Vehicle Description
Credited as the car that saved Ford, the post-war "shoebox" models
were one of the first truly modern cars. With integrated styling
and a rounded, aerodynamic look, they remain popular with
collectors and customizers alike. Take this 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe
as a prime example. With a killer old school look that features a
little custom paint work, an efficient flathead six motor, and a
very competitive price, this shoebox represents an inexpensive way
to get into the classic car hobby in style.
This 1950 Custom Deluxe tudor is what you got when you walked into
your Ford dealer looking for either the most basic transportation
available, or the hottest car on the road, or both. The tudor sedan
was externally identical to a four-door sedan, except there were no
rear doors, although you can clearly see where they would have
been. The 2-door "post" body style was inexpensive and durable, so
it was a favorite of hot-rodders and always looks great in light
colors. The driver-quality light blue paint on this '50 looks
period appropriate and gives the car an upscale look that's
extremely appealing, and we've always liked the way chrome trim
pops against light pastel paint like this. Old-school pinstriping
on the hood and deck lid give the car a custom feel, while the hood
visor is a classic accessory not seen very often these days, but we
really like the look. Sheetmetal is in overall decent shape with no
evidence of previous damage, and there's a genuine honesty to a
bone-stock old Ford with no liberties taken with its design. Even
all the chrome is intact and shines up fairly well, providing a
little bling up against the light blue finish. Accessory fender
skirts make it look longer and lower, but aside from the pinstripes
and the chrome exhaust tip poking out from under the rear bumper,
it looks very much the way it would have in 1950.
The interior remains largely stock inside, with basic
accommodations featuring bench seats and an original dash that's
been painted and adorned with similar pinstriping found on the
exterior. The black vinyl and cloth upholstery is very likely what
it would have used originally, although the front seat does have a
different cover than the rear, and it definitely shows its age.
Plain door panels were created to tie it together and the carpets
on the floors keep things civilized and help insulate the cab from
heat and road noise. Instrumentation is simple, with a big
speedometer with the auxiliary gauges around its perimeter, and all
the factory switches and toggles are underneath. The big steering
wheel is likely the original piece still in place, and it's
installed atop an original column with a 3-on-the-tree shifter that
manages the transmission below. Other than a factory AM radio that
is no longer operational, options are sparse, although this Ford
did come with a heater and a clock, all of which were still
optional in 1950. Out back, the spacious trunk still carries a
correct rubber mat as well as a bias-ply spare with jack
assembly.
The real reason this car is so popular, however, is the efficient
flathead straight 6 under the hood. Fans of the flathead claim that
even the bad ones are good and the good ones are great, and the
blacked-out 226 cubic inch unit here certainly lives up to the
hype. It starts easily, idles almost silently, and makes all the
right sounds when you romp on the throttle. Sure, the modern MSD
coil and 12-volt alternator dominate the top side, but they do
nothing to change the bubbly, enthusiastic nature of the Ford
flathead. They took few other liberties with the mechanicals and it
remains pretty much as intended right down to the single barrel
carburetor. It's backed by a 3-speed manual transmission and
well-spaced ratios, and is perfectly happy to cruise all day at 50
MPH. It tracks straight, rides smoothly thanks to relatively recent
front suspension upgrades, and the purring exhaust with its
chambered muffler gives it a fantastic '50s sound. Finishing the
factory look, it wears 6.00-16 whitewall bias-plys that are wrapped
around steelies adorned with beautiful bright chrome hubcaps.
Take this clean 1950 Ford home and discover the car that led the
way into the future. Call now!
