Vehicle Description
1951 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 had the benefit of
a body off restoration in 2007. 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 Maroon, we can harken back to simpler times.
Paint is good overall with some small chips and areas of slight
overspray. 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 cloisonn� 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. Red steel wheels
with "F" logo moon caps are on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we are transported back in time to 1950,
with red broadcloth and white vinyl combination door panels. These
are smattered with a maroon lower panel and armrest A split bench
sits upfront, and has red broadcloth with tiny white square pattern
stitched in the field of red. A white vinyl bolster surrounds the
bench, and this is all seated within a gray metal tub. The rear
bench emulates the front bench and is in very clean condition. A
gray two-tone 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 has slight rust
where it is mounted to the mesh. A shout to the original steering
wheel with its inverted chevron center and half round horn ring.
Headliner is fairly tight, and in bow stitched form, in gray
fabric. Nice red carpeting covers the floors and has been neatly
kept. Looking into the trunk it has been fully carpeted and is very
clean and organized, which is a nice attention to detail not oft
completed.
Drivetrain
Lifting the hood, we are met with a consigner stated original and
beautifully restored 239ci V8. A single 2-barrel carburetor sits
atop, and the transmission is a 3-speed manual with overdrive and
is also original to the car. Interestingly the overdrive is
actuated with a pull lever under the steering wheel. Gold paint is
on the block, hoses are all new, and engine bay is corrosion free
and looking almost like new! Noted is the electrical system which
has been upgraded to 12V.
Undercarriage
During the body off restoration time was taken to pay attention to
the frame and undercarriage, and it was certainly worth it. All
black no surface rust, great sturdy floorpans, and rockers. No oil
leaks are seen, and looking around we note coil spring front
suspension, and semi-elliptic springs on the rear. Drum brakes are
all around. Cherry bomb dual exhausts give this car a throaty
sound.
Drive-ability
Starts 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 very nice example with a few tips and dulling, overspray
but I'm being picky. A well completed body off restoration, and we
have an interesting "shoebox" meant to live in early 50's
suburbia.
VIN Decode
B1MP150183
B-V8
1-1951
MP-Memphis, TN Assy Plant
150183-Sequential 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.