What models did Ford make in 1951?
Ford's 1951 passenger-car lineup consisted of three main model lines: Mainline, Custom, and Custom Deluxe.
In the 1951 model year, Ford organized its regular cars around a simple ladder—from an affordable base model to a more feature-rich upper-trim option. These lines shared the same chassis and most mechanicals but differed in styling, trim, and interior appointments, and they were offered across sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles.
Ford's 1951 Model Lines
The following list names the primary passenger-car model lines offered by Ford in 1951.
- Mainline — the base line aimed at affordability and practicality.
- Custom — the mid-range line with extra styling and features over Mainline.
- Custom Deluxe — the top-tier line with the most equipment and chrome trim.
These lines constituted Ford's core passenger-car strategy for 1951, providing a straightforward path from economy models to more comfortable family sedans within the same generation.
Context and impact
During the early 1950s, Ford's naming convention for passenger cars leaned on the "Mainline," "Custom," and "Custom Deluxe" labels to signal trim levels and price points. The 1951 lineup helped Ford compete with GM's row of Chevrolet and Pontiac models and Chrysler's lineups in the postwar market.
Summary
For 1951, Ford offered three main passenger-car models—Mainline, Custom, and Custom Deluxe—covering entry-level to well-equipped mid-range vehicles, with a range of body styles under each line.
What was the most popular car in 1951?
The 1951 Ford models were introduced to the public on November 2, 1950 and became so popular that consumers were signing up for waiting lists just to purchase the cars at dealerships across the country.
What cars did Ford make in 1951?
The 1951 Ford models included the Custom and Deluxe lines, each offering a variety of body styles like sedans (Tudor, Fordor), coupes (Club Coupe, Business Coupe), a convertible, and the Custom Country Squire wagon. A limited edition model was the two-door Victoria, which combined a hardtop and convertible look. Ford also produced its F-Series trucks, including the F1 and F2 models.
You can watch this video for a walk-around tour of a 1951 Ford Convertible: 48sMichael's Motor CarsYouTube · Aug 11, 2025
Key models and features
- Custom line: Included the Club Coupe, Tudor, Fordor, and a convertible. The Business Coupe was eliminated from this line, but the Custom Country Squire wagon was available in this series.
- Deluxe line: Included a Business Coupe, Tudor, and Fordor sedan models.
- Victoria: A two-door hardtop model that combined the look of a sport hardtop and convertible.
- Crestliner: A limited-edition two-door model with a padded vinyl top.
- Country Squire: A two-door wood-bodied wagon, available in the Custom series.
- Trucks: The F-Series trucks were also part of the lineup, including the F1 and F2 models.
This video shows the interior and some driving footage of a 1951 Ford Victoria: 58sCoyote ClassicsYouTube · Sep 10, 2025
Engine and transmission options
- Engines: 1951 Fords offered a choice of a 100-hp V-8 or a 95-hp six-cylinder engine.
- Transmissions: Customers could choose from Conventional Drive, Overdrive, or the new Fordomatic Drive automatic transmission.
What Ford cars were made in the 1950s?
Classic Ford Cars of the 1950s
- 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe. This was the family car of the decade.
- 1950 Ford Coupe. Hot rodders loved this one.
- 1956 Ford Thunderbird. This car was Ford's response to the Corvette.
- 1959 Ford Galaxie. A bold step toward luxury.
What is a 1951 Ford worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,014 for a 1951 Ford Deluxe in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1951 Ford Deluxe? The highest selling price of a 1951 Ford Deluxe at auction over the last three years was $36,120.
