It’s been tucked away, worn by time and weather, but this 1950 Ford Custom Convertible still has that unmistakable Shoebox charm. Found in a barn, pulled out, and now sitting outside awaiting its next chapter, this drop-top Ford is being sold on a bill of sale only—with no title—but offers plenty of vintage appeal. It’s listed here on eBay with a non-running 239ci flathead V8 and a manual 3-speed transmission.
Originally finished in Medium Blue, the body shows heavy patina, flaking paint, and invasive rust on the fenders, rockers, and lower quarters. The grille and bumpers are pitted, and the rear quarter has a sizable dent. It’s rough—but it’s mostly complete. The white convertible top is torn but intact, though the plastic rear window is missing. Black steel wheels and weathered tires round out the stance.
Inside, the tan interior is surprisingly original, though time hasn’t been kind. Green household carpet—likely a midlife fix—is now dry-rotted. The factory dash, with its AM radio, gauges, and clock, remains in place. The seats show wear but are still usable, with the front bench featuring broadcloth inserts and vinyl bolsters. The rear seat is missing its lower cushion. It’s definitely a time capsule, though one that needs more than just a fresh key and some fluids.
The flathead V8 hasn’t run in years and the car’s current mechanical state is unknown. It’s backed by a 3-speed manual and a 3.78 rear end. Underneath, you’ll find drum brakes, an independent front coil suspension, and leaf springs out back. A proper undercarriage inspection is advised before placing any serious bids.
There’s no question this Ford will require an ambitious restoration, but drop-top Shoebox Fords remain desirable and increasingly hard to find—especially ones that haven’t already been chopped, slammed, or otherwise heavily modified. Whether you’re looking to do a full frame-off resto or build a tasteful period custom, this car offers a solid base with plenty of factory bones still intact.
Would you bring this old Ford back to life—or would you turn it into a custom cruiser with modern flair?
If not mistaken, I think an o/d control is visible and that makes a 4:11 rear end which doesn’t matter with the condition otherwise.
Seriously,,, can’t the seller just stick a wrench on it and see if the engine is stuck?
Very cool, the body very labor intensive, the re-chrome job by itself can break you. Not to mention all of the mechanical refurbishment required. It would have to be a labor of love. Because financially it’s a non-starter.
$8K OBO??? This is an avatar for what used to be a car. The paint is all that’s keeping it from dissolving into the ground. This is barely a parts car. Someone with a lot of intestinal fortitude and lots of metal-working skills required, to say nothing of beaucoup bucks, even after giving the owner $500 to haul it away.
My uncle had one of these and thought the world of it. I personally think they are one of the ugliest cars made. I’ll take the flathead though!
when I was a kid everyone I knew parents drove a shoe box Ford my parents had a 1949 later in 1960 my first car wàs a 1950 Ford even today when I see one it’s one of the most beautiful cars ever made
I’m less concerned about the rear quarter being non-existent. More concerned about the front drivers side fender. The way it’s bulging, my guess is there is something structural underneath that has given up, or maybe rusted away like the front radiator support or one of the inner fender braces. “Broadcloth inserts and vinyl bolsters” is a bit of a stretch. Showing wear if that is the term we want to use. And where are the rocker sill panels?
The motor looks tilted and the say it has a transmission in it. Where? It doesn,t look like its connectec to the transmission. NEXT !
I can see part of the column shifter linkage (steering shaft side) hooked up to one of the shifter forks. But I don’t see the second
one.
I never liked this body style.
“Heavy patina”?????? That’s just pure scrap metal.
Couple of months or so ago there was a really nice one featured here on barn finds somewhere in Georgia. I don’t remember now what the price was, but it would’ve been a better deal than this one even if you could do all the work yourself. Hard pass.
A rather ugly duckling for sure, but in the early 50’s they were everywhere and loved by their owners.
What they morphed into when the tri-five erra started is when Ford made some beautiful cars trying to excell their competition.
Great article.