Inventory Listing

Extremely nice older restoration in excellent condition. Everything works, including clock and radio. Strong running 59AB flathead V8 with no modifications.

The burgundy paint is called Pheasant Red and shows rather well. If I had to guess, I’d say it’s single-stage enamel, maybe an early urethane, but it doesn’t have any metallic in it and no shiny clear coat, so it looks suitably vintage on the curvy old Ford. There’s no evidence that this was ever a rusty car, as the trunk and floors are in excellent order and the rockers are ripple-free. The doors close easily, the hood fits nicely (although the springs are a little weak, which is common to these cars), and it does have a tight feeling going down the road. Most of the glass appears to be original and in excellent condition and much of the weather-stripping is new. The stainless and chrome was undoubtedly restored with the rest of the car and there’s nothing that needs any attention beyond a nice polishing job.

The gray interior looks rather authentic too. The striped upholstery is very 1940s and uses patterns that look right. It’s in excellent order throughout, with the driver’s seat showing the most wear in the form of stretching of the fabric. The gauges are all fully functional, including the clock, and the wonderful almost cartoon-style faces of the instruments are one of the car’s most charming features. The original radio is in the dash and still works properly using the center speaker, which is always a rare find. The trunk mat’s fit is a little sloppy, but the cardboard side panels are in good condition and there’s no sign of trouble underneath.

The real treat is the 239 cubic inch 59AB flathead V8 under the hood. It starts easily with a frame-mounted electric fuel pump, then the original mechanical pump takes over. No modifications under the hood, and it appears that it was very authentically restored with correct hose clamps, new cloth wiring, and an oil bath air cleaner for the original Holley 94 carburetor. It doesn’t seem to be afflicted with Flathead Fever and stays cool while idling and on the road and the battery looks brand new. The 3-speed column-shifted transmission works well and powers the original banjo-style rear end, which uses 3.55 gears, so it’s a reasonable highway cruiser that’s happy at 55-60 MPH. The floors and chassis have been protected with spray-on undercoating, but it’s light enough that it doesn’t hide anything and the floors are in good shape and the frame shows no signs of previous accident damage or repairs. Original wheels have been painted to match the body and wear 15-inch whitewall radials. 

This is one of those cars where it’s clear the restoration was a labor of love. It’s not perfect anymore, but I bet it was pretty close when it was first completed. Very nicely maintained and ready to enjoy without a second thought, this car represents a very affordable way to get a popular, handsome, easy-to-drive old car with no headaches in store for the new owner.