1946 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible

After World War II, Ford returned to automobile production beginning on July 3, 1945. They were the first American automaker to do so. It would take months before the first cars were available to customers. The first public showing of the Ford line was on October 26th of that year. The Sportsman model was announced in September, but it was not delivered until late December.

The 1946 model year was long, accounting for 18 months of production. Even with this extended amount of time, the Sportmans production was low, reaching just 1,209 units, not even half that achieved in 1947. The Sportsman, like most of the other vehicles, were basically a carry-over from the 1942 model year. There were minor updates, such as a new horizontal four-bar grille, new hood ornament and bumper guards. The engine gained then extra horsepower, and the entry-level Special series was no longer available.

The Sportsman was found in the top-of-the-line Super Deluxe catalog.

This Ford Sportman has been given a restoration and painted in Dark Slate Gray Metallic. There is a black canvas top, red piping, with wheels that have matching red stripes.

This vehicle was purchased by Nick Alexander in October 2005 from Tom Sharp of Kent. The engine is an L-head V8 unit displacing 239.4 cubic-inches and producing 100 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission with Columbia overdrive and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2009, this 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $225,000-$275,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $242,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009