1951 - Ford Vedette - Lot 66

Lot 66
Go to lot
Estimation :
8000 - 12000 EUR
1951 - Ford Vedette - Lot 66
1951 - Ford Vedette French registration Chassis n°30681 Engine n°1F02E545696 - The most American of French cars - Beautiful color scheme - Recent quality restoration - Well-known member of the Vedette France club The Ford Vedette appeared shortly after the end of the Second World War. Designed by Ford France, a subsidiary of the American group, it was positioned in the risky and competitive post-war market for luxury roadsters. Indeed, the Traction Avant 15-Six was a great success at the time, and households able to afford this type of car were not yet very numerous, despite an economic sector in full reconstruction. The design of the Ford Vedette was based on plans for a model originally intended by Ford USA to enter the "small" car market in America, but this project was abandoned and the plans were handed over to Ford France. Its main competitive advantage was its 2.2-liter V8 engine, at the time the only one of its kind in France. It's a car with status and comfort. Its lines are reminiscent of the great American Lincolns and Cadillacs. Presented at the 1948 Salon de l'Auto, it was a great success with those who wanted to drive something "different". With its engine, chrome and allure, the Vedette brought color back to the hearts of chic car enthusiasts. Georges Simenon made the Vedette Max le Menteur's car in his novels, and Jean Gabin drove one in the gangster film Touchez pas au Grisbi. Several improvements were made to the Vedette's styling and mechanics, including coupé and cabriolet bodies. Its career came to an end in 1954, after more than 100,000 examples rolled off the Poissy production line. We are pleased to offer for sale a superb example of the Ford Vedette (F492E) in 6-window "fastback" limousine bodywork. Launched in January 1951, it is presented today in a beautiful ivory color married to an off-white and carmine-red imitation leather interior, combined with brown carpets. The chrome-clad dashboard matches the colors of the upholstery. Its last owner acquired it in 2018 when the car was in the process of being reassembled, its previous owner having restored it. At the time, the car had been painted by a coachbuilder, the chromes redone, the seat covers replaced and the engine overhauled, in addition to the radiator and new tires. He then took care of the reassembly and refurbishment of the headliner in 2019. This Ford Vedette is now in very good condition, and several invoices attest to the work and maintenance that has been carried out on this car over the last few years. This beautiful Vedette, sold without an up-to-date MOT, is well known to the Vedette France club, and was exhibited on the club's stand at the 2023 Epoqu'Auto show. Now it's waiting for you to take advantage of its charms, such as the sound of its V8, its comfortable ride and its inverted doors. At a time when France was being rebuilt, the Vedette was one of those cars that revived the pleasure of driving and the optimism of many a family, rediscovering the joie de vivre of family outings in a big, beautiful car, rather than at the wheel of the black Tractions. All in all, a real piece of history, so pleasant to remember for classic car enthusiasts. Please note that the manufacturer's plate on the vehicle is undoubtedly incorrect, as the chassis number (30681) shown on the registration document does not correspond to the cold-stamped chassis number, which is difficult to read, but seems to correspond to the engine number.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue