Vehicle Description
1949 Ford Custom Sedan
The 1949 Ford Custom V8, (exc. Sedans), should be a Milestone car
because of its adroit styling - albeit in part the work of
moonlighting Studebaker people - and traditional V8 performance,
(the engine was much improved this year, though the horsepower
rating didn't change).
Can you imagine how great it must have felt in '49 to go for a
summer evening drive in this Ford? Actually, I'd feel pretty
incredible going for a ride in it today! Don't get me wrong, back
when it was new it would have been a wee bit nicer and cleaner. But
it would not have the years of nostalgia attached to it along with
the technology of the day to tinker with. A 49 Ford Custom ripe for
the picking.
Exterior
Not unlike those old pairs of shoes you just cannot throw away
because they still are comfortable to walk around in, this old
Custom sedan is lightly worn but you just cannot put it down, and
that is not a derogatory statement by far. Certainly, with its
black exterior slab sided steel which has a wonderful patina, along
with rounded fenders which become more integrated into the overall
body with each passing version, big chrome and jet age front
grille, it can run and drive just fine with all tight 1949 patina.
The coming jet age front grille has the centrally located jet
turbine smack dab in the center of the grille, and frames the
bulbous hood, and side single headlight fenders. Chrome is nicely
preserved and still shines brightly. On the steel slab sides is a
trim spear which runs from just in front of the door rearward to
the oval tail light rear. A split front windshield backs up from
the rounded long and large hood. Brightly trimmed side glass and
wide whites wrap deep edge trimmed dog dish styled shiny wheel
coverings. As for extra chrome bling, have a gander at the A pillar
mounted rear view mirrors, the bumper guards both front and back
and the single left side mounted reverse lamp.
Interior
Silver painted sills frame the top of the black vinyl door panels
with gray tuck and roll vinyl for the lowers. A gray padded armrest
resides panel central and we see a sprinkling of chrome and
bakelite for the actuators and cranks. This gray carries through to
the seat tubs which are a split back bench for the front to allow
access to the back, and these hold tan striped broadcloth seating
surfaces and are in very good condition for the front and rear. A
full metal jacket silver dash in its original spear configuration
has some rounded instrumentation, plenty of shiny pulls, and a big
creamy white bakelite steering wheel fronting it. Beautiful
textured black rubber matting floods the floors and above is a
faded and slightly water stained and torn cream cloth
headliner.
Drivetrain
Surprisingly clean for the overall condition, a 225.8ci flathead
inline 6 cylinder engine is under the hood. This has a single
1-barrel carburetor on top, a 3-speed manual transmission complete
with overdrive, and a 4.10 rear axle. Hoses are like new, and the
engine looks in good condition. The head and block are painted Ford
blue which goes nicely with the remainder of the black engine bay.
Of note are the rebuilt fuel pump, rebuilt oil filter housing,
rebuilt generator and a recent fluid change and tune up all to keep
things running like a top.
Undercarriage
Slight surface rust is noted in the framing but otherwise rust free
floor pans and body hangers, even the rockers remain invasive rust
free. A single stock replacement style exhaust is now on for the
exhale and provides some music for the motorhead's ears.
Independent coil spring front suspension, and leaf springs provide
the ride for the rear. Drum brakes are seen on all 4 corners. We
note a new fuel tank and sending unit have been installed as
well.
Drive-Ability
All was working just swimmingly for the test drive save for the
clock and radio, and it took me back to 1949 where I felt like a
million bucks!
A nicely aged example, wonderful patina, a strong mill, and snappy
interior along with some recently rebuilt and new parts like the
fuel tank, generator and battery, now all good to go and in old
school style. Bring on the trim spears!
98HA31540
9-1949
8HA-6 Cylinder 95hp
31540-Sequential Unit Number
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.
