Pick of the Day: 1959 Ford Custom 300

Not every classic car is a concours-ready example. Some enthusiasts would rather start out with a car that need a little work and allows them to customize or finalize the restoration in their own tastes.

The Pick of the Day is a 1959 Ford Custom 300 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Laveen, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Excellent candidate for restoration,” the listing begins. “This Ford is an AZ original car, very straight and clean.” The Custom and the Custom 300 slotted below the Fairlane models beginning in 1957. While the base Custom was targeted specifically for fleet buyers, the Custom 300 sat just above it and offered some value. The model was phased out by 1960 so its lifespan was short-lived.

Whenever a seller includes a photo of a car’s data plate in the photo gallery, it’s interesting to run the information through an online decoder. The trim tag on this Custom 300 can be decoded as follows:

• Serial Number: C9PG174799
• Engine Code C: 292cid V8
• Body Series 58E: Custom 300 Fordor
• Assembly Plant P: Twin Cities, Minnesota
• Production Sequence: 174,799
• Color LC2: Surf Blue and Wedgewood Blue
• Trim 02: Blue Ribbed Vinyl Bolster and Blue Block Fabric
• Date 08F: June 8, 1959
• Trans 2: Overdrive
• Axle 3: 3.70 Ratio

Here’s where things get interesting: The seller states in the listing that power comes from a 332cid V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission. This information conflicts with the trim tag since the car left the factory with a 292cid motor and an automatic transmission. It’s not uncommon for cars to receive motors and transmission swaps, especially when they are 64 years old. And regardless of the current drivetrain setup, the seller asserts that mechanical condition of the car is sound. “Always starts and runs great,” the seller says. “Clutch is smooth, car starts good, and runs great.”

Cosmetically, the car looks a little worn although it is complete and rust-free. The exterior is finished in two-tone blue and is dressed in brightwork for the bumpers, side moldings, and badging. Footwork comes from steel 14-inch wheels with Ford-branded chrome hubcaps.

This car looks like a great canvas for further restoration or customization, and the price is reasonable. The seller is asking $12,500 or best offer for this Custom 300. Best of all, it looks like the car comes with a set of blue fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror.

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