1948 Ford Super Deluxe
Excerpt from the Foreword section of original owner's manual... "The fact that you are the owner of a new Ford car is, in itself, an indication that you have a keen appreciation of a well-designed, carefully manufactured automobile. It has been designed to perform faithfully for many thousands of miles, and Ford Motor Company has the utmost confidence that this car will fulfill your expectations." I think this wraps it up nicely!
For consignment a 1948 version of a Super Deluxe which is in very nice condition. Our consigner has owned this car twice, and the second time was so happy to get it back and regretted selling it the first time. Now unable to drive it anymore, wants to put into the capable hands of another to enjoy. Nicely restored with some patina, a few scratches but look at them as signs of use and enjoyment...who cares to trailer a car everywhere?
Exterior
Our consigner saw this California car in a magazine article and began negotiations with the owner. Successful, the car was shipped to upstate New York. We see a nice application of many gallons of maroon paint, well worked bulbous steel panels, straight and true, and plenty of well-preserved trim spears, bumpers, badging, and brite-work. Slight hints of some rust forming around the front hood badge, but otherwise rust free. In 1948 fenders still protruded from the main body, and a running board became a flared rocker, but the curved steel styling remained, and it would be a few more years until the fenders would melt into the bodies. Maroon steel wheels sport chrome trim rings, and dog dish hub caps, and are wrapped in wide whites all around. Noted a few scratches on the passenger rear quarter near the rear bumper.
Interior
Very nice vertical stitched and tactile broadcloth in a mixture of light and dark gray covers the door panels, with just a hint of carpet on the bottom. Nice shiny knobs and handles are in this tactile field of broadcloth. Turning our attention to the seats we note the same broadcloth making up the seats, which are bolstered in shiny gray vinyl to add some edging to the front split bench and rear bench seats. The upholstery is just beautiful in this car. Matching gray metal with almost as much chrome put over it, the dash front is like the car was originally built in the art deco style. 2 large round gauges in the form of a clock and speedometer flank a center located radio and chromed speaker cover. On the driver's side are 4 rectangular gauges with a black dot pattern on a white field, then some gold accenting has been added. They just don't make use of color like this anymore. An original bakelite steering wheel fronts the dash and the center badge in it is to die for, all in gold and Ford badged glory. Nice gray carpet and tight headliner about above and below.
Drivetrain
A 239ci flathead V8 showing beautiful patina has a 2-barrel Holley 94 Model 59 carburetor which is protected by an oil bath air cleaner. A 3-speed manual transmission is on the back, as a 3.78 gear ratio brings up the rear.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust, some road dirt, and some nice patina cover a solid foundation with no structural damage seen. Transverse leaf springs make up the suspension all around as do drum brakes. Blue glass pack mufflers give this car a melodious exhaust sound.
Drive-Ability
With a new electric fuel pump, this car starts right up, and runs very smoothly. It shifts easily, and turns on a dime, as well is a great cruiser. 60 MPH is certainly attainable, and a comfortable interior lead to a pleasurable experience with the test drive.
Certainly not perfect, but a nice presentation from a car originally restored in California several years ago. Its luster has been maintained, and the interior is very tactile and visually beautiful, particularly the dash with its use of great color combos. A turn key car, ready to be enjoyed by another proud owner.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.