1949 Ford Convertible
The 1949 Ford was an American automobile produced by Ford. It was the first all-new automobile design introduced by the Big Three after World War II, civilian production having been suspended during the war, and the 1946-1948 models from Ford, GM, and Chrysler being updates of their pre-war models. Popularly called the “Shoebox Ford” for its slab-sided, “ponton” design, the 1949 Ford is credited both with saving Ford and ushering in modern streamlined car design with changes such as integrated fenders and more. This design would continue through the 1951 model year, with an updated design offered in 1952.
For consignment, a barn find presentation of the car that single handedly did away with the American car concept of old that utilized distinct fenders and running boards, and ushered in the era of slab sided envelope styling with a clear clean line from front to back no running boards no protruding fenders. However, this particular example has seen better days and a determination will need to be made to see if the effort and finances required to bring this drop top shoebox back to its former glory are worth it or to delegate this unit as a parts car.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Exterior
Sitting in its simplified glory we have a faded, rusted and delaminated grille complete with a turbine style central V8 moniker. A circular F O R D hovers above and follows the line of the turbine and fronts the massive hood. Worn, faded, cracked, and chipping pale yellow paint covers the body and extensive invasive rust is noted on all panels. Bringing up the rear is a single simple oval tail light, the other is missing and some badging around the trunk lever. Below is a rusted and marred bumper. A few of the pieces of chrome trim spear remain just below the beltline and have seen better days. Blackwall tires are on all 4 corners and are mounted to standard steel wheels. The top, even in the lowered position shows as severely degraded with aqua painted framing.
Interior
Opening the doors reveals red vinyl door panels that have torn and are exposing the steel and inner working of the doors. Looking inward we are met with a split bench in the front and full bench in the rear. These seats were covered with tan vinyl in the past that has now been torn aways exposing the framing and springs. The rear bench emulates the front but is in slightly better condition. Turning our attention to the dash we see the factory gauge cluster has been removed and in the center of the dash a long thin sweeping cluster has been installed. A few pulls and slides are noted as well as a duet of aftermarket gauges hanging below the rusted steel dash. The worn original steering wheel, sans horn ring sits atop of the factory column and down below we note the steel flooring with heavy invasive rust and large gaping holes. In the trunk we see some spare parts and more heavy rust for the flooring.
Drivetrain
Lifting the hood reveals a blank canvas of an engine bay. The engine and transmission are long gone and we are left with steel for the framing, suspension and inner fenders. A 3.78 geared rear axle is still at the tail end of the car.
Undercarriage
While not taken up in the air on our lift, we can surmise that the condition below matches that of the top side. Drum brakes are all around and the suspension is independent with coil spring style in the front and leaf spring in the rear.
A piece of automotive history if you desire, with a new design that would last until cars grew fins. A major project with nearly every part needing refreshing or replaced. A full on customization, an extremely enthusiastic restoration project or a parts car. The choice is yours.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Price: Auction
More info: Listing has ended. Click to search on eBay for similar 1949 Ford Custom (Affiliate link)
Seller's other items: classicautomall
