1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Convertible V8 3-Speed

Description

The 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Convertible marked the final year of Ford’s first postwar redesign, introduced in 1949 and nicknamed the “shoebox” for its slab-sided styling. By 1951, the Custom Deluxe series represented Ford’s top trim level, offering a sleek, modern look with integrated fenders and a wide grille featuring twin bullet-like ornaments.  

The stylish convertible rode on a 114-inch wheelbase and offered seating for six. It was available with either a 226 cubic-inch inline-six or a 239 flathead V8 producing 100 horsepower, paired with a three-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive or a Ford-O-Matic automatic gearbox. With 40,934 convertibles produced that year, it was a popular choice for buyers seeking style and performance.  

According to the seller, this 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Convertible was repainted red (from its original Sandpiper Beige) in the 1970s, and retains its factory 239ci V8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, and convertible top. The car reportedly received a number of maintenance upgrades in 2016 under prior ownership, including new clutch, springs and shocks, fuel tank and lines, exhaust, and brakes. 

This ’51 Custom Deluxe Convertible is now offered with a car cover, shop manual, and a clean Nebraska title in the seller’s name.

 Factory Equipment 

• 239 cu-in flathead V8 factory-rated at 100 hp 

• Three-speed manual transmission with overdrive 

• White convertible top 

• Driver’s side spotlight 

• Tire skirts 

• Steel wheels with full covers 

• Magic Air fresh-air heating and ventilation system 

• 100-mph speedometer 

• Steering wheel horn ring 

• AM radio and clock 

• The data plate decodes as: 

  • Body: 76L – 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Convertible 

  • Color: J18 – Sandpiper Beige (now red) 

  • Trim: F – Black and Gray Vinyl with matching accents (now black vinyl with red cloth inserts) 

• The chassis number (B1LU128776) decodes as: 

  • B – 239 cu-in flathead V8 

  • 1 – 1951 model year 

  • L – Long Beach (California) assembly plant 

  • U – Custom Deluxe Convertible 

  • 128776 – Sequential production number 

Modifications 

• Repainted red in the 1970s

Servicing 

• Wheel skirts repainted and installed under current ownership 

• Maintenance upgrades (totaling $4,217) in 2016 included: 

  • Reupholstered seats in black vinyl with red cloth inserts 

  • New red carpet 

  • Rebuilt drive shaft 

  • Rebuilt transmission 

  • New steering linkage 

  • New front springs 

  • New gas tank 

  • Rebuilt carburetor 

  • New fuel pump 

  • New fuel line and fuel filter 

  • New water pump 

  • New water neck 

  • New distributor cap, points, and condenser 

  • New spark plugs and wires 

  • New convertible top pump and gaskets 

  • New door gaskets 

  • New Starfire SF-340 P215/75R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Exterior driver’s door handle inoperable (you have to reach inside to open) 

• Speedometer cable disconnected 

• Paint chips and scuffs commensurate with a 50-year-old paint job 

• Bumper chrome is scratched

• Stain on rear carpet

Ownership History 

The seller of this 1951 Ford Custom Deluxe Convertible purchased it in March 2017.

Included Items 

• Car cover 

• 1949-50-51 Ford Passenger Car Shop Manual