1948 Ford Deluxe Convertible

Description

Newcomers to the hobby often ask about the "best" old car to own. Well, my vote is for an early Ford V8. Take this 1948 Ford Deluxe convertible, for instance. It's quick, nimble, and a ton of fun to drive. It's also stylish and has a top that goes down. And just to make things easy for the new guy, parts are plentiful and they're about as reliable as old cars get. This is a great machine, I don't care who you are.

Restored in the early 2000s, this lovely Ford Deluxe still looks fresh, thanks to expert care and not a lot of use since it was completed. Burgundy paint always looks right on the fat fendered cars of the 1940s, and despite more than a decade since it was completed, it still has an awesome shine. The paint is modern urethane, of course, but there's no metallic or pearl in the finish, so it looks traditional and just the way Henry intended back in the day. Fit and finish are extremely good, with big doors that open and close easily, a hood that secures properly (often a problem with these cars), and a trunk lid that sits the way it should between the fenders. There's also plenty of bright trim, most of which is stainless steel, meaning that it can always be polished up to look like new without an expensive trip to the chrome shop. This one also includes optional bumper ends, which are a very desirable period accessory. New rubber was used throughout, including the splash shields on the rear fenders and all the weatherstripping.

The interior is correctly finished in tan Bedford cord with burgundy vinyl trim, which makes it look very upscale, particularly since this is a Ford. The upholstery remains in excellent condition with no rips or tears, and virtually no stretching on the lower cushion, so you know it's been living the easy life. The steering wheel is restored and frames a full complement of restored gauges with cool textured faces and crisp numbers. Correct woodgrained panels accent the lower dash, and there's a heater underneath that's remarkably effective on cool summer evenings. It also includes an optional AM radio in the dash and the power convertible top offers new canvas and a great fit. The trunk is well equipped with a matching spare and a correct cardboard liner that most restorers overlook.

Ford's flathead V8 is one of those machines that you just have to experience once in your life. Thanks to an 8-volt electrical system, this one springs to life easily and bubbles with a silky smooth idle that's characteristic of the breed. A correct Holley 94 carburetor and mechanical fuel pump handle the intake duties, and it carries a standard single exhaust system that sounds suitably smooth but with a hint of V8 rumble underneath. The 3-speed manual transmission is easy to shift with the column-mounted shifter, and as you can see in the photos, there's a reason this was a top trophy competitor when it was first completed. All the equipment is correct, and with a Columbia 2-speed rear end, it cruises easily at modern highway speeds. Tall BFG wide whites look great on original steel wheels with trim rings and hubcaps.

Stock V8 Fords are not too common these days, and this one works so well you'll never even consider the alternatives. Call today!