Looking beyond the wider wheels, there is little to indicate that this 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe is anything but a nicely preserved or restored classic. However, those wheels are part of a package offering performance Ford could only dream about when this gem rolled off the production line. Every aspect of this vehicle presents beautifully, meaning the new owner shouldn’t need to spend cash on it beyond the purchase price. This Ford is listed here on Craigslist in Sublimity, Oregon. The seller’s price is $18,000, although they would trade up for a 1956 Chevrolet Two-Door. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this cool custom classic.
This Ford might have over seven decades under its belt, but it still has the “wow” factor. Its Black paint shines deeply, with any flaws or defects being minor and insignificant. This shade is excellent for exposing panel imperfections, but it seems you won’t find any here. The seller claims it is completely rust-free, with no history of prior problems or repairs. That makes all of its steel a genuine Ford product, a fact that some might find irresistible. It is common to see the glass of cars from this era with cloudiness on the edges, but that isn’t the case with this classic. The chrome and trim are in keeping with a vehicle of this caliber, providing a welcome relief from the predominantly dark exterior. The wide steel wheels wear spotless hubcaps and trim rings and should improve this classic’s handling and braking.
The Coupe’s interior is just as impressive as its exterior, with nothing deserving criticism. The seller says the upholstery, carpet, and headliner are new. Considering the overall condition, it is a plausible claim that means the buyer won’t need to spend a dime inside this gem. The painted surfaces are clean, and the seller supplies a replacement set for the substandard dash trim. Its installation is one of the few tasks awaiting the new owner. Everything works as it should, including the lights, gauges, and the heater. The only aftermarket addition is the tachometer, but, as you are about to see, it is justified.
Okay, all of this has been an entree to the tasty main course we find under this Ford’s hood. Its engine bay originally housed the iconic 239ci flathead V8 that sent 100hp to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. Although not fast by modern standards, it could still romp through the ¼-mile in 21 seconds. However, I think we can do a bit better than that! There is still a flathead snuggled in the engine bay, but it started life as the 1949 8BA version. It features a long list of upgrades, including a 0.125″ over-bore and a Mercury crank that lift its capacity to 274ci. The seller has squeezed in Johnson lifters, an Isky camshaft, new valves, valve springs, keepers, seals, and guides. Edelbrock aluminum heads push the compression to 8:1. A Speedway electronic ignition provides a fat spark to ignite the mixture forced into the flathead via an aluminum Edelbrock Tri-Power setup. The power output is unclear, but it would be a safe bet that it is considerably more than 100hp! It feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission, while there are further electrical upgrades to improve reliability. The result was worth the effort because this Ford runs and drives perfectly. It has never overheated, and the seller states the new owner could drive it anywhere while leaving their toolbox at home.
Valuing a restored or original classic car is relatively easy because there are usually plenty of market results providing guidance. It becomes more challenging once the candidate is modified because the car becomes worth whatever someone is willing to pay. That is the case with this 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe. An original and unmolested example that presents acceptably and is rust-free will generally sell for between $13,000 and $16,000, although higher figures are possible. That makes the price on this Ford look highly competitive, especially considering its interior condition and the brute hiding under the hood. Therefore, if you are less concerned about complete originality than slipping behind the wheel of a car that can’t help but make you smile, maybe this is the one for you.
This, my friends, (another schmaltzy post), was the dream of many a GI slogging through the trenches of France, or so it was told. “When I get home, I’m buying a new Ford V8 coupe,, and raise heck”. Many never got to fulfill that dream, but the ones that made it back, full of pixx and vinegar from the war, this was their ride. After the war, rum running faded some, but man drivers got their racing talents from running booze in Ford coupes. Many were tri-power, but some had superchargers, and 100mph + was not uncommon, when the cops were struggling with their 6 cylinder Dodges. What turned the tide? The police radio. Love the car, right down to the chrome “Signal Stat 900”. This, my friends, was as good as it got!
My kind of fat fendered Ford. Love it!
Nice write up Adam. Nice find Rocco. Looks like a bargain to me.
The Flathead was 232 cu in in stock form, not 239 cu in. In 1954 Ford introduced the first Y Block engine which WAS 239 cu in. I had a 54 Crestliner tudor with that engine in 1964. Swapped in a 312 cu in from a wrecked ’56 Ford police car, with three speed tranny and overdrive. Wasn’t the fastest car in town but with a cam, headers, shaved heads and a 4 brrl in could hold is own.
The later flatheads were indeed, 239ci, the Mercury was 255ci. No 232ci.
The 59AB was 239 inches. The earlier flatheads were 221 inches.
Starting in 46 the Flathead V/8 in the Ford and Mercury was the 239 /100 HP engine. I do believe Motor Trend would know https://www.motortrend.com/features/0708sr-ford-flathead-v8-motor/amp/
Ed the stock flathead was 221 cu.in.
I like this a bunch. If it was over here in the mid Atlantic region I’d be on a road trip cash in hand. Someone is going to get a sweet ride.
The displacement of the 1946, 47 and 48 Ford flathead was indeed 239 cu. in.
Great set up. Very enticing. Looks like a nice crack in the front windscreen though…
Real cool looking ride.. I just wish the seller did a better job cleaning up this nice Ford. I don’t know to much about V8 flat heads. My question is.. since it’s 8.1 compression why not raise it to to 9.0 or 9.5 and get more power it? 🐻🇺🇸
” It is common to see the glass of cars from this era with cloudiness on the edges ” Again, not a true comment – Its not the cars of the 40s issue, its a part of degradation ; the lamination is turning white from years of exposure to the elements – its not uncommon to see them on old cars of ANY generation if they’ve been left outside for years . You could write something like “cars from the era are known for smelling old and musty ” -same thing , it depends on the care given to a car
My 67 Delmont is delaminating at the edges of the windshield. Not very noticeable, but it is to me. I looked at the CL ad, picture of tach shows crack in windshield on driver side. Car is almost at a give away price for all the time and money in the flathead. I do question why seller split the electrical system. Engine and lights on 12 volts, rest of car on 6 volts. 12 Volts helps the flathead fire up faster and easier, and the 12 volts will make the lights brighter on the road after dark. But 6 volts for the gauges, heater, etc? I don’t understand.
Why oh why would anyone be willing to “trade up” this astonishing car to…a 1956 Chevrolet Two-Door, unless maybe the Chevrolet had 10 miles on the odometer and was in appropriate condition? And even then, the trade would be questionable. To say this car is one in a million is an understatement. Wow. That engine! What would Henry say about it?
Sweet flattie! And the car it’s mounted in!
I’d much rather have this Ford flattie than a ’56 Chevy!
I’d rather have this Ford flattie than a ’56 Chevy!