If you wish to hit the road in a classic that is guaranteed to turn heads, this 1949 Ford Club Coupe Convertible could be a strong contender. It isn’t an original survivor, but its presentation is first-rate. It is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a “plug and play” option. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this stunning Convertible listed here on Craigslist in Ferndale, Washington. The seller set their price at $25,000 for a car that seems to need nothing.
North America experienced a period of affluence following the end of World War II. Nowhere was this more obvious than in the new car market. After years of vacant showrooms, Detroit hit the ground running with lightly reworked versions of its pre-war models. Ford released its first new passenger car in 1949, unveiling a range that would soon earn the name of the “Shoebox.” It wasn’t the first car to feature “ponton” styling, marking a dramatic departure from its predecessor’s appearance. The public warmly embraced the Shoebox, and sales were extremely strong. This first-year example is a Club Coupe Convertible, which was one of seven body styles offered in 1949. Its history is unclear, but its appearance suggests a recent refurbishment. I won’t classify it as restored, because the listing images reveal a range of changes and upgrades. However, it wears what the seller claims is its original Miami Cream paint shade. The paint is excellent and, like the panels, appears free from significant cosmetic shortcomings. I see no evidence of rust, and the trim looks excellent for a classic of this vintage. The Beige soft-top doesn’t fit as tightly as I would expect, although it may be new and require time to stretch into shape. The glass is in good condition, and the seller includes a set of fender skirts. The first obvious change to this classic is the wheel-and-tire combination. It gives the car a classy and more purposeful appearance, but it is easily reversed if the buyer prefers authenticity.
The interior reveals the main reason I consider this Convertible refurbished. The Cream vinyl trim is impressive, but the material and stitching pattern don’t match those used by Ford in 1949. It includes rather classy embroidery on the seat backs, denoting the marque and model year. The word “spotless” would be the most appropriate to describe the presentation, because it has no major faults or issues. The ignition switch is missing its surround, which appears to be the only item warranting criticism. The upholstered and painted surfaces are immaculate, and the carpet is clean and wear-free. Hitting the road with the top down won’t embarrass the buyer, and the modern CD stereo will provide tunes on the move.
Powering this Convertible is Ford’s mighty 239ci flathead V8. It should deliver 100hp and 180 ft/lbs of torque, and with the first owner selecting the three-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive, it should be an accomplished open-road cruiser. It should also sound pretty awesome, since it exhales through a dual exhaust. It appears the seller upgraded the electrical system, fitting an alternator and converting the car to twelve-volt operation. The deal includes a selection of period-correct sales literature, and it appears that this Ford is a turnkey proposition.
If originality is a crucial prerequisite, this 1949 Ford Club Coupe Convertible may not appeal to you. However, if you are willing to compromise to slip behind the wheel of a spotless classic with a few modifications, it could be a strong contender. The “Shoebox” is an automotive icon, and while Ford originally pitched it as an affordable daily driver, tidy examples now achieve impressive sale prices. The seller’s figure for this vehicle is realistic, which makes me believe it may find a new home fairly quickly. Could that new home be yours?
Condisering age, condition and presentability, a nice car. Actually the upholstery is a notch beyond original and fits the car exceptionally well, like the stitching on the seat backs, nice touch! The upgrade to alternater (and presumably 12v) doesn’t take away from the character either, good move. Assume still the original type brakes and curious about the hose connections on the left side of the firewall. Nice car.
I’m not usually a shoebox fan but this car speaks to me. Great looking car.
I sold a 51 Ford Convertible last year from my fathers collection after he past. The interior in this one appears to be a bit “different” but for the most part the cars are the same. This one is on par with my fathers and I was able to squeak out $18k which was quite a lot for the car. The featured car is a better color combo but still priced on the higher side.
Just as with the Lincoln Cosmo earlier, I’m struck with the price, which you say is low, obviously based on your experience. I just have a hard time believing that a restored desirable (at least to me) convertible in beautiful condition can only attract a price in the high teens, low 20s. Given what stuff goes for in the big name auctions, it seems a travesty.
1951 was a one year only dash much nicer than the 49 or 50 plus 51 first year for plastic tail light lenses and ford o matic
Senior year in high school classmate’s Dad gave him a restored ’49 bright red with all white interior convertible. To this day I think Ford’s design group built the cleanest looking cars ever built.
Terry, If you are looking at the same thing I am, I see a pulse style electric fuel pump. A strange location for that. They work best as a pusher and should be mounted as close to the fuel tank as possible. It could be a fix for a vapor lock issue. Also notice the 12 volt battery. You’re right a nice car indeed.
Another excellent turnkey vehicle for entry into the classic car hobby. Basically original with just enough modifications to make it a sharp dependable driver.
Yep, I wish they had a couple shots with the top down. Great car, good looking, and if your not in a hurry, this one a good one to cruise in. You can’t build one for this price. Plenty of parts still around, and early Ford sites to get NOS if you need stuff. The 3-speed with O/D gets you going on the hi-way. I had a ’51, the ugly one…..but rock solid.
Sure wouldn’t kick this one off my driveway. Nice car to just drive around and enjoy. 12V conversion is nothing to scoff at; I wouldn’t have done it but considering that it was already done, I wouldn’t likely want to change it back unless I had a major electrical failure. Not a powerhouse by any means but compared to my ’49 Chevy this will blow my old babbitt-pounder’s doors off.
Back in the day when my Styleline got pulled out of hibernation in that shed, I would’ve rather seen a Ford Shoebox but then, beggers cannot be chosers. I’m happy with what I’ve got…
The only issue I see is that in both pictures of the right door it is not closed tight at the back edge. I hope that when the pictures were taken it was overlooked and not closed tight.
So many of the ‘baby’ Birds that were pulled out of wrecking yards when used prices began to soar that body work was not done right — some fits were very poor (doors/hood/trunk).
I drive by this on the way to and from work everyday. If anyone needs a closer look or wants to ask questions of the owner, just let me know. A buddy and I are currently working on a 51 Lincoln that we got from a gentleman that was just a few houses down from this!