1947 Ford Deluxe Utility (RHD)

Description

Ford, like the other major manufacturers, began building mildly restyled 1942 models when the war ended and sales to a car-hungry public resumed in 1946, and it wasn't until 1949 that an all-new design appeared. The 1946 models received a fresh grille treatment but even fewer changes were made the following year. Once again two trim levels were offered by Ford, the base Deluxe and more upmaket Super Deluxe, and in both cases the buyer had the choice of either a six or V8 motor. Although Ford's flathead V8 was getting long in the tooth by the 1940s, it was still regarded as the choice for performance motoring by car enthusiasts, and even in the most basic level of tune delivered 100 horsepower from 239 cubic inches. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a three-speed column-change transmission and the '47 Fords were all built on a 114-inch wheelbase platform. In the United States, the Deluxe was sold in either two or four door sedan guises, along with a stylish coupe, although the Super Deluxe had a wider choice of body styles, including a convertible and station wagon. Unique to Australia, the Coupe Utility was introduced in 1947 with a nicely integrated load bay capable of carrying 10 cwt, with lockable compartments built into the sides and a curved tonneau. Most of these early post-war Ford utes were driven into the ground long ago and survivors are few and far between, and those that remain are coveted by Ford collectors around the country.