Miles Deep Paint/Excellent Chrome/239ci Flathead V8/Offenhauser Aluminum Heads

1951 Ford Custom Business Coupe

From a customer's perspective, the old Custom, DeLuxe, and Super DeLuxe lines were replaced by new Standard and Custom trims and the cars gained a modern look with completely integrated rear fenders and just a hint of a fender in front. This way, Ford was the first of the Big Three automotive concerns to introduce an all-new postwar popular model, beating Chevrolet by six months and Plymouth by nine months, and in addition, presenting the most modern-looking car of them.

While the phrase "factory-correct" often conjures images of tired museum pieces that hang out with clueless volunteers, it can also stand for something truly great. Classic designs like this cool Custom Deluxe often feature an impressive mix of style and reliability. With that in mind, this attractive '51 Ford is a living example of why, decades after their introduction, these cars still enjoy a dedicated fan base. Featuring a correct flathead power and a tough 3-speed transmission, this solid two door hardtop probably spent the better part of its 67 years as a stylish cruiser used for family fun. Today, decked in timeless aesthetics, it's poised for the spotlight and destined for the car show. If you're ready to step up to the charm and class that made America great, take a close look at this chrome-clad cruiser!

Exterior
In the early 1950's designers were sure of one fact, that the more chrome on a car the better it sells, and this coupled with the rounded integrated fender design, and overall bulbous aerodynamic look was a real hit with the public in 1951. From its dual bullet grille and heavy chrome bumpers beautifully curved steel panels, all rust free, have been massaged to ultra smooth status then bathed in maroon paint that is definitely the deep end of the paint pool. Chrome trimmings around headlights, and glass, and the lower spear running from stem to stern, along with the fender skirts, we have a sense of a low and slow cruise, arm out the open window, turning that large wheel with the other hand. On the back flanking the rounded big trunk lid are smaller oval taillights within their metal formed capsules which grow out of the rear quarters, and poke from the rear like 2 squinting eyes. Dual chrome exhaust peek out from underneath a pristine rear bumper. 15-inch wheels beautifully polished and showing with a centrally capped star pattern are wrapped in wide whites and add bling to this cruiser.

Interior
A deep red velveteen in a folded pattern graces the bottoms of the door panels. Above is a white swoop styled panel which has the armrest/door pull, actuator and a chromed border to separate it from the velveteen. Exterior maroon paint is reserved for the sills of the doors. Inside a gorgeous white vinyl bolstered split back bench with more of the folded velveteen for inserts is definitely a stunner! In back a bench in the same pattern is not to be outdone. Fronting all this comfy seating is the original rounded styled dash with a simple round speedometer in the center creating a semi circle bump on the driver's side dash top which is all bathed in maroon. A screen textured aluminum rounded insert panel sports round knobs which are deeply embedded into chrome bezels. On drivers right at the end of this metal panel is a Custom badge in your grandmother's handwriting and a tri color Ford cloisonn badge. Below the dash is a water temp aftermarket hanging gauge, all this floating above deep red carpeting. A chevron insert styled bakelite steering wheel is fronting this beauty of a dash, and a white stitched headliner is above.

Drivetrain
The original but completely rebuilt flathead 239ci V8 is under the hood, and now sports Offenhauser aluminum heads. On top we see a Holley 4-barrel carburetor feeding fossils to the mill via an Offenhauser intake. All bolt ons are like new, and a beautiful red block with shiny hoses and yellow ignition wiring has things all buttoned up underneath the hood. A newer C4 3-speed automatic is now installed, and a 3.54 8-inch rear axle courtesy a Ford Maverick is seen.

Undercarriage
No rust noted anywhere, just nicely applied texture undercarriage paint, solid independent coil springs for the front, and leaf sprung suspension on back. Drum brakes are all around, and a dual exhaust with Smithy mufflers are installed.

Drive-Ability
Being a sucker for these early 50's Fords, I hopped in and had a great test ride. All was working famously, great acceleration with the 4 bbl, Offey heads and new automatic transmission. I rolled the window down and drove with the obligatory arm bent out the window cruise just for old time's sake. 12 volts with electronic ignition eliminates any worries about electrical power. A close observance walk around post test ride reveals a slight dent in the middle of the rear bumper, but all else is nearly perfect.

Just a fine example ready to go and show, with a super duper interior combo, snappy rebuilt and improved flathead V8, and a Holley 4 BB atop, let's go burn some gas, and turn some heads.

VIN DECODE
B1CS154664
B-V8
1-1951
CS-Chester, PA Assy Plant
154664-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.