1947 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible

Production of the Sportmans was limited and delayed by strikes and material shortages. Production did not effectively begin until July of 1946. They were assembled at the Iron Mountain facility, alongside regular station wagons. Builders began with standard convertible bodies, the outer door skins, quarter panels and trunk lids were removed. The bodies were then coated in primer before their wood framing and mahogany panels were fitted and varnished. The completed bodies were then returned, fitted with trim, and shipped to Ford's assembly plants to be mated to their chassis.

There were just 2,274 examples of the Sportsman originally produced in 1947. This car wears an older, show-quality restoration, and has recently been re-freshened, with a bare-metal repaint in green. There is a tan power-operated convertible top, and many features including front and rear bumper guards, period correct fog lights, dual chrome-plated rearview mirrors, and whitewall tires on black painted steel wheels with chrome plated trim rings and hubcaps. Inside, there is red leather upholstery, a heater, clock, and radio. Power is from a 'flathead' V8 engine that displaces 239 cubic-inches and produces 100 horsepower. At all four-wheels are hydraulic drum brakes and there is a three-speed manual transmission.

In 2009, this Ford Super DeLuxe Sportsman Convertible was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $162,250 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009