1947 Ford Sportsman coupe, click picture to enlarge.
My first car was a 1940 Ford sedan that I bought for $100 sometime around 1947 or 48. It was a big black 4 door sedan that didn't look near as good as this car does but I was still proud of it. But I was interested in a girl that I was crazy about at that time. The trouble was that there was another guy interested in the same girl and he had a 1947 Ford business coupe that did look as good as this Sportsman coupe does. Now here is the $64,000 question: Who do you think the girl went with? Yeah, you got it right. You did say she went with the guy with the shiny NEW Ford didn;t you? I thought you did. Well, as it turned out neither one of us got the girl. Such is life sometimes.
The following info came off the web and I don't remember which site but you can find it by searching for 1947 Fords. Have a great day and enjoy a good trip on Memory Lane with these old car pictures and stories.
1947 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible [CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS]
Model 79A. 100 bhp, 239.4 cu. in. L-head V8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with Columbia overdrive, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 114"
The 1946 model year closed its 18-month run that December. From January 1947, all cars were designated ’47s, Model 79A, and were given serial numbers accordingly. There was, however, no change in the cars’ appearance.
In April, Ford rolled out new “spring models.” Keeping the same 79A model nomenclature, they had new round parking lamps below the headlights and a new hood medallion. The hub cap design, too, was changed, as were the bumper guards. Gone were the red accents, perhaps missed the most. In typical pragmatic Ford fashion, the changes were introduced incrementally on the assembly line, as parts became available, so there was no specific date or serial number on which the “spring models” began.
Early experience with the Sportsman had shown that the crosspiece on the trunk lid, mounted high, where the lid was almost horizontal, collected water, to its detriment. For 1947 the crosspiece was lowered somewhat and beveled on its upper edge, to better shed moisture. The exact phase-in of this change is not recorded, and in any case some early cars were modified to make them more weather resistant.
This “Spring 1947” Sportsman, built in May that year, has been nicely restored in Monsoon Maroon. The paint shows no surface flaws and exhibits a deep shine, while the body contours are excellent. Even rarer than an original wood station wagon is a Sportsman with an original wood body. This ‘62 year old maple body shines through 10 coats of spar varnish – proof of a lifetime of meticulous care. The doors shut well, the black canvas top is new and excellent. The running board rubber is new, and all the brightwork is excellent. In fact, the glass, all original script panes, shows only minimal separation.
The seats are newly upholstered in red leather, with the rear seat area having a tan carpet floor mat; the front has black rubber mats with carpeted inserts. All look new. The dashboard has nicely restored maple woodgrain and the instruments and steering wheel are restored as well. The top is lined with tan canvas; the correct glass rear window can be unsnapped and lowered for better ventilation. Other features include a radio and working electric clock.
The luggage compartment is well detailed with correct gray cardboard liner and black rubber floor mat. A top boot is located in the trunk, stored in a matching canvas bag. The compartment lid works well and the folding supports are properly adjusted and easily hold it open.
The engine compartment and 59AB engine are clean and appropriately detained, without being overdone. The chassis and underbody are painted gloss black, and are clean and well detailed. B.F. Goodrich 6.50-16 tires were fitted in 2004 and there is a matching spare in the trunk.
Previously owned by Claude Taylor of Asheville, North Carolina, the car received AACA awards at the Southeastern Division National Meet in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1980. Since joining the Nick Alexander collection in February 2004, it has received a Dearborn Award from the Early Ford V8 Club, judged at 988 points that year at Hood River, Oregon.
It runs and drives well, its Columbia two-speed axle making freeway travel effortless. It is currently registered with California year-of-manufacture plates 39B6823, which accompany it in the sale. A beautiful example of the second flight of 1947 Fords, this Sportsman would make for a lovely addition to the finest of collections © 2009 RM Auctions - All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy Terms of Use Contact Us HOME SITEMAP
Jensen Intercepter and others, click picture to enlarge. The names of the cars are: top--Jensen Interceptor, center left--1940 Packard Convertible, center right--1931 Pierce Arrow Phaeton, bottom--Buick Wildcat III Convertible.
