This early 1948 Super Deluxe Coupe is essentially the same car that Ford launched in 1941 and features more modern styling than the previous 1930s models. Minor upgrades were introduced for 1942 but by March production was prioritised for the military and so for the next four years they were produced as Staff cars alongside a special 4 door model. As hostilities ended, civilian production resumed. The 1946 model featured a wider grill, an improved 4 litre V8 and this specification continued largely unchanged until an all new model line in late 1948. Perhaps the most famous 1948 Super Deluxe is John Travolta’s Convertible “Greased Lightning” from the film Grease. Sadly, it is unlikely any of us will ever be as cool as Danny Zuko !
This Ford rally car was originally prepared as a no expense spared project for Peking to Paris and first time out in 2019 it came 6th overall and 2nd in class. The current owner has completed the 2022 Sahara Challenge finishing 2nd overall and the 2024 Peking to Paris in 5th overall and 1st in class.
Now there is a truism in rallying which states that “To finish first, First you must finish”. If I were to embark on a major adventure like Peking to Paris I would want to be pretty sure that I had a sporting chance of getting to the finish. There are no guarantees in this game but this V8 Coupe has a proven track record. If you are the sort of person who is at least a bit serious about your rallying, this could be the car for you.
Specification
- Flat head 3.9 V8 with twin Stromberg 97s
- Electronic ignition & twin ignition coils
- T5 Tremec 5speed transmission
- Uprated 9 inch rear axle
- Uprated cooling system with a modern radiator core
- Electric cooling fan
- Bespoke aluminium long range fuel tank with electric fuel pumps
- Modern electrically adjustable seats.
- Full harness seat belts
- Full roll cage.
- Laminated glass all round
- Improved and uprated suspension including a raised ride height
- Underbody protection and guards.
- Twin Monit trip meters including GPS.
- Map Light
- Battery isolator and fire extinguishers.
OCR in Oxfordshire have been looking after the car and it is available with them for viewing. The sale includes a substantial on event emergency spares package
Advert action photos courtesy of Will Broadhead Photography