The new-for-1951 Fords were introduced to the public on Friday, 2 November 1950. The design was attributed to George Walker and was an update of the styling first introduced in 1949. Big news for 1951 was the availability of Ford-o-Matic, the company’s first automatic transmission and the Victoria (in February), its first hardtop coupe body style that was then all the rage. A new “Dual Spinner” grille consisting of a new center bar and two smaller spinners, similar to the larger 1949 and 1950 single spinners, greatly changed the look of the front end.

Finished in Coral Flame Red over a tan interior, this car is in a color offered only on convertibles for 1951. It has been part of Ford expert and the late-Don Gibson’s collection since 1979. Gibson’s car was honored with a Dearborn Award in 1988 from the Early Ford V-8 Club of America, scoring a total of 987 points out of 1,000 for its outstanding restoration. The plaque is included with the sale. The car has traveled less than 2,400 miles since restoration and was among his favorite cars in his collection. It is nicely equipped with optional heater and defroster, clock, radio, rear fender skirts, and whitewall tires. As with all convertibles, it is powered by the 100-hp flathead V-8 and three-speed manual transmission. Optional overdrive is also featured.

Mr. Gibson had a tremendous eye for detail. He extensively researched all aspects of the restoration and authenticity was of the highest priority, evident in this Ford. The car has been stored in a climate-controlled facility and both serviced and maintained regularly. Despite being an older restoration, it still looks great thanks to both the quality of the restoration and the care that the car has received. An outstanding Ford in outstanding colors, it is ready for its new owner to receive accolades wherever the car appears.