Following World War II, the American public was desperate for new automobiles, and domestic automakers quickly stepped up to give them what they wanted. Many 1946 offerings were little more than 1942 cars with different colors, but with the application of technology gleaned from the war effort, these 1946 cars are often a wonderful study in evolution. Early cars have different features than later cars, the availability of raw materials changed during the course of production, and the result is that many 1946 cars offer unique features that can be a challenge for restorers and judges alike. Such is the case with this very early production 1946 Ford Super Deluxe convertible, which is a former Dearborn Award winner and the result of a comprehensive frame-off restoration by a former Early Ford V8 Club president. If you want an interesting V8 Ford with a top-flight restoration, there just aren’t many better than this.

Many Ford enthusiasts prefer the ’46 models simply because they are unique. The ’47 and ’48 cars are similar enough that it takes an expert to tell them apart, but the ’46, with its parking lights above the grille, simple hood ornament, and special trunk trim, is identifiable at a glance. Wearing handsome Royal Maroon, this dashing ragtop shows off a comprehensive restoration intended for the show field. The surfaces are meticulously sanded smooth, the body gaps are excellent, and the paint has a gloss nothing in 1946 ever could have matched. Is it over-restored? Maybe, but isn’t that what everyone wants? Perfection is a worthy goal, and you can tell they were aiming high with this car. All the chrome was treated to show-quality plating, the stainless trim was polished so it glitters against the burgundy paint, and everything is just the way Ford would have done it in 1946. That’s the only way to win a Dearborn Award, after all.

The tan leather interior is simple and clean, and you’ll note that this is where the many differences between early and late cars become most apparent. The seats in particular are unique to the 1946 models, a combination of leather and leatherette which varied depending on the availability of hides, which were still in short supply. New upholstery throughout is exactingly correct, from the stitching patterns to the handsome door panels. In typical Ford convertible fashion, the front seat area has a rubber mat, since it tends to be high-traffic, while rear seat passengers are treated to plusher carpets instead. The light-colored woodgrain on the dash and window moldings is beautifully rendered and quite convincing, adding a bright contrast to the subtle burgundy paint. All the gauges are beautifully restored and fully functional, including the speedometer whose odometer shows just 982 miles since the restoration was completed. New plastic pieces, including the speaker grille and gauge surrounds are exact reproductions (I’m pretty sure the original plastic pieces were made from soy), as are all the knobs and handles. You’ll note that this car is loaded with options, including a working AM radio, a heater/defroster unit, and a power convertible top. Sharp-eyed readers will spot a ‘Fog Lights’ knob under the dash but no fog lights up front—this is because the switch has been repurposed to power the electric fuel pump used for priming and starting. The weather seals are new, so it seals up well and feels tight and rattle-free, and the top is beautifully fitted so it folds easily without a lot of extra effort. It also includes a matching tan canvas boot, which stows neatly in the fully restored trunk.

The joy of a V8 Ford comes from under the hood in the form of a flathead V8. This ’46 convertible carries a correct 239 cubic inch mill rated at a nice, round 100 horsepower. It has been fully rebuilt to stock specifications and runs beautifully. None of the usual upgrades, no aftermarket carburetors or heads, just a proper cast iron flathead that idles so smoothly you can’t even feel it. And as a former show-winner, it’s very neatly detailed, with correct Ford Blue paint on the block, a big oil bath air cleaner atop the Stromberg 97 carburetor, and a factory-style coil to fire the ignition. Wiring and hoses are proper pieces with the right colors and markings, and just about the only incorrect part is the battery, which is a fresh replacement. Thanks to an extensive service to get it into top touring shape, it starts quickly and easily and idles smoothly. On the road, it pulls the convertible around with enthusiasm and the flathead exhaust note is simply a joy at any speed. It doesn’t get fussy when it’s warm, and thanks to the electric fuel pump and a clever bypass for the ignition resistor, it fires quickly even on the hottest days. Well-sorted trailer queens are a rarity, but this is definitely a car that can do it all.

The three speed manual transmission clicks through the gears easily using just your fingertips, and thanks to light clutch action and high-speed gears, it feels nimble and confident in today’s traffic. Obviously the chassis has been fully restored, with correct fittings and hardware throughout, although I’m guessing that Ford wasn’t turning out cars this beautifully detailed. Once again, the only notable upgrade is the electric fuel pump, but even that is beautifully installed with a check valve and bypass, so that once the car is running, it can be safely shut off. The single exhaust gives the strong-running flathead a pleasant V8 burble and with 3.55 gears out back, it’s happy to cruise all day at 60 MPH without strain. The brakes are strong and confidence-inspiring, and they live inside restored steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings for a dressed-up look. Correct 6.00-16 Firestone wide whitewall tires look great and deliver a factory-correct ride.

This is the nicest post-war Ford we’ve ever seen and it does everything well. It’s still close to being ready to show at almost any level, and it would make a fantastic tour car. Stylish, fast, and very fun to drive, it’s no wonder flathead Fords remain on everybody’s wish list. If you want the best, you’ve just found it. Call today!