Bullet Nose Cruiser: 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Landau

This 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe 2-door Landau hardtop, listed by a dealer and located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, offers an interesting mix of classic styling and later updates. It’s not presented as a fully sorted showpiece, but rather as a cruiser with personality, a V8 swap, and some areas that still need attention. One important note right up front—the listing states it is being sold with no title, on a bill of sale only, which is something buyers will want to consider carefully. Thanks for the tip, Tony Primo and Rocco B!

The car reflects Ford’s early postwar design shift, moving away from prewar styling into something more streamlined and modern for its time. According to the listing, this example has been updated over the years and now carries a 302 cubic-inch Ford V8 under the hood, paired with a 3-speed manual transmission. That setup feeds into a Ford 9-inch rear axle, which is a common and well-known upgrade in builds like this.

Inside, the car has been redone with gray leather seating, including later-model front bucket seats and a matching rear bench. The listing also mentions a reworked dash area that retains the original layout but incorporates additional gauges and a Grant steering wheel. An aluminum center console has been added to house the shifter, which gives the interior a slightly custom feel compared to stock.

On the exterior, the car is described as finished in dark red metallic, with a mix of original styling elements and custom touches. The listing notes some imperfections, including overspray, dents, and areas where the finish has dulled. Chrome trim is said to show some wear, and certain areas may have been refinished or altered over time. The distinctive “Landau” style roof is also mentioned, featuring a fixed top with a canvas covering intended to mimic a convertible look.

Underneath, the car has received undercoating, and the listing describes the structure as solid with only light surface rust on the floor pans. Suspension and braking components are noted as appearing newer, with drum brakes at all four corners and a dual exhaust system installed.

When it comes to how it behaves on the road, the seller says the car starts, runs, and drives, though they also point out a noticeable engine knock. That detail stands out, as it suggests mechanical attention will likely be needed. Steering is described as heavier at low speeds due to the lack of power assist, which is typical for a car of this era.

Overall, this Custom Deluxe sits in an interesting middle ground. It’s been modified enough to separate it from a stock restoration, but it’s not presented as a finished custom either. For someone who likes early postwar Ford styling and doesn’t mind sorting through a few remaining issues, it could be a compelling project or cruiser.