1950 Ford Custom

For the 1949 model year, Ford spent $72 million on this car's design and engineering. Ten million man-hours went into the development of this car, the first truly new automobile from Ford following World War II. It signaled a new direction for Ford and, in fact, the entire automotive industry. The era of pontoon fenders and high-riding automobiles was over, and Ford broke out of the gate with a smaller, stunningly stylish car that blended militaristic themes with slab-sided functionality. In the first year of production, Ford managed to rack up $177 million in profit. Over the first three days of its introduction, 28.2 million American servicemen, housewives, plumbers and businessmen went to see the new Ford in the showroom. Ford would be ecstatic to see half that number today. For 1950, Ford didn't really mess with success. While it boasted “50 improvements for '50,” the car was essentially unchanged, with the exception of chrome trim addition and subtraction, unless you count the inclusion of a recessed fuel filler neck as a substantial improvement.

For consignment, known as a “shoebox” sedan, a Custom that retains its original exterior and interior look, but has several power, suspension and mechanical upgrades. A nicely presenting car, and a fine example of Ford Postwar production.

Exterior
Seeing this straight steel paneled rounded design car in metallic Green, and a very nice job on it I might add. Paint is smooth shiny and clean with nary a whiff of any inclusions; it is very good. Chrome bumpers show some scratches and dulling and appear to have the vertical push bars removed from them. Brite work is good to excellent, with some paint within them is chipped just a bit. A new stylized Ford crest of red, white, and blue cloisonné replaced the block lettering found on the hood of the 1949's. Nicely done window surrounds, and badging is excellent. Also, I'd be remiss if I left out the super deco front hood ornament which was designed to emulate the sleek lines of this aerodynamic car. Red steel wheels with moon caps are on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we are transported back in time to 1950, with gray felt and vinyl combination door panels. Note the ultra-cool futuristic Salt Flats speed car on the upper doors in logo form. A split bench sits upfront, and has striped dark and light gray cloth, with a single button in the center of each seat back. The rear bench emulates the front bench and is in very clean condition. Headliner is tight, and in bow stitched form, showing in mohair fabric. Black carpeting floods the floors and is near perfect. A gray two-tone dash and dash top sports all the correct gauges with a few add ons, like a center mounted tachometer, and 2 aftermarket gauges to help monitor the newly restored mill upfront. A shout to the original steering wheel in all of its white bakelite glory and throw on some chrome to add bling and a beautiful center clear plastic horn cover.

Drivetrain
Believed to be the original engine block, according to the consigner, we see a restored 239ci Flathead V8. This mill has Navarro Aluminum heads attached a dual 2-barrel carburetor setup with some nifty scoop air intakes, and a 3-speed manual transmission attached to the back. Other add ons are: Power generator/Alternator, 12 Volt system with battery to trunk, a Bubba's distributor, and a Griffin radiator with electric fan.

Undercarriage
All well managed underneath with some surface rust seen on the rockers and hangers, but they hang in there as strong. So does the frame. The front has been dropped 8” and 5” in the rear. A rebuilt front suspension with an added tie rod/idler arm has been installed. Posies rear springs, and new dual exhaust are snaking their way rearward from the Red's headers attached to the side of the engine.

Only driven a few hundred miles in the last 6 years, this is a solid survivor, with good paint, and mechanicals. Chrome is good, and interior presents comfortable and nice. A really nice shoebox sedan, in middle America trim.

VIN Decode
BOCS154872
B-239 CUI V8 Flathead
0-1950
CS-Chester Pennsylvania Assy Plant
154872-Sequentail Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.