FORD COURIER SEDAN DELIVERY VAN 1953

General Information

Category	Daily Driver / Restored
Make	Ford
Model	Sedan Delivery
Body Style	Panel Van
Price	SOLD

Engine Specs

Engine & Transmission Specs	Ford 'Windsor'
Engine Type	5.8L V8 351cui
Transmission	3-speed 'Ford-O-Matic' column shift automatic

Additional Information

Length	5.02m (16' 6")
Weight	1560kgs (3440lbs)
Fuel Capacity	64 ltrs
Exterior Colour	White
Interior Colour	White / Burgundy
VIN	A3LS-139166

Car Description

1953 Ford ‘Courier’ Sedan Delivery Van powered by a 5.8L 351cui Ford V8 engine and driven by a 3-speed ‘Ford-O-Matic’ column-shift automatic transmission.

The sedan delivery auto body style, was basically a station wagon or small van with panels instead of rear side windows. It was a work truck created by using, in most cases, a two-door station wagon with only front seats and with sheet metal instead of rear side windows. Some models had a rear door like a car door, and some used a tailgate opening like many station wagon models. Generally speaking, because sedan delivery vehicles were work trucks, they were pretty well used up during their lifetime. As a result, there are not many sedan delivery vehicles in the hands of collectors, and it is true to say that they are almost extinct.

This 1953 Ford Courier was built in Ford’s Long Beach California plant and was originally powered by a 215cui 6-cyl engine. It is an older restoration but as you can see some quality time, effort and detail has been put into it, and it shows! It was restored during the era of ‘Shag Carpet’ & ‘Fuzzy Dice’, and both are seen throughout this vehicle in a very unique and well-done way. This panel van would make for an excellent business advertisement or delivery vehicle, and it currently gets many looks and comments everywhere it goes, and it would be sure to bring attention to your business.

The exterior is in great shape and is an excellent blank canvas for all your ideas! The door handles have been shaved and a rear license plate molded insert has been added to give it that extra ‘clean’ look. The exhaust has been modified to true dual exhaust which exits just in front of the rear wheels. Also a very unique double antenna modification has been molded in to the drivers fender. Bullet style chrome mirrors have been added to giving it that “looks fast while stopped” look. The white paint is in great shape with no rust or paint bubbling seen. The only flaws are a small paint crack near the area where a hood emblem would go and some very small paint chips in inconspicuous areas.

The interior is where it really gets interesting. The headliner and all the interior side panels are custom and ‘dice’ can be seen rolled into the theme. The dash is a beautiful walnut wood grain design that appears to have been painted/brushed on, so not a cheap overlay that will peel over time. The original gauge cluster remains intact and is still in operational condition, as-is all the factory switches. The only physical mod is the addition of a aftermarket CD player which is accompanied with a 6 speaker set-up throughout the interior (and sounds great!). The seat is a upgraded power bench seat with center armrest and has been reupholstered to match the interior. Power windows have been added as well. The carpet is a bright red shag carpet, with a small area marked in the driver area, but otherwise the carpet is nice. Behind the seat, you have a hidden compartment that stores the jack/tyre change equipment, fire extinguisher, fuel can, roadside assistance tools, etc and they are all secured by bungee straps. ​

The engine has been replaced with a 351cui V8 ‘Windsor’, features a 4 bbl carburetor and is paired to an 3-spd automatic transmission. This van is also equipped with power assisted brakes and power steering, making this car a breeze to drive. All wipers/lights etc work as they should. This van was restored with being a driver in mind, so it can handle up to 110kph all day without any worry. The chassis looks good and has been undercoated to protect it. Light rust was noted on the driver floor pan, but no other visible rust is seen. The rims have been upgraded to later style Mustang rims.

Overall, this would van makes for a great personal driver that is ready for the car shows, and it would also be a great business advertisement. The body is like a blank white canvas and the possibilities are endless as to the options open to you!!

 

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