1951 Ford Customline

Description

By the early '50s, Detroit was getting its stylistic groove back after putting a halt to any new designs in the aftermath of WWII. This 1951 Ford Customline, with a noticeably more adventurous style than its predecessors, is a great representative of the American automotive industry's renewed enthusiasm as things were returning to normal, and it's armed with some modern upgrades to give it road-readiness on a par with its outstanding vintage looks.

Clad in an understated shade of gray that really makes its collection of chrome stand out, this '51 features great styling cues all over. Ford created a more elaborate dual bullet design over the front bumper just a year earlier to distinguish their new models from those coming before and when viewed from the front, the sheer amount of chrome collectively displayed by those bullets, as well as the front bumper, front grille and headlight casings - all of which are in impressive condition - is a sight to behold. With its vibrant badging sitting on the hood and deck lid, and its overall clean look, this vintage Ford looks as if it's been transported into the present from its original era. Taking a closer look, you can see how its more refined form, with its fenders smoothed into the contour of the rest of the body and a defined trunk area in back, would set the stage for generations of sedans - it really does represent a pivotal time in automotive evolution.

The two-tone, black and gray interior inside the doors is a definite winner. It combines a largely original look with some well-chosen modern touches to create a great driving environment. You'll find almost no evidence of use on the surfaces of the seating in front or back and a sizable center console has been integrated between them to offer some welcome storage space. There's a lot of room inside - the Customline isn't a huge car by any means, but its inspired design also features a generously proportioned cabin. The dash area has been brought to top condition and features a set of Dakota Digital analog gauges in its instrument cluster whose blue glow is matched by the clock sitting at the center above the original AM radio. A lot of prep work was put in before the modifications started, and the gray steel of the dash's surface is smooth and even all over. An AM/FM/CD stereo waits inside the glove box to provide your personal soundtrack while on the road and you'll find a spare sitting inside the spacious trunk, surrounded by clean gray carpeting.

The collection of well-chosen modern components on hand give this classic Ford a level of drivability that would be impossible in its original form. There's a 350 cubic inch crate engine sitting under the hood that features an Edelbrock carb and intake manifold, as well as an MSD ignition and, due to its light usage, it's just now coming into its own and sounds great as it sings out into its ceramic coated headers. The V8 pairs with a 4-speed automatic 700r4 transmission, so you'll have the benefit of low, overdrive RPMs at highway speeds. A Mustang II front end sits in place underneath, offering front disc brakes, slop-free rack and pinion steering and a markedly improved ride over the original components. Riding on a set of 15" American Racing Torq Thrust wheels outfitted with LeMans A/S Touring tires, this vintage Ford is sure to attract attention wherever you take it and it's a blast to drive, as well.

This 1951 Ford Customline blends the magnetic curb appeal of a bygone era with very enticing streetability. Call today!