Ford’s hardtop coupe arrived two years behind its competitors at General Motors and one year behind Chrysler. Known as the Victoria Model 60, it arrived mid-winter drawing rave reviews from the automotive press and overwhelming acceptance from the buying public. Despite the late introduction and production beginning the first week of February 1951, 110,286 were sold, eclipsing the sales of the established low-price leader, the Chevy Bel Air. Priced at $1,925, it was $24 less than its sister convertible.

Unlike the convertible, this was an all-new body with exclusive styling designed by a team headed by renowned Auburn designer Gordon Buehrig. Designers and engineers from both Ford and the Wettlaufer Engineering Corporation collaborated on the car but could not complete it in time for the standard model introduction. The late introduction created a flurry of publicity, grabbing headlines in virtually every automobile journal of that era.

Victorias came standard with Ford’s 100-hp flathead V-8, and this Penrod Tan with Dune Beige interior example is so equipped. It also features the three-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive. From the collection of noted Ford collector Don Gibson, it has been part of his stable of vehicles since 2005. It was an Early Ford V-8 Club of America Dearborn Award winner in 2008, scoring a perfect 1,000 points out of a possible 1,000. Just 388 miles have been covered since having undergone a comprehensive and authentic restoration to original condition. Included are spare keys and the Dearborn Award judging sheets.

As with all of Gibson’s cars, the condition is superb and the car has been stored in a climate-controlled facility and maintained to the highest of standards. This Victoria will be a proud addition to any collection of Fords or Fifties automobiles.