1948 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe
The Super Deluxe has a place in movie history, but not many people remember it. It could also be said that the car has a lot to do with the increase in popularity of martial arts as a result of its appearance in the film. Yes, as it turns out, Mr. Miyagi was teaching Daniel an important lesson through his insistence that Daniel polish a car, wax on wax off, enter America's vernacular and the rest is history. And that car was a Ford Super Deluxe.
For consignment, a hardtop version of the movie car, a 1948 Ford Super Deluxe coupe with a title verified 60,038 actual miles and lots of custom and performance modifications that make this a comfortable and capable hot rod version of a once common commuter car. With its modern interior, big V8, and classic 40's body lines, this is one the whole family can enjoy for show and go.
Exterior
Our big paneled beauty is finished in Alabaster paint, accented by a twin pinstripe that ends with a flame motif on the rear quarter panel ending in Fo Mo Go script. She's been nosed and decked which means all adorning trim that the factory would have included is gone and any holes left behind have been filled. The only chrome that remains is on the headlight rings, grille accents, and bumpers, all of which look good. The pointed nose is countered on the other end by the big round trunk. Yes, baby's got back, and it's a wall of Alabaster flanked by two modest tail lights, now LED equipped. Wide, articulated fenders loom over 15-inch polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels with staggered size tires that result in a slightly raked stance. Imperfections include some bubbling on a taillight housing, corner issues near the door hinges, cracked paint in seams, various minor scratches, and some gaps and fitment that is less than perfect.
Interior
Tan tweed door panels are framed in with a taupe painted header and a taupe carpet lower, while the attached hardware is painted to match. The material continues on the power front bucket seats, borrowed from a Chrysler, high backed and modern, and the rear has a matching bench seat that fits perfectly and includes a center armrest, all looking clean. A tilt column holds a 4 spoke steering wheel in front of a Bitchin' Products custom dashboard which places all of the gauges in a row towards the center of the simple, flat dash. A JVS AM/FM/CD radio is embedded on the far right over some tweed covered panel doors that cleverly cover some knobs. A floor mounted Hurst shifter rises above a rubber accordion boot over tan low pile carpeted mats that are in great shape. So are the headliner and visors which create a dome over the contoured and tinted windows. The trunk is completely upholstered and wears a Ford insignia.
Drivetrain
Lift the big hood to reveal a slightly blinged driver quality engine bay with a 390ci V8 topped by a Holley 750cfm 4-barrel over a Holley intake manifold between a pair of chrome valve covers. An old school B&M intake scoop envelopes the air filter and is a polished piece that adds more shine. A Toploader 4-speed manual transmission is behind the engine sending power to the Ford 9" rear and 3.22 gears. Disc brakes are found behind all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Basic and unremarkable underneath but generally clean and driver quality. We note some oil under the engine including oil pan, flywheel cover, transmission, and transmission crossmember. No surface rust of any significance exists underneath, and wheel components lack any major grease build up. The dual exhaust flows back to a pair of glasspack style mufflers and then exits through steel pipes in the back. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
This cozy cocoon provides a clean and comfortable perch and with a little prime of the Holley with our right foot, we press the clutch with our left, start the engine, and put it in gear. She sounds great and offers good visibility, save for the C-pillar blind spot due to the small rear window. The car has good power, adequate braking, and decent handling. Everything that needs to function does and we can't wait to get this one a new caretaker!
Here's a car with enough room to take the kids and their karate equipment to class, and enough classic lines and show worthy specialness to take it to cruise night, Cars and Coffee, and other places where car people gather. Maybe you'll even garner a few trophies that you put next to your karate tournament trophies! In any event, it's a well sorted '48 in a fine color, comfortable interior, and capable drivetrain.
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.
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