HomePick of the DayPick of the Day: 1949 Ford Custom convertible in nice authentic condition

Pick of the Day: 1949 Ford Custom convertible in nice authentic condition

The ‘shoebox’ model is considered to be the first modern post-war US design

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The 1949 Ford was a landmark design for American automakers, credited with starting the postwar modern-styling revolution with integrated fenders and a boldly accented grille. 

The Pick of the Day is a handsome-looking 1949 Ford Custom convertible that appears to have been authentically restored and is ready to be enjoyed. The 1949-51 models, known as “shoebox” Fords, were highly desired by street rod customizers, and finding a convertible in such original fettle is rare.

“If you’re a fan of the cars that got Detroit humming after WWII, then you already know this convertible,” says the Concord, North Carolina, dealer advertising the Ford on ClassicCars.com. “The 1949 Ford Custom launched the great style revolution that brought a new era of sleekness to car design.

“So to find a turn-key ready drop-top that represents this era so well is a true gem.”

Outside, inside and underneath, this Ford looks very clean, straight and original in the gallery of photos with this ad. 

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“The period-correct presentation continues under the hood, where the 239-cubic-inch flathead V8 is showcased in glowing bronze,” the ad says. “The engine bay is nicely detailed with the correct oil-bath air cleaner, and the Ford-branded radiator hoses are so crisp, they look like they are diving into the motor.

“But more than just looking good, the flathead is a great engine for enjoying classic motoring. The engine fires up readily and has a smooth/quiet operation.”

The dealer notes that the Ford could use a few upgrades, such as adding the correct AM radio and getting the heater working, but overall, this convertible is well-presented in its attractive color of pastel blue/green with shiny chrome, wide whitewalls and a tan top that appears to be in good condition.

“The overall attraction here is all about how it already looks clean and authentic, right down to the Custom line’s chrome ring steering wheel,” the seller notes. “The trunk looks great, too, with its correctly colored spare wheel on a full-size bias-ply whitewall.”

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The tan-and-brown interior looks fresh, and the seller says, “the interior lets everyone know it’s a complete classic as it nicely intertwines the two colors on the seats and side panels.”

The seller, who adds that the Ford comes with “complete build receipts,” is asking $26,995, which seems like a reasonable price for such a nice veteran convertible.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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Bob Golfen
Bob Golfen
Bob Golfen is a longtime automotive writer and editor, focusing on new vehicles, collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. He is the former automotive writer and editor for The Arizona Republic and SPEED.com, the website for the SPEED motorsports channel. He has written free-lance articles for a number of publications, including Autoweek, The New York Times and Barrett-Jackson auction catalogs. A collector car enthusiast with a wide range of knowledge about the old cars that we all love and desire, Bob enjoys tinkering with archaic machinery. His current obsession is a 1962 Porsche 356 Super coupe.

8 COMMENTS

  1. I’ll say. brings back many memories. A sweet flathead Ford. One of the very best engines. In proper tune, you can hardly hear them run. Faithful driver . Bringing back my youth. If I were able, I think I would buy this car quickly. Ontario Canada.

  2. Don’t you think that the 1947 Studebaker “In 1947, Studebaker completely redesigned the Champion and the Commander, making them the first new cars after World War II (Wikipedia)” pre-dated the 1949 Ford as the popular car which started “the postwar modern-styling revolution”?

    • I have not read a lot about Studebaker, but it was my understanding that the 1948 Hudson Commadore was first with the”step down” body design and perimeter frame creating the lower center of gravity that helped them dominate NASCAR in that era. i’m no expert, and welcome any feedback on this.

  3. My buddy had a 49 convertible nearly identical, except for the color. We enjoyed many hours cruising chicks. It was an excellent nearly trouble-free vehicle. My father drove a ’49 Ford police cruiser which was mostly a pile of junk. He received a ’50 as soon as they were purchased by the state, and it proved to be reliable and nearly trouble-free. I can only wonder if I were to purchase this vehicle which ’49 I would get, the good one or the lemon.
    I have read that many 49s were lemons including, but not limited to, doors flying open during hard turns. Very frightening considering cars from the era did not have seat belts. It led to a re-design of the door handle for the 50.

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