1951 Ford Deluxe

Description

Lead sleds and customs have always been a part of the hobby landscape, but this cool little 1951 Ford coupe takes a bit of a different tack than the usual Mercury. It's got a smooth, sleek look and a lot of trick fabrication work, all of which combine to create something totally unique, which, in this game, is never easy to do.

The purple paint is one of those custom mixes that has a very traditional candy look that's exactly right on a car like this. It's the first thing that grabs your attention, and once you're up close, you'll notice that there are ghost flames on the nose that are almost too faint to see with the camera lens. Plenty of pearl and metallic in the finish highlights the Ford's many curves and interesting shapes, and with things like the shaved hood, custom bumper, and super flat sides, it really works well. It shows some signs of having been driven, but they don't detract from the overall look and if you like early '50s customs, this car will definitely bring back memories. Fender skirts, lake pipes, and cool frenched taillights are additional modifications that offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past. The bumpers have been shaved, with the front wearing a custom piece that gives it the right substance below the billet grille, while out back a custom roll pan blends seamlessly into the fenders. Smooth and sleek, this car gets the custom look exactly right.

The beautifully stitched interior offers a pair of bucket seats wrapped in matching burgundy and gray upholstery with a very professional look. The chairs are obviously from a late-model, but were custom stitched to give them an entirely new look. Plush gray carpets and custom door panels with embossed flames add to the very polished look and there's a full bench in back for passengers, making this a very practical rod. A full set of gauges, including a big Auto Meter speedometer in the Ford's original pod, keep an eye on the warmed-over V8 up front, and a tilt column with a fat steering wheel looks and feels great. You also get a great-sounding AM/FM/cassette stereo and that wild-looking shifter knob that's attached to a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. And in terms of cross-country cruisers, this one is an awesome choice thanks to a giant trunk that's fully upholstered and includes a full-sized spare with its own cover.

The engine is a familiar 350 cubic inch Chevy V8, but a true custom is all about style, not tire-shredding performance. Chevy's small block is a neat fit in the Ford's engine bay, and has been dressed up with an Edelbrock air cleaner and matching valve covers, plus some braided stainless hoses. Wiring and plumbing is ultra-sanitary and things like power steering and power front disc brakes are part of the package. Dual glasspack mufflers give it that old school hot rod sound, a nice purr on the highway, and thanks to a fairly tall gear in the 10-bolt rear end, it's a very comfortable cruiser at any speed. The underside isn't designed for car shows and mirrors, but the hardware is reliable and you can tell it's never been rusty, so don't be afraid to hit the road. The perfect finishing touch are those 205/75/15 wide whitewall radials with what appear to be Cadillac hubcaps.

You probably can't get this much custom work finished to this level for less money anywhere else. Given the care that went into the build and the car's capabilities, we have to call this one a heck of a bargain. Call today!