1948 Ford Coupe

- 302ci V8 With FiTech Carburetor
- Automatic Transmission
- 19k Miles Since Built
- Blue Over Black Interior
- Shinola Detroit Dash Clock

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1948 Ford Coupe on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 150 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: GKM.com)

“All-new outside, same basic wholesome goodness inside” – Hemmings Motor News, August 2007

Hemmings went on to detail the origins of the '48 Ford: “The '46 model saw the return of brightwork, offered a new grille, saw Mercury's 239.4-cu.in., 100hp flathead pressed into service under Ford hoods, and offered a sharp new navy blue/gray interior that replaced the drab military hues of the pre-war models. A new high-zoot model, the Sportsman (a wood-bodied convertible, not unlike the Chrysler Town and Country of the late '40s), debuted; due to its largely hand-made body, it cost $1,982--nearly double that of a basic $1,132 Deluxe Tudor sedan. The curvature of the rear body section didn't match up to the factory rear fenders, so '41 Ford sedan delivery fenders (with '41 taillamps) were pressed into service. Still, a total of 3,468 were made in 1946 and '47 (the 28 sold in 1948 were reserialized '47s) and they were a fine top-of-the-line image car for Ford. These are some of the most sought-after models of the 1941-'48 lineup.”

“Minor trim tweaks saw the body style through 1947 and '48; the straight-six gained another five horsepower, and the rear axle was a more highway-friendly 3.54 final drive, replacing the former 3.78:1 and blunting acceleration somewhat. A shortened '47 model year saw 429,674 cars built, while 1948, another shortened model year for Ford with the June introduction of its all-new '49, saw 430,198 built.”

Production record for 1948: 12,033 Super DeLuxe Coupes.

Offered here is a stunning, beautifully restomod-ed 1948 Ford Coupe in medium-metallic-blue over black. As Motor Trend notes: “The recipe for a restomod is more restoration than modified, and those non-stock modifications are there strictly to help bring the vehicle up to or near the driving standards of a showroom-fresh… car.” On that definition, this '48 Ford is a standout example. Twenty-first-century comfort, safety, and performance all engineered into a perfectly restored 74-year-old classic automobile. The odometer shows 19,963 miles which is the distance the car has traveled since the restoration work was completed.

The professional quality of the exterior paint work is obvious: smooth-as-glass finish, high gloss, and proper application to all appropriate parts of the car including the underside of the trunk lid, “edges” of the trunk opening, cabin door edges, jambs and sills, and correct under-hood surfaces. Even the “Super Deluxe” front emblem, the steel wheels, and Ford lettering on the chrome wheel covers were all correctly sprayed in the chosen body color. (To best assess the quality of the paint and trim finishes, please be sure to view the close-up photographs of the car in the accompanying gallery.) Body panels are free of dings, dents, or other damage. Chrome body trim—including the front-grille slats—has been fully refreshed; bumpers are similarly exceptional. Cabin glass and all lighting lenses are clear and free of cracks. Badging is especially impressive: the “Super 8” and Ford logo in front (as well as the blue-tinted hood ornament), and the “Ford” lettering on the trunk chrome trim. The factory steel wheels (with chrome Ford-branded hubcaps and trim rings) are mounted with period-correct wide whitewall tires (an unmounted spare is included in the sale).

The car's interior appointments and operating systems have been brought up to current-day comfort and convenience standards without loss of the appeal of the classic design. Door trim retains original fixtures with upgraded materials and carpet panels. Charcoal-colored carpeting (protected with mats) covers the cabin floors. Front bucket and rear bench seats have been replaced with modern, black-vinyl-covered, power-adjustable units. Front seats are well-bolstered and include a matching center armrest with cupholders. The car's original black headliner is free of damage or sagging. A replacement, chrome-trimmed, banjo-style, 3-spoke steering wheel with “V8” center emblem frames a striking reinterpretation of the Ford's dashboard. Across the upper dash is a full array of AutoMeter® classic-look analog gauges set in horizontal-embossed chrome, with the matching, chrome-trimmed, large speedometer directly in front of the steering wheel. The upper dash is chrome with center vents and a large Shinola® Detroit chrome-trimmed clock facing the passenger. The lower dash incorporates multiple vents for the VintageAir® set in a custom-pattern, turned-metal panel. The shift lever for the automatic transmission is mounted on the car's new steering column. (Please view the close-up photography in the gallery to assess the condition of the Ford's various interior surfaces. Words can't do justice here.)

The car's trunk is fully carpeted, top, sides, and floor.

Under the hood, power is supplied by a 302-cubic-inch V8 with FiTech® carburetor. Finned valve covers, a finned, open-sided air cleaner cover, aluminum radiator, billet-aluminum hardware, chrome alternator, and MSD® Street Fire ignition system all speak to the completeness, quality, and attention to detail in the build. Viewed from below, the chassis is complete and undamaged. The rack-and-pinion steering system, clean lower-engine surfaces, and full-length dual-exhaust system are all visual focal points. (To best evaluate the condition of undercarriage surfaces, please review the gallery photos shot from below.)

The car's original identification and data plates remain mounted. Additional parts, the original steering wheel, and unmounted systems (all shown in the photo gallery) are included in the sale.

While the more than 150 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this '48 Ford Coupe in detail from every angle, including from below, we expect and encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance as our showroom is not open to the public. And feel free to get in touch anytime by phone or email if you have questions.

There are those who trailer their vintage cars from one show to another. And then there are those who like to cruise mile-after-mile in comfort in vintage automobiles that celebrate the classic, and pamper the owner. This lovely blue '48 Ford is a sure winner with that second group.