1948 Ford Super Deluxe V8

After World War II, Ford began production using mildly updated styling of its pre-war vehicles. New Ford designs and models were scheduled for introduction in June of 1948, so all of the company's efforts and resources were focused on their success. Thus the 1948 model year was started early, in October of 1947, although the car's appearance were very similar to the prior year's designs, with the most visible change found inside. The model number advanced to 89A and the chassis numbers changed their prefix accordingly.

Among the changes to the interior was the removal of the prior toggle switch and replaced by a key ignition. Ford had used a coincidental ignition lock on the steering column since 1932. The steering wheel was locked by a bolt that was operated by a key lock. When the bolt retracted, a toggle switch could be used to start the engine. The starter was operated by a button on the floor, or, from 1937, on the dashboard. Ford made changes to the configuration of the bolt, lock cylinder, and toggle switch over the years, however, the basic principle and use remained unchanged - until 1948. Except for some Sportsman convertibles, the 1948 Fords were started by ignition and key. The following year, the key switch was relocated to the dashboard, and the steering wheel lock would disappear.

The pre-war models were designed by Bob Gregorie and the 1942 Fords were the last produced before civilian production was shut down in support of the war effort. Civilian production of automobiles resumed in 1946, with the design refreshed, and the final 1947 refresh lasting until the 1949 model year.

The Ford 'woodies' were built at the Iron Mountain plant using wood sourced from Ford's own forests in northern Michigan. They also milled the wood and built the bodies. Wood was used throughout the 'woodies,' including the interior door panels, interior roof, and exterior panels. The dash, however, had a painted-on simulated wood finish.

1948 would the final year of many pre-war designs and technology, including the full wooden body, the last U.S. iteration of the flathead engine, and the last with a crank option to start - a lug wrench could be inserted through the grill to crank the engine over if the battery died. These were also the last Fords built during Henry Ford's lifetime.

The 1948 Ford models were offered in Deluxe, and Super Deluxe trim levels. The Deluxe series was the base trim level and came with a horn button instead of horn ring, an armrest on the driver's door, one sun visor, and rubber moldings around the window openings. Prices began at $1,150 for the coupe and rose to $1,270 for the sedan. The base L-head six-cylinder engine displaced 226 cubic-inches and offered 95 horsepower at 3,300 RPM. All 1948 Fords rested on a 114-inch wheelbase platform and measured 198.2 inches in length. The L-head V8 displaced 239 cubic-inches and offered 100 horsepower at 3800 RPM.

The Super Deluxe Series included the body styles found on the Deluxe plus a 3-passenger coupe and station wagon. Super Deluxes equipped with eight cylinders added a convertible body style. Super Deluxe models added extra chrome, two sun visors, armrests on all doors, and passenger assist straps on the interior 'B' pillar.

Production of the 1948 Ford models ended in mid-spring to allow for retooling for the all-new 1949 Fords, which were introduced in June of 1948. Total 1948 Ford Deluxe production reached 28,404 units and 219,320 of the Super Deluxe models.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2020