Frame Off Restoration Excellent Flaming Coral Red Paint 239ci Flatty V8

1951 Ford Custom Convertible

The term Barn Find is way over used these days. Originally, it was a car that had been parked many years ago. It was all original, low miles and ready to drive with a change of fluids and a thorough safety inspection of all rubber hoses, brakes, fuel system etc. Today, a Barn Find can mean anything from the original definition up to and including a rusted-out hulk in a pasture. Unfortunately, a Barn Find today has more in common with a car in a junk yard than one in a garage. The real attraction of a Barn Find today seems to be in the hunt and the dreams of what might be. I have found real Barn Finds in a Barn and others in garages, trailers and out rusting away in a backyard. Some were almost drivable while others could have fallen apart being winched into the trailer!

For consignment a "Field Find" this Custom was left in a field to waste away, it just happened to be our consigner's dream car, and the vision work began in earnest. Cooperating with Brooks Restoration in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Grimes Painting In Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and Lancaster Upholstery Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the dream slowly but surely became a reality. It has been enjoyed for several years, and now it is time to move on.

Exterior
The beneficiary of a frame-off restoration, all body panels were taken apart, reworked, put back together, then painted in gorgeous Flaming Coral Red. Panels are very straight, and gaps are well minded. At the front of the car, a bold grille houses dual rounded bullets between a guarded bumper, small inserted turn signals and a classy Ford crest. At the sides of that crest, rounded fenders hang chrome-cased headlights between aggressive hood trim and a chromed spear that runs around the belt line of the entire car. The spear flows to body-matched fender skirts, which parallel polished door handles and capped lock cylinders Above those spears, Black cloth centers a glass backlite. Noted the power top is not functioning. A full array of stainless-trimmed glass resides below this rag top. And, at the back of the car, a second guarded bumper frames factory stretched oval taillights. Matching red steelies are capped with shiny F emblazoned hubcaps and are wrapped in wide whites.

Interior
Inside this Custom, a tasteful interior appears much more upscale than the car's age would suggest. Broad bench seats, which sport rich, 2-tone covers, in red and black, ride clean carpet and black carpet floor matting. In front of those thrones, a color-keyed dash, with a patterned aluminum insert houses clear gauges and a correct AM radio above factory Magic Aire heat. At the sides of that dash, 2-tone door panels, matching the seat motif, frame correct chrome handles. In front of the driver, an artful Ford steering wheel spins a centered chevron design around a factory shifter. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk features a correct jack and full-size fully restored spare tire.

Drivetrain
In keeping with tradition, this stellar classic is powered by 239 cubic inches of 'flatty' V8. Spinning smooth compression into roughly 100 horsepower, the throaty engine growls with the help of a roster of vintage parts. Air enters through a painted and decaled oil bath and, juiced by a small Ford carburetor, exits through correct, cast iron exhaust manifolds. Aesthetically, the block, which perches a pristine oil canister on 24-stud heads, has been painted a stunning gold hue. And overall, the car's glossy engine bay is a charming and 100% functional step back in to a much simpler, and some would say better, period of American automotive history. And don't forget the 3-speed manual transmission strapped to the rear of this totally rebuilt mill.

Undercarriage
Take a look under this roaring rag-top and you'll see just how much the automotive world has changed when it comes to ride, handling and structural integrity. The car's coated floors make a suitable backdrop for a Satin Black frame and factory-accurate suspension. In front of that drivetrain, control arms and coil springs remain just as they looked back in 1951. And the same holds true behind that drivetrain, where leaf springs and the aforementioned pumpkin add integrity and grip. Stops are provided by 4-wheel drum brakes. A single exhaust suspends mufflers in front of a polished stainless tip.

With its elegant looks and proven running gear, this finely tuned classic deserves a future in the limelight. If you're ready to start enjoying Sunday drives and making tons of car show friends, it's time to park this buttoned up Ford in your garage!

VIN Decode
B1DA153113
B-239 CUI V8
1-1951
DA-Dearborn MI Assy Plant
153113-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.