Sometimes cars show up here at Streetside Classics that are just beautifully built yet shockingly affordable. This 1951 Ford coupe is such a vehicle, ffering an ultra-clean California body, resh paint, rumbling 302, nd a gorgeous interior, ll at a very attractive price. Look closely and see if you don't think this is a slam-dunk in every possible way.It's true, alifornia cars really are better, nd this handsome Ford is more proof. It was repainted two years ago using Ford Performance Red, single-stage urethane that's as sizzling bright as the California sun. The 2-door coupe and cleaner 1951 nose give it a sporting look and the proportions are exactly right, aking this one of the best-looking Fords of the period. Of course, hey didn't look this good in the showroom, nd a few subtle mods make it look sleek and clean without erasing its character. You'll note the door handles have been shaved, he hood ornament was deleted, nd much of the stainless body trim was removed and the holes filled, ut it looks so right that most folks might thing that's how it came from the factory. The finish is glossy and smooth, he result of many hours of hand labor, nd it fits together extremely well overall. And the chrome that does remain was restored so it glitters against the vivid red paint, reating a car that looks good from any angle.The handsome two-tone gray tweed interior is durable and comfortable with a few nods to tradition. That's the original front seat and the upholstery patterns are pretty close to what the factory might have been doing back in 1951, leats and all. The instrument panel is pretty much the way Ford built it, cool sweep of '50s styling with the speedometer front and center and the auxiliary switches and dials to the right. Modern gauges under the dash help monitor the warmed-over 302 and there's a handsome 2-spoke steering wheel that emphasizes the coming Jet Age styling. The original AM radio is still in the dash, oined by an AM/FM/CD stereo head unit underneath, nd it's always nice when they don't cut the car to add the creature comforts. There's also a good-sized back seat and a genuinely huge trunk, hich also includes a full-sized spare tire.The original flathead is long gone, eplaced by a strong-running 302 cubic inch V8 (that's a 5.0 to most of us). With an .030 overbore and about 3000 miles on the build, t runs beautifully. Everything inside is new, he rotating assembly was balanced, nd it looks fantastic with those finned valve covers. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake manifold provide the air/fuel mix, Pertronix ignition system lights it up, nd a custom dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers means that it sounds like the 1950s, ot a late-model Mustang. It's neatly detailed under the hood, imple but effective, ith body-colored paint on the block and satin black inner fenders. The C4 3-speed automatic transmission with a mild shift kit feeds a rebuilt 8-inch rear end with 3.08 gears inside, o road trips are this car's specialty. The suspension is largely stock, lthough they've grafted disc brakes onto the front end for safety along with a fresh set of tube shocks. Handsome 2007 Mustang wheels have an old-school Halibrand look and carry blackwall radials for just the right stance.See what we mean? This car is seriously nice, otally sorted, nd still very fresh. Look closely at the photos then dig the price and give us a call today!