Vehicle Description
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 cloisonne
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.
