1947 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible
Many stunning cars appeared in the movie Karate Kid courtesy of Mr. Miyagi's collection. Ranging from a 1942 Chevrolet pickup to a Nash Metropolitan add in a Pontiac, Cadillac and Ford in between and you have a masters collection. Much like Danial-san's this writer has a soft spot for the 1947 Ford offerings and we now have one in our extensive Hallowed Halls.
Wax on wax off, we bring you this 1947 Ford Super Deluxe convertible in a Monsoon Maroon instead of the iconic pale soft yellow seen in the movies. Treated to a frame off restoration in the 1990's then purchased by our consignor in 2010 with all the work done since, save for the new in 2023 convertible top, by the owner who is a self trained Ford mechanic. The right car, the right colors, and with a list of maintenance items performed since the redux, here in our Hallowed Halls and ripe for the picking. Here's a bit of automotive trivia for the "wow, I didn't know about that file"...Ralph Macchio was given the 1947 Ford from the Karate Kid movies as a present and purportedly still owns it today.
Exterior
A bit simpler than its sister car the Mercury 8, this Super Deluxe has just the right amount of chrome, curved steel, and Monsoon Maroon paint. For the paint, it is nice and deep covering straight steel rust free panels minding their gaps nicely. A horizontal ribbed grille, framed by single headlights and small round turn signals are on this machine. Nicely curved fenders with an above the beltline spear running from stem to stern and are in good condition. Another smaller spear runs through the midpoint of the fenders front and rear. More maroon for the painted steel wheels with FORD logo moon caps are wrapped by 16-inch Firestone wide white bias tires. A new in 2023 top, with rebuilt mechanicals in 2017, presents in tan canvas and covers the passengers during a shower, and sports a plastic rear window that can be zippered in the open position.
Interior
A marbled saddle split bench wrapped in vinyl is up front and a full bench is in the rear. The rear bench floats on golden brown carpeting that is in good condition, and upfront is tan rubber flooring. Darker saddle vinyl door panels are also seen with some hints of chrome, gold and cream mixed in. The star of the interior is definitely the painted metal faux wood grain dash with a shiny chromed metal insert which houses rectangular gauges on the left, and a dual round speedometer and clock which flank this central mounted radio. A very nice original steering wheel sticks out from the dash and has a circular horn ring in the center. Just beautiful art deco styling and use of materials and I feel like I've wandered on to a 1940's movie set dance stage. Cue the swimmers!!
Drivetrain
A 239ci V8 is within a nicely restored and clean engine bay. It has a single 2-barrel carburetor, and a 3-speed manual transmission in back. This pushes power back to a 3.78 geared rear. Noted is the beautiful restoration job done on the engine and engine bay. Also of note is the conversion to a Pertronix electronic ignition for reliable starting and driving.
Undercarriage
Very clean, completely restored and devoid of any rust with the exception of some very light surface rust on the suspension components. The original black X frame has held nicely and supports the rust free body matching maroon floor pans and body hangers on the rockers. A newer fuel tank is installed, and the exhaust is rust free piping with a new muffler. Transverse leaf spring suspension is on all corners, as well as drum brakes.
Drive-Ability
This car started right up and provided a beautiful test drive with no apparent problems presenting themselves. Smooth cruising, and nice ride are just two of the many highlights I experienced during my drive.
Overall a very good to near great condition car, with nice chrome, good paint and clean interior. A few faults here and there, but certainly nothing to worry about. Wax up the car, grab your favorite girl and be ready to go and show right out of 1947 and look the part. Here we go with the cascading diving swimmers.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
