BF Exclusive: 1949 Ford Tudor “Shoebox” Project

• Seller: Jean M cQuain (Contact)
• Location: Akron, Ohio
• Mileage: 43,000 Shown
• Chassis #: 947670
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: Chevrolet V8
• Transmission: Automatic

Some project builds are essentially set in stone, while others offer a world of options. This 1949 Ford Tudor falls into the second category. The owner’s husband pursued the custom approach, but there is scope to reverse the changes if the buyer wishes to undertake a faithful restoration. They may be swayed by the shiny Chevrolet small-block under the hood, but the finished product should be something special, regardless of which path the buyer follows. The seller wishes for the Ford to head to a home with an enthusiast who can do the Tudor justice. Therefore, she has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $2,000.

American vehicle manufacturers essentially picked up where they left off after World War II, producing lightly reworked examples of the cars that rolled off the line before hostilities commenced. Ford was the first of the “Big Three” to introduce an entirely new post-war model in 1949, when it unveiled a car affectionately known as the “Shoebox.” Offered in seven body styles, our featured Ford is a first-year Tudor. The photos suggest it started life wearing Birch Gray paint, but it has since undergone a few changes. The owner’s husband completely dismantled the car as a starting point, and the first slice of good news for potential buyers is that he retained virtually every part he removed. Therefore, the deal includes those parts, which should dramatically reduce the shopping list. The second positive point is the Tudor’s apparent lack of rust. The interior photos reveal solid floors, and the underside images show surface corrosion, but no penetrating rust. Areas like the rear wheel wells require work, but this beauty is structurally sound.

When the dedicated workers at Ford bolted this Tudor together, they installed the company’s venerable 239ci flathead V8 under the hood. These motors are legendary, and with the factory quoting an output of 100hp, the flathead comfortably satisfied most buyers. As part of his build, the owner’s husband discarded the flathead, replacing it with a Chevrolet small-block V8 paired with an automatic transmission. Naturally, this motor will deliver considerably more power, resulting in significant performance gains. The buyer could continue down the custom path, but there is an intriguing option to consider. The photos confirm the presence of the original flathead, although it does require rebuilding. The project hasn’t reached the point of no return, allowing the buyer to unbolt the small-block and refit the original motor as part of a faithful restoration. Selling the Chevrolet powerplant would recoup some of the costs, and it is well worth considering if you prefer your classics unmolested.

Although it may not appear the case from this photo, this Tudor’s interior is essentially complete. The seats and other interior trim pieces are visible in the image gallery, but the upholstered components require a retrim. Those determined to continue down the custom path could use those items or consider a bespoke approach with different seats and materials of their choice. As with the rest of the car, this interior offers buyers a world of possibilities. Whatever path the buyer selects, this interior should look pretty sweet when the Ford finally rolls out of the workshop.

I believe that this 1949 Ford Tudor’s greatest strength as a project candidate is its versatility. The buyer could complete the build, realizing the vision that the owner’s husband had when he began disassembling the car. However, there is scope for personalization almost everywhere, or the car can be returned to its factory form relatively easily. The limiting factor will be the new owner’s imagination, but with so many potential paths to follow, this Tudor deserves serious consideration.