32K Orig Miles/Unmolested/Tons Of Recent Maintenance/239ci Flathead V8

1949 Ford Custom

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. An unmolested time capsule car with its consignor stated original paint, interior, drivetrain, tons of recent maintenance, and showing a mere 32,083 miles on the odometer. Unfortunately, these miles cannot be verified as original due to an exempt status for mileage on the title. This car was sold new at Keller Brothers Ford then when traded back in, the dealership kept the car in dry storage for over 60 years before our lucky consignor was able to obtain this piece of Ford history.

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 the consignor stated original and tasteful Seamist Green covers this split window, 2 door sedan. A few dings, scratches and scrapes are noted along with paint wear off on the top of the passenger's front fenders. A few other areas of note are an odd finish on the tops of the rear quarter panels, and a few small bubbles down low on the body. Bringing up the rear are two simple oval taillights, 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. Wide whites are on all 4 corners, and standard Ford wheel covers in their shining glory are present as well.

Interior
Opening the doors reveals very clean door panels with textured nap felting in tan and gray on the lower section that is tuck and roll stitched. Nicely done bullet style handles are present, as is a vinyl and felt covered door handle/armrest. Looking inward we are met with an inviting bench seat with a split back. These beauties are covered with a tan and gray stripe in a light tan field tweed pattern, and plain gray uppers. Beautiful piping surrounds the edges, and they sit within a perfectly restored metal “tub” if you will. The rear bench emulates the same tasteful pattern and is also pristine. These benches sit upon a near perfect black textured rubber flooring. 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 gray painted metal. A radio delete panel 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.

Drivetrain
In the center of an unrestored engine bay sits a blue painted engine block and intake manifold topped by a black oil bath air cleaner. All hoses are shiny and new, as well as wiring, fuel pump, heater core, and a complete tune up has recently been done. Worth mentioning, it is a 239ci Flathead V8 topped with a rebuilt 2bbl carburetor, and it is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. This combination sends power back to a 3.78 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 supporting 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 drive shaft. All this showing in an unrestored invasive rust-free environment with only minor patina and factory undercoating, not unlike the upper body of this car. A single exhaust system handles the exhale from the flathead but does have a few areas of rust through and will need replacement at some point. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners with new wheel cylinders and a new master cylinder and along our tour underneath we noted a new steering sector shaft seal, new transmission output shaft seal, new axle seals and a new pinion seal as well as a new fuel tank.

Drive-Ability
This car fired right up, ran smoothly, and drove very nicely. Despite its 73 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. A true trip back in time with all the originality presented here.

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, well preserved, and ready to go and show.

VIN Decode
98BA731336
9-1949
8BA-Ford V8 100hp
731336-Sequential Unit Number