1951 Ford Tudor

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 had the benefit of a body off restoration. A repaint at some point in its past and a consignor stated original interior make for a nicely presenting car, and a fine example of Ford's postwar production.

Exterior
Seeing this straight steel paneled rounded design car in beautifully applied medium green, we can harken back to simpler times. Paint is good overall with some small chips and areas of apparent body work in the lower sections. Chrome bumpers show minimal wear and trim and badging is all good with a little wear also. 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 are seen all around even on the split windshield. 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. Full polished 3 spoke style wheel covers are on all 4 corners and are wrapped in wide whitewall rubber.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we are transported back in time to 1951, with light gray and medium gray vinyl combination door panels. These are smattered with chrome window cranks, door handles and a black vinyl armrest. A split bench sits upfront and has gray broadcloth with a herringbone like pattern in a lighter gray. A gray vinyl bolster surrounds the bench and shows a small tear at the base of the driver's side upper seat section, and this is all seated within a gray metal tub. The rear bench emulates the front bench and is in very clean condition. A grayish silver dash and dash top sports all the correct gauges and these are embedded within a chromed mesh metal dash front. The word “Custom” is in your grandmother's handwriting and looks as good as when this car came off the assembly line. A shout to the original steering wheel with its inverted chevron center and half round horn ring. Headliner is fairly tight and presents in gray fabric. A nice black rubber mat covers the front floors while a brown carpet covers the rear. Looking into the trunk, it has been lined with a black vinyl mat and is very clean and organized, which is a nice attention to detail not often completed.

Drivetrain
Lifting the hood, we are met with a consignor stated original 239ci V8. A single 2-barrel carburetor sits atop, and the transmission is a 3-speed manual and is also original to the car. Gold paint is on the air cleaner housing, hoses are all soft and supple, and check out the groovy horns mounted to the underside of the hood. We note this car still runs on its original 6-volt electrical system.

Undercarriage
All black, no surface rust, great sturdy floor pans, frame and rockers. We note coil spring front suspension, and semi-elliptic springs on the rear. Drum brakes are all around and we see a single glasspack style exhaust system that splits into a a dual tailpipe set up.

Drive-ability
This shoebox started quickly, drove effortlessly, and brakes were nice and grabby. Not a speed record breaker, but not meant to be, just a smooth cruiser. All seemed to work interior control wise, and the seats were comfortable, with the pedals perfectly placed.

Overall a very nice example with a few tips and dulling, overspray but I'm being picky. A well completed restoration with a consignor stated original interior, a newer electric fuel pump, an electric cooling fan and we have an interesting “shoebox” meant to live in early 50's suburbia and be enjoyed by you today!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.