- Seller: Jean M (Contact)
- Location: Akron, Ohio
- Mileage: 43,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 947670
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Chevrolet V8
- Transmission: Automatic
UPDATE – The seller has provided additional photos of the car!
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, though it requires 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.
If you like the shoe box Fords and I do and I think they will become more popular in the future. I bought a 50 just like this one a couple months ago for 4 K it was all original and drove very well. I thought it was a real steal. The difference with this car comes as a project, but less money. If you want to do the work, I think it could be a very good deal.
Is there a car to go along with the parts pictures?
Yes there is a car. My husband was working on getting car back together. He passed in March.
Do you still have the car?
Our condolences to you.
You guys are pretty quick to criticize the pictures posted by sellers. Well, perhaps you should have a talk with YOUR seller.
Is one wide shot, showing the whole car, too much to ask? I’m here for the pictures and dreaming of buying one!
Yes, a wider photo or three would help. There is a button to push to contact the seller. This car looks to be a good deal, as stated, and more may be forthcoming if a contact is made. Akron was capital for tires, less so now. Should be lots of old cars there.
My cellar ? Think I’ll go now….
This is a car I might be very interested in, and I guess that I expected better pics of something being offered essentially globally.
This week’s winner in the “I want to sell my car, but forgot to take some good pictures” contest…
Not enough info.. not enough pics. Loved these fords looks. Rode in a few. Good memories.
Is that a fjoorvshiftnin one pic, auto?
Back to ford flathead, glass packs. Original/retro. No need for speed. Just memories.
Upgrade where necessary, brakes, etc. 4 speed. Etc.
this one close to home.
See seller’s note above, contact her, ask for more photos or visit. Looks like lots of options with this one, and good that you are close. Good luck. I still have a bunch of flathead parts for cars, and especially F-1, F-100’s. They need to go.
Sorry the pictures are bad. Just went down and took better pictures of entire car but not sure I can edit. So if someone is interested, just email me and I can send pictures.
Email them to us and we will add them to the listing.
Tried last night and they wouldn’t go through.
Is [email protected] correct?
Thank you Jean.
funny how no side shots were made . but no matter . it is either a 2 door sedan , or a….4 door .
Not a bad price with what we can see……..
This is not a “shoe box” car. They ran from 50-53. Beside the bow tie under the hood.
’49 is considered a shoebox.
49 50 51
Although I’m a GM guy if I was the buyer I’d grab that flattie out of the shed and put it straight back in!
Had all 3 years, 49-51, title, great price, looks like a great project. This should be sold already, put it on Facebook marketplace, if it is not listed there.
No question this car is well worth the asking price if i wasn’t so old i would grab this always wanted a shoebox project.
49 2 Dr ford,Flat head V8 and a stick was my first car ,,the R door would swing open with a L turn, 2nd car was a 61 4 dr Ford 6 stick,,didn’t stick with that one very long,then came a 60 Olds bubble top and several Olds after that
A friend had this year shoebox as a Fordillac. Lots of options on this car and well worth the price. Lady, don’t take any less.
love to see a good photo of this (standard full view, side, 3/4, frnt, back, some thing for a nice view of the style).
Love the ponton (usa or its foreign copies) style B4 the bulgem0bile of the try-five-style ( dont like) /or/ nice square lines of early/mid ‘60s (do like).
Grew up (0 – 8 or so) ina wagon of this era. Warm spot in my mind somewhere (seems connected to the eyes) LOL
Car should be gone-sold at that price……..
In the early 1950’s before my father bought his first car in 1953, his best friend would at times take us places in his dark blue shoebox Ford. Classic styling. I would do a resto mod with this car.