1949 Ford Custom Convertible

1949 was an important year for Ford in that for the first time, a new design was set forward following World War II. Notably, the “pontoon” style, (sometimes called ponton), was in vogue, consisting of straight slab side body panels and doing away with articulated fenders and running boards of previous models.

For consignment, a 1949 Ford Custom convertible that's been nosed, decked, shaved, frenched, stretched, lowered, and fitted with parts from other cars to make a completely custom, one off version of a classic convertible. It looks good, and drives well having been driven to the Traditional Custom Car Show in Indianapolis four times!

Exterior
Let's start with the borrowed parts. The grille is from a 1954 Chevy and has extra teeth, the tail lights are off of a 1954 Mercury, the side trim is from a Buick, and the wheel covers are off a Cadillac. Johnny Cash could write a song about this one! The primary color is red with a white belly under the Buick trim piece and a continental kit rides on the back. Trim has been removed from the hood but in its place is some pinstriping on the front edge and on the fender tops. The chrome bumpers look great as does the bright work, including the spotlights which happen to be dummies. Rear quarter panels have been stretched and custom fender skirts cover the rear wheels, emphasizing the shoulder line of the car which drops slightly from front to rear. Sport side mirrors add a streamline feature and the door handles have been shaved. The white canvas power soft top meets the windshield frame and hovers low, adding to the sleek profile of this big car. Imperfections included some cracking near a front wheel opening, a paint “run” in the white section down low on the body, and some imprecise gaps.

Interior
Red and white dominate the inside too and start with vinyl clad door panels in classic smooth and stitched panels of alternating color and a body colored metal crown. Front bucket seats are based in white with stitched red inserts, white buttons, and red piping and this pattern is carried over to the rear bench seat, all looking to be in fine condition. A red Lecarra 4 spoke steering wheel, darkened with usage, is presented to the driver on a bright red tilt column which leads directly to a shiny red dashboard. Pinstriping and metal accents adorn the dash which houses the speedometer front and center. In the center of the dash we find a clock and an AM/FM radio just above a custom center console where standard AutoMeter gauges and a Sun tachometer are embedded. A horseshoe style shifter is floor mounted while the rest of the floor is covered in plush, high pile red carpet. This carpet can also be found lining the trunk along with a stitch vinyl sidewall and spare cover replete with white buttons. The battery resides in the trunk as well.

Drivetrain
A 350ci V8 engine is under the hood topped with a 4-barrel Holley carburetor on an Edelbrock intake manifold. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission handles the mobility and sends power to the 10-bolt rear axle. Power drum brakes are found at all four wheels, and power steering is supplied to the steering wheels. Appearance wise, the engine bay looks pretty standard, clean but not as showy as the exterior and interior. But as we know from the consignor, this car is a runner! And probably stays cool with the electric fan that's been added.

Undercarriage
Clean driver quality underneath with surface rust in some spots including around frame welds. Dual exhaust travels from the engine into a pair of Cherrybomb mufflers and then makes a beeline for the back where two huge tips stretch beyond the rear bumper. Coil springs handle the front independent suspension while leaf springs take on the back. We note some oil on the flywheel cover but the pan looks dry.

Drive-Ability
We hop in the lead sled and roll her out onto the test loop, the 350 singing through the Cherrybombs in a distant song coming from the tailpipes in the next county! It's a big car, comfortable and manageable as we make our way to and from the garage. The 350 might not spin the tires, but it's got enough grunt to move the car confidently down the straight away and the power brakes come in handy around turns. You're looking over a long hood and have a lot of real estate in the back too, so we're mindful of turn ins. Everything works fine with the exception of the horn, the clock, and the driver's door popper.

If you're looking for a one of a kind big bodied hot rod, this is it! Unique modifications render a big presence and plenty of room for the family, and their luggage! Johnny Cash said it best. “You'll know it's me when I come through your town, I'm gonna ride around in style, I'm gonna drive everybody wild, Cause I'll have the only one there is around.”.

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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