Car: Ford Super Deluxe Convertible
Year: 1948
What makes it special: Ford was the first American automaker to restart production after World War II. Shortly after VE Day, the War Production Board okayed the opening of the passenger car assembly lines, and on July 3, 1945, the first 1946 Ford made its way down. Visual cues were limited to trim differences, while the more significant changes took place under the skin. Midway through the 1947 model year, trim was revised yet again. Oblong parking lights in the fender catwalks were replaced with round units below the headlights, and red accents on the brightwork and instrument panel were eliminated. When the 1948 models were introduced in October 1947 there were no visual changes.
What made it famous: All Fords now used the 239-cubic inch Mercury flathead, which was rated at 100 brake horsepower. The Super Deluxe was equipped with a Model 89A. 100 bhp, 239.4 cu. in. L-head V8 engine, 3-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptical leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
Why I would want one: It’s just such a beautiful style, and a fun cruiser.
Fun fact: In the 1984 film The Karate Kid, Mr Miyagi gives Daniel Larusso a cream- coloured 1948 Ford Super DeLuxe convertible as a birthday gift. The car was actually a gift to Ralph Macchio from the film’s producer. To this day, Macchio still owns the car.
