1949 Ford Custom Club Coupe
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 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. A blank canvas so to speak with the body in primer but the interior redone in a handsome 2 tone scheme, and showing 12,428 miles on the odometer. Unfortunately, these miles cannot be verified as original due to an exempt status for mileage on the title. A turnkey cruiser ready for you to let your imagination run wild.
Exterior
Sitting in its simplified glory we have a nice chromed grille complete with a turbine style central moniker 8 in red. A circular F O R D hovers above and follows the line of the turbine and fronts the massive hood. All mostly straight steel panels, bathed in a coating of gray primer covers this split window, 2 door sedan. Up high bathing the roof is a nicely contrasting satin light blue. A few dings, scratches and scrapes are noted along with paint chips, but hey its primer and it's time you dig out the PPG color catalog. Bringing up the rear are two simple oval tail lights, some badging around the trunk lever, and a clean long and no marred bumper. A nice, chromed spear runs just below the belt line, is also pristine, and adds a nice highlight to the steel slab sides. As do the added aqua hued rear fender skirts, giving this car the signature "low and slow" look. Wide whites are on all 4 corners, and standard Ford wheel covers in their shining glory are present as well with just a hint of red peeking out at the edges.
Interior
Opening the doors reveals very clean door panels with smooth vinyl in white taking center stage, and sandwiched between light blue steel uppers and light blue vinyl lowers. Nicely done bullet style handles are present, as is a vinyl covered armrest and swoopy chrome trim spear. Looking inward we are met with an inviting bench seat with a split back. These beauties are covered with smooth light blue vinyl bolsters and white tuck and roll inserts. Beautiful gold piping surrounds the edges, and they sit within a perfectly restored blue vinyl covered metal "tub" if you will. The rear bench emulates the same tasteful pattern and is also pristine. These benches sit upon a near perfect low pile blue carpeting. Turning our attention to the dash we see a centrally located circular gauge cluster surrounded below by a smattering of chromed knobs and pulls and light blue painted metal. An AM radio in chrome sits in the center of the dash right below a chromed winged circular clock which is mounted to the top of the dash. One more note to the interior, a Magic Air heater is mounted below the dash on the passenger's side and just in front of that is a modern AM/FM/CD stereo.
Drivetrain
In the center of an unrestored engine bay sits a blue painted engine block and intake manifold topped by a chrome louvered air cleaner. All hoses are shiny and nearly new, and our consignor stated that the electrics have been converted to 12 volt, however we note the battery appears to still be a 6 volt unit. Worth mentioning, it is a 239ci Flathead V8 topped with a 2bbl carburetor, and it is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. This combination sends power back to a 3.73 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Not only ushering in the pontoon body style, the undercarriage was innovative as well in that a modern ladder frame now supports a coil spring independent suspension in front and longitudinal semi elliptical springs in back. The engine was moved forward to make more room in the passenger compartment and the antiquated "torque tube" was replaced by a modern driveshaft. All this shows in an unrestored invasive rust free environment with only minor patina and undercoating. A dual exhaust system with Cherrybomb mufflers handles the exhale from the flathead and appears as nearly new. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners to provide the stopping power, and now it's off to the races...er...um...test track.
Drive-Ability
This car fired right up, ran smoothly, and drove very nicely. Despite its 75 years of age, it is a great cruiser with a very comfortable interior. No power steering makes getting in and out of tight places a little strenuous, but once the car is rolling it steers surprisingly easy. Good brakes, and functional exterior lighting was a plus and all functions were working at the time of my drive save for the clock, radio and heater blower. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A piece of automotive history if you desire, with a new design that would last until cars grew fins, and an undercarriage that boldly went where no other US manufacturer went before. A very nice overall example with the interior and underside already up to snuff. Now it's up to you to pick the colors...let your imagination run wild!
98BA640171
9-1949
8BA-Ford V8 100hp
640171-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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