1948 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe
"All body styles carried over into 1947 and 1948, including the novel Sportsman. The shorter 1947 model year saw output reach 429,674 cars, while output inched up to 430,198 units for the even shorter 1948 model run, (the 1949s came out early). The 1948s were virtually identical to the 1947s, though it should be noted that early 1947s were really 1946s, while the freshened "1947-1/2" models went on to become 1948s." thx to auto.howstuffworks.com
For consignment, a 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe with 2,909 non verifiable miles as the title reads exempt, painted in one of three shades of gray available in 1948. It's in very nice condition and show worthy as is, but also has room for a bit of restoration on some elements that have patina.
Exterior
Rotunda Gray just looks the part on this post war coupe and is a medium gray when compared to the lighter Feather Gray one could select in that year. Like the country itself, the car has a leaning forward stance from the pointed fenders and hood to the sloping C-pillar, it conjures up cartoon renditions of the car in children's books with streaking lines behind to show motion on a static page. There's a wonderful trim piece that glides down the shoulder line of the car and the design is enhanced by smaller trim spears on each fender. Up front, robust rails line the grille, topped with one with a more artistic bend and melding nicely with the large bumper and polished rings around the single headlights. Yellow fog lights pop some color in front and a translucent blue cap flows over the hood ornament. The graceful rain gutters run off the cabin and line up with the trunk seam in a fantastic bit of design detail. Imperfections include two scratches and an area of bubbling.
Interior
Cloth, vinyl, and carpet are stacked on the door panels to create a unique combination of colors and materials while the window frame carries the exterior color paint. A period striped cloth covers the split bench which shows some compression but is overall nice with the exception of two holes which look suspiciously like the work of a rodent. The back bench is unharmed and enjoys the simplicity of armrests and ashtray as the only accessories. In front, the white plastic steering wheel shows cracking throughout but remains intact and behind it, the stunning design of the Ford instrument panel; a circular speedometer to the right of the steering column and a row of square gauges to the left, topped by a tan painted panel within the body gray dashboard. The retro radio plays AM and FM and a modern clock has been affixed to the face of the classic clock's glass housing. Gray loop carpet is loosely strewn over the floor and the ivory cloth headliner shows quite a bit of staining but the windlace appears to be in good condition. The trunk is lined with gray panels and its floor wears a rubber mat while a spare is mounted on the back wall.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a clean 239ci flathead V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor puts out 100 horsepower, not too shabby for 1948. A 3-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels and 3.78 gears. Drum brakes are found on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Refreshingly clean and dry underneath with just hints of surface rust and no errant fluids anywhere. The big X-frame takes center stage and a single exhaust carries a stock style muffler before heading out back with a decorative exhaust deflector attached. Suspension consists of transverse leaf springs on the front and back.
Drive-Ability
Driving this car seems to warrant wearing a coat and tie, but a polo shirt and khakis will have to do. It's three on the tree for thee, and off we go onto the flat surface of our test loop where the provides a pleasant ride that, other than the lack of power, is perfectly comfortable in 2024 and a testament to a car well built. The V-style windshield is wide and bright, but man, they made some small rear windows in this era and relied on the good faith of others to watch your blind spot behind the massive C-pillars. We note the wipers are not working, nor is the heater blower, but all other functions operated as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a clean, straight, rust free example of basic transportation from post war America, 1948. We'd love to see Rotunda Gray make a comeback as a great color that would look good one some modern cars, maybe even a Ford Mach-E! Meanwhile, this is a fantastic Super Deluxe and worth your consideration if you're in the market for one, or entered the market after viewing the pictures!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
