1951 Ford X-51 2 Door coupe

This 1951 Ford X-51 2 Door Coupe (Stock # F13285) is available in our Fairfield, CA showroom and any inquiries may be directed to us at 707-419-8200 or by email at Sales@SpecialtySales.com. 

Sensational 1951 Ford “Shoebox” X-51 Coupe

The next amazing classic in our Fairfield showroom likely needs no introduction; it is none other than Ron Courtney’s infamous custom 1951 Ford X-51 2 Door coupe with Alfa Romeo Red exterior paint and a matching red/white vinyl interior. You’ll find a balanced/professionally built Chevy 350 cid V-8 engine under the hood along with a Turbo Hydromatic 3-speed transmission, and a Ford 8.8 inch rear end. This iconic classic has been sectioned 5 inches with a pancaked hood shaved door handles, custom-designed fins, custom scoops, power windows and so much more- you have to see this work of art in person to truly appreciate it.

This ’51 Ford is a true one of one and it has taken home countless trophies, awards and prestige over its 65+ year lifespan. We have included much of its history below-

Ron Courtney’s Legendary Custom One-Off ’51 Ford

This 1951 Ford coupe was purchased new by Ron Courtney in McMinnville, Oregon from Fredericks Motor Company, where he worked as one of the top body repair specialists in the state.  He decided in 1954 that he wanted to fully redesign his ’51 from bumper to bumper, which included sectioning the body and trunk by 5 inches, decking the body, shaving the door handles, building a completely one-of grille from scratch, designing hand-made fins and completely redoing the interior.  This was a two-year labor of love and when his ’51 debuted on the streets in 1956, it was named the X-51.

In the following years, Ron’s custom 1951 Ford continually won first place awards for Best in Class, Best Custom and many other categories.  This created quite a following for the one-off classic and it has also been featured in Rod & Custom plus dozens of other magazines over the years.  Ron finally sold his amazing vehicle in 1959 and it was used as a daily driver for several years by the second owner Bill Robinson.  Then this beauty virtually disappeared for almost 15 years.

Part of the Prestigious Harrah Collection in 1970's

In 1974, mechanic John Corno found this 1951 Ford on blocks with Ron’s supercharged engine removed and the trunk caved-in.  He fully restored it and added a 351 Windsor motor, plus power brakes and power steering.  He then sold this vehicle to its fourth owner- the National Automobile Museum to be a part of the Harrah’s Collection.

This one of a kind classic did change homes one more time- to Bob Page in 1986.  He fully restored it once again and rebuilt it with the specifications that are currently in place.  His wife Rene decided to keep this classic after Bob’s passing in 2011, but she finally decided that it’s time to allow someone else to enjoy it as much as her family has.

In terms of its present condition, this 1951 Ford X-51 2 Door Coupe is slightly above what would be considered a typical driver quality with some minor blemishes/fading to the paint across it’s beautiful flowing body.  The interior and trunk area still presents at a very high level though, and the nicely sorted engine compartment needs just a little refreshing to be ready for the stage once again.  It does appear that the vast majority of Ron Courtney’s fantastic body work is still in place and it has been maintained beautifully over the past 65+ years.

A True Custom Masterpiece for an Outstanding Collection

Overall, this one of a kind iconic 1951 Ford X-51 Coupe may be one of the most desirable classics that have ever graced our showroom floor.  The attention to detail is still breathtaking and it’s going to make one lucky collector’s year having this in their garage.  For more information about this vehicle, visit our Fairfield, California showroom, give us a call at 707-419-8200, or email us at Sales@SpecialtySales.com.  Be sure to mention Stock # F13285 as well.

Legal Disclosures: Specialty Sales Classics has advertised and sold thousands of classic cars since our founding in 1978. We strongly encourage any and all buyers who are unable to view the vehicle in-person to perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (by an independent party of their choosing) prior to the purchase. Given the age of many of our vehicles, it is extremely difficult to adequately describe all aspects of each vehicles condition in the limited space available and we have learned that these Pre-Purchase Inspections are helpful to all parties involved.

The information presented for this vehicle is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed as a basis of purchase. The Buyer should make a thorough, independent inspection and investigation of the vehicle prior to purchase.

• Custom Paint