From 1957 to 1959, the Custom 300 was Ford’s middle-of-the-road offering, positioned under the Fairlane 500. These were sold as sedans rather than hardtops and competed with Chevrolet’s Biscayne and/or Bel Air. The seller has a 1959 2-door sedan (aka Tudor) that’s partially disassembled with a restoration underway. Located in Benton, Kansas, the buyer will need to bring a trailer and have the goal of finishing the project. This Ford is available here on craigslist for $5,500.
Ford used the Custom name into the 1970s, though less often with the 300 additional moniker. A 223 cubic inch inline-6 was standard fare, and one of these motors sits in the engine bay of this project. Buyers could opt for a V8 ranging from 292 to 352 CI. We’re told the 6-banger was running a year ago before it was pulled from the car (perhaps that’s when the main photo was taken). Most of the 1959 Fords that people restore are V8 Fairlanes and Galaxies, so why this basic Tudor got the nod is interesting. No unusual mods seem to have been made – yet.
We’re told the frame has been blasted and sealed. The floors have been repaired or replaced, but rocker panels need to be installed, and the quarter panels reworked. A lot of extra body parts come with the sale, including two trunk lids, fenders, hood, and windows. Even a new rear bumper is included, which cost nearly $2,000.
Some mechanical work is noted, such as the brakes and suspension parts. The fuel tank is also new. Plans were to go with a 4-speed Toploader transmission, which comes with the car and has been rebuilt. We don’t know why the seller doesn’t want to finish the project, as trades will be considered instead of cash. The title is from Iowa, not Kansas, where the car is. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
Man, looking at that pre-collapsable steering column is cringeworthy!
“From 1957 to 1959, the Custom 300 was Ford’s middle-of-the-road offering, positioned under the Fairlane 500.”
Not exactly. The Custom 300 was the bottom series in ’59 with the Fairlane (not Fairlane 500) in the middle and the Fairlane 500/Galaxie at the top.
1957 and ’58 were different as there were two wheelbases and two series for each wheelbase. The Custom and Custom 300 were on a 116″ wheelbase while the Fairlane and Fairlane 500 used a 118″ wheelbase. In those years the Custom 300 was the top series of the 116″ wheelbase line. The shorter wheelbase was dropped for ’59 (except for wagons) and the Custom 300 became the bottom series.
This car’s near Wichita? Paging Hoovie, the Car Wizard and 100 Percent Jake.
have your work cut out for you here on this one.