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.