Bullet Nose Cruiser: 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Landau

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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.

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Comments

  1. angliagt angliagt

    Something just doesn’t look right on this.It has pretty blah lines,
    & that top (up) doesn’t look good.It needs (at least) some chrome
    trim.

    Like 22
    • Bob Weinzierl

      I thought the same thing. At first I thought it was a plastic promo model. Painted chrome just never looks good.

      Like 1
  2. Don Holt

    Looks like a plastic model.

    Like 36
    • Joe Haska

      Is this car real? Is it the AI thing everybody is talking about. If so I am not worried. This is very bad, I just don’t get it.

      Like 5
  3. RoadDog

    Somebody built themselves a life-sized Hot Wheels car!

    Like 8
    • Fahrvergnugen FahrvergnugenMember

      Not even a Hot Wheels car; more of a toy that you find at the Point of Purchase display at the convenience store, with generic styling.

      Like 13
  4. rustylink

    a Temu shoebox Ford…

    Like 9
  5. CCFisher

    The complete lack of trim, the awkward proportions, the mediocre paint quality, and especially the painted silver bumpers all conspire to make this look like a scale model. It’s somebody’s idea of cool, but not mine. The sad thing is, Ford didn’t offer a hardtop in 1950, so this very likely started life as a convertible.

    Like 7
  6. little_shoesMember

    …..well, it’s something you don’t see everyday……or maybe in a lifetime…

    Like 4
    • Dan

      Or want to…

      Like 13
  7. bobhess bobhessMember

    Gone.

    Like 3
  8. kim in lanark

    Briefly during the Korean war chrome bumpers were replaced with silver paint. It did not last very long and a 1950 model would be too early. I tend to look at “runs and drives” to mean it can move under its own power, but not really roadworthy. If the powertrain is good to go it looks like all that is needed is cosmetic work but jeez, do something about that roof. It always puzzles me why someone will do great work up to a point and then go slapdash.

    Like 7
  9. TAP

    Nice car all except for that silly top.
    Price is good also.

    Like 1
  10. MorleyMember

    does it have an engine

    Like 2
    • robt

      Yes, small block ford. Shown in the ended e-bay post.

      Like 1
  11. robt

    Maybe, if you can loose that roof and the interior console … and the seats, steering wheel…, etc. I don’t mind the silver paint.
    It does look a lot like one of the 1/25 plastic models I would have built as a kid way back when.
    But it’s gone. Does ‘ended’ mean sold? or just pulled off market?

    Like 3
  12. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    Well, the listing ended already with no takers at the listed $9,500 price.

    Like 1
  13. V12mech

    Read the add, no title, engine knock, didn’t know it was possible to make a shoebox this hideous looking. Good grief.

    Like 4
    • Dave in PA

      I like it, and it does look like a model, but no title is an issue here as well as many other states. Some good work but on a shoestring budget. Chrome very expensive. Good for someone who can fix the 302 in a state where title can be had without too much. I live close enough. We are having our Ford V-8 Club cruise next to the Classic Auto Mall upcoming August.

      Like 2
  14. Paolo

    Everything looks off on this one. Everything.

    Like 2
  15. Dan

    It has to be a convertible, look at the windows. Too early for a Victoria

    Like 1

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