Description
Cast your mind back to a different era. Mick Jagger still yearning for Satisfaction, the Vietnam War raging, Ronnie Biggs on the run and at the movies, Sean Connery was back as Bond in the hugely successful Thunderball. Indeed, this car could have come straight from the film itself with Felix Leiter behind the wheel. Beautifully presented in Wimbledon White with newly retrimmed red and blue hide interior, this fabulous 2-door sedan has just arrived at Shore Classics and everyone just loves it. With super smooth 240 cui (3929cc) 6-cylinder engine and 3-speed manual `box, it is an absolute joy to drive with plenty of power. But this car is all about cruising and the 100 miles that I covered across the Jurassic Coast over a sultry Bank Holiday weekend was memorable in a good way. It`s a car that makes people smile.
The Custom moniker first appeared in 1949 on mid-sized automobiles from Ford albeit initially with a high trim level. During the 1950`s the name became synonymous with 2 and 4-door sedans with a lesser trim level and by the end of that era, it was essentially a base model appealing to fleet buyers and taxi operators. Absent from the line up during the early 1960`s, the Custom name reappeared in 1964 as a full-size sedan with base model trim (Custom) and mid-range trim (Custom 500), the latter available with a choice of inline 6 or small-block V8 cylinder engines, better interiors and more chrome. Sitting alongside the Fairlane and Galaxie, the Custom and Custom 500 were Ford`s biggest cars of the era with 119inch wheelbase and big-block variants were beginning to have huge success on the track. After a substantial restyle in late 1964 featuring heavily sculptured lower-body sheet metal and slant-back rooflines, Ford subsequently recorded their best year in NASCAR with 48 out of 55 wins.
Our car dates from 1965, considered by many as the pinnacle year for purity of design not to mention performance options offered by the brand. Sadly, we know little of it`s history prior to importation into the UK in late 2017. We do know that immediately prior to leaving the US, the car was repainted in its original Wimbledon White and given the condition of the underside, I believe must have come from a dry southern state. We further believe that the mileage of 81, 000 is genuine but again have nothing to support this. Over the past year, the Ford has been very much loved by its second UK keeper with considerable investment particularly on the interior. This has included a complete retrim in red and blue hide of front and rear seats, door cards, parcel shelf and dash cap, new headlining and replaced black carpets edged red front and rear. Total cost around £4500. In addition, the original wheels were refurbished and fitted with brand-new matching white wall tyres.
The photographs tell the story. It is a cracking example. Other than a couple of minor blemishes, the white coachwork is fabulous whilst all trim including badges seem original. The freshly renewed interior is comfortable with front lap belts, clock and original radio taking centre stage on the factory-finish metal dashboard. Indeed, this could be painted to match the upholstery but we rather liked the contrast. Tip either front seat and the rear is easily accessed - making it very suitable for private hire such as for weddings or prom nights. Turn the key and the Big 6 fires into life instantly. Select first on the column shift and the Ford glides away without dramas. Second and third are easily found and with the gearing tall, the torquey 240cui engine pulls well and will cruise happily at 60mph all day long. Suspension is soft but controlled and excellent brakes give confidence in all driving conditions. It really is a joy and after a few miles, it`s size, even on narrow Dorset lanes, becomes less of an issue helped by excellent all-round visibility. Smooth sums it up.
The Ford comes with a full service kit (although has been recently serviced), car cover, Workshop Manual, Owner’s Manual, original set of 3 keys, sundry bills and current V5C. It is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A super cool cruiser in fabulous order ready to be enjoyed.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
