add to that a 9-inch rear end, new exhaust, power steering, and vintage air conditioning, among other things. Plus, the vent windows in the doors have been removed.
Because of the car’s Southwestern roots, the body and frame appear to be in solid condition. The upholstery has been recovered in the passenger compartment. This automobile is not likely one where you’d want to undo all this work to go back to 1947 status. You can pick up where the owner left off and add your own touches to this old Ford. BTW, bring a trailer and a winch as the tires are shot.
A little short on pictures but looks like a good project. Always liked the fat fendered Fords and with the right things done to finish this one it will be a neat car.
Don’t think this fit the definition of resto rod, more a street rod. Sure street rods use modern drivetrains but in a usually 48 or older car. Resto rod is a 69 Charger with a newer hemi drivetrain, or a 66 Fairlane with a modern coyote drivetrain.just the jargon but otherwise good write up.Russ.
A nice project to complete in honor of the owner.
There’s nothing restomod about this car. It’s a forgotten street rod that I hope gets back on the road. I was at a run yesterday with my 50 and these are the cars I really dig, like the deuce sedan that was featured.
I wouldn’t get too hung up on what category of hot rod it falls into, that’s all subjective anyway. It looks like it got a little baged up while in storage, front left fender. But at least $9K is a reasonable starting place.
Whatever you want to call it, it appears to be in good condition and not butchered up with the planned up grades. I have had several of these 46 to 48 Fords and they can be very nice cars. I live in Phoenix not far from this car, but I can’t consider buying it, I would however look at it for anyone who might be interested in buying it.
I am 75 and love looking at the vehicles on here. Hate to say but the old classics are the best head turners much like this one. Still looking for a turn key, drive and go restored at a reasonable price. Currently working with brother on a 38 plymouth coupe Canadian car. A real sleeper when done, Love this Ford. Thanks!
This one makes me want to actively hunt for/find a garage! Unfortunately the cross country logistics as well as that lack of a work space …
Way too many projects with a limited amount of time on the clock.
I am the proud owner of a ’48 Merc. Pretty much stock with a custom interior. Frame-off restoration by my father and uncle. Love the style and comfort but lacks the ability to cruise at today’s highway speeds. That’s OK as I drive it as a “back-roads” cruiser anyway.
put in a stock overdrive trans & radial tires, Coker has white wall radials that don’t look like radials.
Had a ’46, nothing was Ford except the body. S10 frame, channeled 8″, 455 Buick, Turbo 400. Wasn’t much to look at but was scary fast.
For those who don’t like this sort of thing, keep walking, nothing to see here.
That’s my style Brian. Good looking car!
I’m a 47 model myself as of June 6, so I find this car to be a great car at 75 years old. We’re both fat bodied so things are starting to look quite interesting to me. I got a pacemaker/defibrillator back in 2010 that keeps my motor running, a transplant was not necessary, but might be in order for this car if it were mine. I’m in no way tempted to buy this car though as I’ve got my hands full for the time being.
God Bless America
Get rid of the boat anchor, drop in a small block that’s the only way to make a ford run
Nothing wrong with the little ford v-8 in there to get that buggy up and running Jack. We are long past the need for chebbyitis to help the earth rotate.
Well said.
Put it together and drive it for a year in or so to work the bugs out then blow it apart and make it pretty. Well worth the money
same here, own it awhile, then decide.