The 1949 Ford was a crucial vehicle for the company, representing its first new model since before World War II. Its appearance was groundbreaking, being its first offering featuring “ponton” styling that integrated the fenders into the bodyline and eliminated such old-world features as running boards. For 1950, the changes were evolutionary, and our feature car is a vehicle from that model year. It has sat in this barn since 1984, but the seller dragged it into the light of day, ready for it to find a new home. The Ford is listed here on Craigslist in Pueblo, Colorado. You could take home this classic by handing the seller $3,500. Barn Finder T.J. has struck gold with this Ford, so thank you so much for referring it, T.J.
What surprises me about this Ford is its lack of significant rust issues. The seller notes minor problems, but the only ones visible are small spots in both lower front fenders. Otherwise, any exterior rust is nothing but surface corrosion. It is unclear whether the story continues on the underside, but initial impressions are positive. The original owner ordered it finished in Sunland Beige, and it retains that color. The state of the paint below the heavy dust layer is unclear, but it looks consistent. That raises the tempting prospect of treating the car to a wash and polish, addressing the rust and corrosion, and retaining this classic as a survivor-grade vehicle. It would undoubtedly attract attention returned to its former glory, but there would be no less attention if it remained essentially as-is. The glass looks free from significant flaws, but some trim pieces would benefit from a trip to the platers.
This Ford’s interior looks as tired as the exterior, but it could be serviceable with a deep clean, and if a blanket was thrown over the front seat. The back seat upholstery is free from rips, and I believe that some of the modern cleaning products available could significantly reduce the stains and marks on it and the headliner. They won’t save the front seat, which is pretty shredded. There are rips on other upholstered surfaces, which might prompt the new owner to opt for spending $1,800 on a retrim. Alternatively, the existing upholstery would make an excellent template if the new owner purchased the correct cloth off the roll. Should they know someone handy with a sewing machine, producing respectable DIY replacements could prove significantly cheaper with this approach. Even if they follow that plan, spending $190.00 on a carpet set could add the perfect finishing touch. The wheel has only one small crack, and the painted surfaces should look respectable following a polish.
The seller supplies no engine photos but reveals the company’s 226ci flathead six resides under the hood. It would have sent 95hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Outright performance figures are largely irrelevant, but this Tudor would have transported six people comfortably while cruising happily at 55 – 60mph. The seller indicates the car doesn’t run, and it probably hasn’t since the previous owner parked it in the 1980s. However, the motor turns freely, raising the possibility that it may only take a fuel system clean and refresh and some essential maintenance to breathe new life into the drivetrain. Perishable items require careful attention after so long, but if the buyer revives the six, the remaining work could represent more satisfying DIY tasks.
The 1949 Ford proved a sales winner for the company, and the evolutionary 1950 model proved no less popular. Of the 816,371 buyers who handed over their cash that year, 396,060 selected the Deluxe Tudor with a six under the hood. Cars once thick on the ground are seen less frequently today, particularly in their original and unmolested form. This complete classic could be an excellent first restoration project, although history suggests it is unlikely to be a high-value car once the new owner completes their work. However, it is a build that could involve the entire family and represent an excellent bonding experience. That’s something upon which you can’t put a price, and even though its ultimate value is unlikely to be far beyond $20,000, it still deserves a close look.
Creepy Picture of the Year finalist.
“Twin Peaks” creepy.
Once restored it may not be a hi valued vehicle but it is honest. Someone taking a vehicle like this and putting in a fire breathing chunk of iron actually reduces the value in my eyes since it did not come that way. Throwing in all that engine and asking a astronomical price is not an honest value.
Looks like the aftermath of the shootout at the Victory Motel in “L.A. Confidential.”
Some sources say that the flathead six was actually a better engine than the v8.
A childhood neighbor’s dad had owned a ’49 Ford with the V8 and a ’51 with the six and he said the six was faster on the launch.
One of the best front grills ever. The radial engine airplane flying out from under the hood. Especially with the bumperettes as the landing gear. I keep looking for a complete on of these to mount on my wall.
I have to disagree with the author’s Disney Movie idea, of a family restoration with a happy ending. Even though it is somewhat a solid car any sort of a competent restoration, would far exceed the value of the car. Of course this is a common problem and happens quite a bit with cars that are not necessarily the most popular examples of sought after collectible cars.
The plus side is I have seen many projects done for just sentimental reasons and the results are very positive ,even with a negative financial outcome.
Totally agree – even “treated” to a wash is not going to make this car worth anymore than it is, and its a base model that’s been sitting for decades and will, like you said, cost more money than its worth to redo. While its complete, something caused it to be parked and if its something like the motor seized you’ll have even more money into it. There are plenty of 49 and 50 Fords still around, better to look for a decent running one
Why would a family project need to be a money maker? That totally discounts the value of working together. It may be a bonding time, and it may make the car a family heirloom. Better return than a trip to an amusement park. Just my 2 cents. That and $5.00 will buy you a coffee.
Looks like the old boy was stored under the foundation of a house, glad it made it’s way out of there.
TouringFordor, I think you are missing the point, the project does not have to make money. The point is to pick a project that can be successful and fun and not lose money.
Why would it need to NOT lose money? A trip to the mountains or any other activity that a family (or Dad and Son, or daughter for that matter) does together… always costs something. ANY project done together could cost money.
This car looks like it’s a “more labor” than “parts” needed vehicle. I don’t know why anyone would try to Restore the car, but lots of folks would try to make it a daily or weekly runner, and that should be the goal. NOT pooring bucks in hoping to flip the car in two years to MAKE MONEY!
The six was at least as smooth as the V8, about as powerful, would pull harder at very low RPM’s, and didn’t have the chronic overheating problems of the 8’s. It was also easier to work on. Given the choice, I’d choose a 6 every time. I’ve got the “big” six in an F6 and it will lug down to where you could probably count the fan blades as they turn and still pull away when you give it full throttle. You can’t beat an I-line 6!
Yup, clean it up, fix the front seat and make it road worthy. Then drive it as is as you upgrade it or whatever. A car like this doesn’t need a new carpet, nor did it ever have a carpet. A rubber floor mat got the job done.
I’d love to have this old soldier parked by my house. With that flathead straight 6, 3 spd column shift and all!