350ci Crate V8/New 200R4 Automatic/Leather Interior/Heidts Front Suspension

1948 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe

Ford had a number of leftover 1942 body parts that went into 1946 Ford models. Henry Ford II got the first postwar car into production, and the very first one -- a white Super DeLuxe Tudor sedan assembled on July 3, 1945 -- went to President Harry Truman. Alas, only 34,439 more were assembled during the 1945 calendar year, but it was the quick return to production that put Ford ahead of Chevrolet. However, there was no end of problems with the War Production Board, which controlled output and materials supplies, and the Office of Price Administration, which put many controls on the price of parts and cars. Henry Ford II claimed that he was losing $300 per car because he couldn't achieve volume production, and indeed the company was hemorrhaging about $10 million per month at one point.

For consignment, imagine if you will, a restored beauty, all buttoned up and one of the nicest mild street rod/classic car restorations in our halls here at Classic Auto Mall, and we have over 700 cars in here, so pay attention! Meanwhile I'll give you some ticklers: Heidts Mustang II suspension, nice maroon paint, tight suspension, powerful engine, GPS speedometer, the top
goes down, and a classic look, all excellent condition. Enough! of this carrot dangling…let get after it!

Exterior
Retaining all the original body panels, we see a beautiful long hood flanked by large pontoon style fenders that house chrome bezel headlights, a big horizontal ribbed FORD grille, and a curved bumper. All this is in excellent condition. Moving rearward, we note straight door panels with a slight flair at the bottom, and a stainless trim piece along the bottom. Going from the hood to the rear across the doors is another straight pointed belt line trim in excellent shiny condition. Another trim piece wraps around the middle of the fenders, and halts at each door adding to the shapely curve of the fenders. All of this is bathed in a respray of Autumn Red which presents with some cracking, crazing and a rather large scuff on the driver's front fender. A split windshield with awesome chrome trim and twin spot lights plus chromed mirrors flank both sides and attach to the doors. Up top is a beautiful beige canvas convertible top with a glass rear window. Just grab your buddy to help put it down and let the sun shine in. Bringing up the bulbous rear is a large curved trunk and two protruding long oval tail lights. Dual exhaust peek out from the curved rear bumper and 17" Polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels give the rod just the right demeanor.

Interior
The dash, in beautiful beige with loads of art deco styled chrome houses two large round Classic Industries aftermarket instruments, a speedometer and a quad display for engine vitals. These are bordered with beautiful chrome dash trim and a speaker cover all of which is so shiny I can admire stately reflection in. Just below and centrally located in the dash is the controller for the Vintage AC & heater controls, (the AC has been removed from the car but is included with the purchase), a Pioneer AM/FM/CD player and round chrome vents for the ventilation system. Fronting the dash is a later model tilt steering column with a tachometer mounted well within the driver's view and topped by a thick rimmed leather wrapped banjo style steering wheel. A nicely sculpted tan leather bench seat with copper piping fills the space between the front doors and in the rear is a matching bench seat set perfectly between the brown side panels. Seatbelts have been added to keep you firmly in the soft leather seats and this beautiful interior floats in a sea of lightly stained dark tan carpeting.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 350 ci V8 crate engine, all like new with plenty of blingy chromed and polished accents added on. An Edelbrock intake and 4bbl carburetor are on and we also see like new wiring and supple hoses. On back is a new 200R4, 4-speed automatic transmission sending power back to a 10 bolt rear axle.

Undercarriage
Restored but driven, but showing no invasive rust. Just plenty of structurally strong steel for the frame, floor pans and rockers, as well as toe kicks, and underside of wheel wells. A new fuel tank, power drum brakes for the back with leaf springs are seen. Upfront, big power disc brakes are now added along with a Heidts Mustang II front suspension. We note a power rack and pinion steering system along with headers feeding the like new dual exhaust system. Perfectly done!

Drive-Ability
This car is a perfect example of what it's like to drive a new 74 year old new car. Very tight, quick start, and great runner. Steering is easy, and the ride is just downright great thanks to the Heidts front end. All functions were working just peachy, and the GPS speedometer is dead on. To describe my experience on the test track would be: TIGHT!

A truly wonderful meticulous rebuild from the frame up, having no stone left unturned, and adding some snazzy conveniences on the way. A GPS speedometer, Vintage A/C & Heat, power steering, American Racing wheels which are so sexy, and a drop top ta boot. We are now entering the twilight zone and are in a new car from 74 years ago! So go on, grab Cheryl Tiegs & Buckle up!