Solid older restoration. 12 volt electrical system. Great-running flathead V8. 3-speed manual with working overdrive. Newer wide whitewall radial tires. Nicely accessorized. Iconic post-war Ford that’s built for cruising.

There are many who will argue that the 1949 Ford was the car that saved the company. Shockingly modern, it ushered in a new era in design and created a car that still looks modern and contemporary today. For 1950, little was changed, keeping the “bullet nose” grille and venerable flathead V8, which was still a great way to get around. Finished in traditional Ford Maroon, this attractive 2-door sedan is as familiar as your own kitchen. It has been tastefully modified in the style of a 1950s cruiser, including a windshield visor, functional lake pipes, and spinner hubcaps, not to mention some artful pinstriping, and that’s a look that will always be in style. Finish quality is quite good and the bodywork underneath is straight and solid with no evidence that this was ever a rusty car. The doors close with a precise-sounding thunk and the hood snugs down easily. Nice chrome and stainless trim accentuates the important parts, making this 2-door look every bit a product of the 1950s.

The interior continues the traditional theme with pleated gray vinyl on the original seats, making it feel bright and spacious inside. The big ivory-colored steering wheel makes the Ford a breeze to handle, and the dashboard has been dressed with matching pinstripes. New door panels were created to match, as well as fresh carpets on the floor, so obviously someone was spending good money on this build. A few toggle switches under the dash manage things like the overdrive and chassis lighting, and there’s an aftermarket turn-signal switch on the column. The factory gauges are operational even with the 12-volt electrical system and a modern AM/FM/CD stereo head unit has been neatly installed under the original AM radio. Other accessories include a heater, a cooling fan for the driver, and a “trafficator” on top of the dash, which gives you the ability to see overhead stoplights despite the low-hanging visor. The back seat is as spacious as the front, making this an easy 4-passenger cruiser, and the massive trunk has been upholstered to match. Nice!

For many enthusiasts, there’s just nothing like a vintage Ford flathead V8. The one in this car is a 239 cubic inch unit with 8BA heads, just the right combination to make it feel torquey and lively on the road. It still inhales through a single carburetor, but that doesn’t seem to hold it back—there’s plenty of punch at almost any speed. The alternator perched up high is your tipoff that this car now runs a 12-volt electrical system, and it sure spins the starter with vigor! New wiring, a big radiator, and a fresh tune-up help ensure reliability. The transmission is the original 3-speed manual with overdrive, and the system is easy to use for relaxed highway cruising. It also delivers a traditional Ford V8 soundtrack thanks to a dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers and real, functional lake pipes with caps if you want to run wide open. The suspension is stock and the rear axle is the original unit with what we believe are 4.10 gears inside—part of the reason this car feels so punchy around town. And with a flick of a switch, the undercarriage is bathed in red LED lighting, just for some extra attention. Factory wheels wear accessory “spinner” hubcaps and a recent set of 215/70/15 Diamondback wide whitewall radial tires for the perfect look and improved handling.

Driving this car, I realized that by 1950, they had cars figured out pretty well. This handsome Ford is easy to drive, keeps up with traffic, and always attracts attention out on the road. If you’re a little nostalgic, this Custom should hit all the high notes. Add in a reasonable price, and you get a turn-key car that you can show with pride. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.