1951 Ford Victoria

- 350ci V8
- Turbo 350 Automatic Transmission
- Chopped 3 1/2" and Sectioned 4"
- Two door Hardtop Made Into A Convertible
- Aqua Blue Over Black and Gray Interior
- 12k Miles Since Built

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1951 Ford Victoria 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 170 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: GKM.com)

“A crazy idea turned into one beautiful car” – Rod & Custom Magazine, November 1998

That headline appeared in an article devoted to this customized 1951 Ford Victoria. (The full article is included in the photo gallery.) The Rod & Custom writer described the car and the creation of this unique automobile: “(The car was) turned over to John Kouw of Crusin' Customs in Holland, Michigan. The Victoria was shaved like a boot-camp recruit. The top was removed, and the windshield received a 3 1/2 -inch chop. The body was sectioned a full 4 inches. At the front, the headlights were frenched, and a '49 Merc grille shell was added. A bumper overrider from a '56 Chrysler was shortened 8 inches, narrowed, and modified to create the horizontal grille bar. The seams were filled, the door handles were shaved, and John rounded the hood and door corners. The rear of the car received the same therapy, with all seams filled, the lights frenched and cut down, and the decklid corners rounded. The addition of '52 Ford fender flares was a nice touch. The front and rear bumpers were also reshaped and welded.”

“As the body was being prepared, a Nova subframe was mated to the chassis using narrowed control arms from Fat Man Fabrications. A differential and suspension components from a Monte Carlo were installed at the rear. For smooth cruising, John decided to go with a 275hp 350 small-block from a '70 Impala with a Turbo 350 transmission. As the rolling chassis was nearing completion, Crusin' Customs applied Tahitian Green Pearl in basecoat/clearcoat to the new body. Once the body was mated to the chassis, a Toronado tilt and telescoping was mounted, and the new convertible was sent to Sweet Street Motor Car Company in Paw Paw, Michigan for the custom-made top as well as the black and gray velour interior with stock seats. A set of wide whites was mounted on 15x7 steel wheels and topped off with '54 Merc wheel covers featuring Winfield bullets.”

Since the custom work was completed, the car has traveled 12,000 miles.

The exterior Aqua (blue-green) metallic paint presents beautifully. The color was an excellent choice; it flows over the curvaceous body catching the light and emphasizing the appealing original design as well as the custom enhancements. (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.) Chrome bumpers, window trim, body-side trim, customized grille, and headlight trim is all in excellent condition. The shaved body look is not interrupted with any badging or emblems; there are no dings or dents on the sheet metal panels. The custom black convertible top (note the custom rear window) is free of wear indications. Wheels, wheel covers, and tires are all in superb condition.

The car's interior was crafted with the same remarkable attention to detail. The look is very much stock (with air conditioning tastefully incorporated). The painted dashboard and condition of the switchgear is exceptional. The custom vertically pleated velour upholstery and complementary door trim maintains the original-design look. (Please view the close-up photography in the gallery to appreciate the condition of the car's various interior surfaces.) Black cabin carpeting is in place and the car's trunk is fully carpeted as well.

Under the hood, the 350-cubic-inch V8 commands a clean, well-organized engine bay. A chrome, open-sided air cleaner and chrome valve covers add flair. Components—including air conditioning—are properly installed. Viewed from below, the car's chassis, expertly modified for enjoyable cruising, is clean, straight, and free of damage. The full-length performance dual-exhaust system includes chrome tips out back and the updated suspension components are visual focal points.. (To best evaluate the condition of undercarriage surfaces, please review the gallery photos shot from below.)

While the more than 170 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this fully customized '51 Ford Victoria 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.

The Rod & Customs writer concluded: “If you're looking at (the world) through the windshield of a beautiful car like this, that signpost up ahead says, 'You are so cool.'”

The truth well told.