Ford Vedette 1954 – French built, American conceived

Anyone who thinks a 1950s Ford necessarily has to come from Detroit hasn't really looked at the Ford Vedette. This is one of those cars you always have to explain at a meeting. American in concept, French in birth, and with a V8 that has more character than performance. Auto Motor Klassiek Number 2 we dive into the story of Marinus Christiaans and his 1954 Ford Vedette.

Photos: Max de Krijger for Auto Motor Klassiek

The Vedette is one of those cars that slowly gets under your skin. Not because it's fast, not because it's comfortable, but precisely because it demands everything from you. Marinus drives a lot of modern cars for work and had completely lost the joy of driving. That had to change. Not with something new, but with something that makes you work behind the wheel again. That became this Ford, even though it wasn't even on his wish list at first.

Working behind the wheel of the Ford Vedette

Driving a Vedette isn't a relaxed glide over the asphalt. It's about steering, shifting, and thinking ahead. The steering is heavy, the brakes require muscle, and you'd rather take speed bumps with respect than bravado. On the other hand, you're truly engaged in the driving experience. In modern cars, you're driven; in this Ford, you do it yourself. And that's precisely its charm.

Under the long hood lies a 2,2-liter V8 sidevalve engine, good for 55 hp. Not impressive figures, but an engine with its own unique sound and character. The Vedette has three gears and a cruising speed that you'd rather build up gradually. After some initial trouble, flushing the radiator proved sufficient to tame the well-known flathead overheating problem. It now cruises effortlessly at 90 km/h and even reaches 105, although that's not a constant invitation.

Ford SAF

The Ford Vedette was built by Ford Société Anonyme Française, the French branch of Ford. The model was presented at the 1948 Paris Motor Show and remained in production until 1954. The design was based in the United States and was related to Mercury models, but the final product was significantly more compact than its American counterparts. This made the Vedette more suitable for European roads, without completely abandoning its American look.

Chrome, a bold nose, subtle fins at the rear, and a dashboard that looks like it came straight out of the 1950s. A large steering wheel, chrome-framed gauges, and a body-colored interior. You're right in the middle of it, literally and figuratively.

The Ford Vedette falls between two worlds

This sometimes leads to discussion at events. Is it American or French? Should it be allowed to be displayed among the American classics? The Vedette falls right between the two. Designed in Detroit, built in France, sold as a Ford and later as a Simca. Ultimately, it was allowed to shine at an American meeting precisely because of its unique history.

The Vedette was available in several body styles, including a four-door fastback with suicide doors, a sedan, a station wagon, and even a coupe and convertible. In 1952, the model received a significant facelift, including a one-piece windshield, improved brakes, and a larger trunk. The car was also 17 centimeters longer.

Enthusiast car

This Vedette remains largely original, right down to the ignition points and French spark plugs. Tinkering is part of the job. A stuck pedal, a fickle odometer, weak headlights. Marinus doesn't mind. This isn't a car that needs to be perfect, but one that lives. And leaving? He's not doing that anymore. At most, something will be parked next to it someday. But they didn't think that with this Ford either.

(Below are some more pictures.)