Just about everybody loves the looks of the “shoebox” Fords, which debuted for 1949 and are credited with being the seminal examples of postwar streamlined design that integrated the fenders with the body.
These also make mighty attractive street rods, such as the Pick of the Day, a clean-and-simple 1951 Ford 2-door coupe that looks like it was done right with an eye on classic custom forms.
Beneath its glossy clear-coat black finish, the custom coupe is all-Ford, with a rebuilt 1969 Ford 351 Windsor V8 generating around 300 horsepower fed through a stainless-steel dual exhaust that “sounds just right,” and hooked up with a 1987 Ford automatic transmission with overdrive, according to the Maple Lake, Minnesota, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
“Drives sweet and peppy yet cruises in overdrive so keeps up with traffic,” the dealer says in the ad.
The Ford boasts power steering and brakes, rebuilt suspension, 12-volt conversion and air-conditioning, the seller says. The engine, engine bay and trunk are nicely finished and detailed, the seller adds, and all lights and gauges are in working order.
The body is straight under the hides-no-flaws black finish, and the floors, frame and sheetmetal are totally dry and corrosion free, the ad notes. All chrome pieces and other brightwork are new or refinished.
Classic custom touches seen in the photos include nosing and decking, blue-dot taillights and a very cool set of retro spinner hubcaps shod with fresh whitewall radial tires.
The interior has been totally redone with both Ford original and modern street rod touches, the seller notes.
“Interior is all new and looks great with black finish and dark burgundy interior,” the dealer says. “New front and rear seats, carpet, headliner, door panels and even visors. Maroon hand-painted pinstripes on dash same as hood and trunk.”
This is a very cool-looking shoebox that has been tastefully customized, not in the least bit outlandish or over-the-top, with what seems like quality workmanship. The handsome styling of the rare Ford coupe was not messed with or embellished, just a clean stock-body street rod that anyone should be proud to drive.
The asking price seems like a bargain at $21,950. You couldn’t come close to building this car for that.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Looking for early to mid ’30’s full fender convertible street rod, finished, modern power, brakes, suspension, etc.
Great custom 51 to bring back the way it was but up dated to standard of today.
love the 51 Ford love the asking price…I want it how do I take the next step for the purchase?
live in Seattle, WA.
Click on the Pick of the Day red link at the end of the article, which will take you to the seller’s ad, with more information including price and location.
use to own a 1950 Ford coupe after I got out of the Korean War !
Sorry i had several of these cars i liked them the way they came from ford and the chrome piece along the tail light looked better on than off but tyo each his own i guess.
What happened to the original Flat Head V-8? Or at least a period correct Flathead? Those Postwar Flatheads were sooo pretty. An overhead valve engine just doesn’t do a car like that any justice. I had a 53 Ford with a Flathead and Overdrive. I could easily cruise it at 80 mph on todays freeways.
Oh my! How wonderful! For once, someone is not putting a Chevy engine in a Ford! Not that I have anything against Chevy. My work truck is a 1946 Chevy. But I say a Ford should be all Ford! Just as any car that is restored should be! I love that this 51 is all Ford, and with the 351, I will bet it flies!!! Beautiful Job!
Is this car still out there? I would like put in my collection .
Sorry, that car has been sold