https://www.ebay.com/itm/1951-Ford-Othe ... SwlQBdGlu6
I always prefered the '49-'50 with the center "spinner", but this is an exceptional '51. First year for a true Ford hardtop coupe and optional auto-transmission, which is uncommon. This one has most of the goodies too. I'm interested to see the final bid.

We used to refer to the '49-'51 Fords as "Shoeboxes", because of their squared off design, vs what GM, Chrysler, and the smaller makers offered at the time (Kaiser-Fraser, Studebaker, Hudson, etc.). I always loved the '50 model myself. Ford outsold Chevrolet in 1949 with their new envelope fender design.

I really like this one! Not many nice ones around, too many have been modified. Would make a unique daily driver in nice weather.

While I can appreciate the significance of the automatic transmission on a 51 Ford, the fun and pleasure of a manual transmission behind a flathead Ford V8 makes that combination a nice driver. If I'm not mistaken that Fordomatic was a Borg Warner transmission design licensed to Ford, and if it's got the same type of valve body seen in later Fordomatics up to 57, you can actually shift it manually 1-2-3 if you know how making it nearly as good as the stick shift but without the clutch.

I would be quite happy driving that around town. A real peach. Its nice to see one done up stock instead of modified.

It appealed to me because I've never driven a manual and this is the only "shoebox" Ford that had that first year Fordomatic. Also the only one that was a true pillar-less hardtop. Between that, the beautiful color, and the condition, it's probably the nicest '51 I've ever seen.
It's funny to note how so many of the younger generations don't know how to drive a manual, that it's said the best theft protection you can get today is to own a manual vehicle. The crooks avoid stealing them because they can't drive them!

I have been driving a manual for many years and my current vehicle is a 2015 Subaru Forrester WITH a stick! I too have been told, by a retired State Trooper, that indeed the manual trans is the BEST theft deterrent! Dave

My first car was an automatic, but had issues shifting into high gear.
I was so frustrated I decided my next car would have a manual transmission. I got a nice used 1972 VW Beetle.
I've been driving cars with manual transmissions since!

That is one beautiful Ford! Very nice!

-Steve

It didn't meet reserve at $23,300. I think the seller should've taken it. It's a beauty, but I doubt he's going to get much more for it.

I would guess one of two situations; either his reserve was a cool 25 grand, or he set it in the clouds in order to get a very low priced estimate (cost of a reserve auction) as an appraised value.