Featured here is a stunning 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Convertible. Ford redesigned their Custom model in 1950 and changed the name to the Custom Deluxe.The Custom Deluxe V8 series was the top trim level for Ford. This included chrome window trim, a chrome horn ring, dual sun visors, armrests on all doors and chrome trim along the lower half of the body. In the single bullet nose on the new Ford’s was the numeral either six or eight designating the number of engine cylinders.
The Need for a Postwar Boost
When the war ended it took automakers a few years to come out with new postwar designs. It were the 1949 Ford models, often referred to as the “Shoebox Ford” that ushered in a significant styling change. It represented Ford’s new postwar modern look.
1948 was the final year for the old-style Ford. For three years after the wars end Ford models were mostly a continuation of the 1941 models with subtle updates.
Ford needed a postwar boost since they were experiencing financial trouble which began back during the 1930’s Depression years. Their problems only got worse with the untimely death of Edsel Ford in 1943. It was reported that the Ford Motor Company was losing about $10 million per month in the mid 1940’s. Competitively, Chevrolet was passing Ford up with more innovations. Creating a winner was a financial necessity for Ford and they came about finding that winner in a somewhat unusual way.
The Ford Design Contest
The design of the 1949 Ford turned out to actually be a contest between two groups of designers. One group was headed by Bob Gregorie, who had designed many Fords models along with Edsel Ford, and the other by George Walter.
The tale of this hasty design challenge is that each of the two designers actually purchased another automaker’s car to use as a starting point. The Gregorie designers bought a Kaiser and the Ford engineering department bought a Studebaker.
The model presented by Walter’s group ended up being chosen as the winner over that of Bob Gregorie. George Walter was commonly known as the ‘Cellini of Chrome’. Walter is credited for creating some good looking streamlined models for Ford and in the process turned around the fortunes of the Ford Motor Company.
1950 Ford Custom Convertible Specifications
The 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe had both a six and eight cylinder engine available. These were the 226 cubic inch inline six with 95 HP and the 239 cubic inch L-Head V-8 with 100 HP. Certainly not a big difference in regards to power.
Transmissions were a three speed manual and a three speed manual with overdrive.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions for the Custom Convertible included an overall length of 196.6 inches, wheelbase 114.0 inches, width 72.8 inches. Average base price was $2,000. Curb weight was 3,250 lbs.
1950 Ford production totaled 1,209,000 vehicles. Out of that figure there were a bit over 50,000 V-8 convertibles were built.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below..
Reference material for this article includes..The Hemmings Motor News Book of Postwar Fords..Edsel-The Story of Henry Ford’s Forgotten Son by author Henry L. Dominguez..Fords of the Fifties by author Michael Parris.
1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Convertible Collector Car
The 1950 Ford Convertible featured here was the top of the line model and is a valuable classic car. The automobile’s appearance is really stunning and is a great example of Ford’s modernized new postwar design. This particular 1950 model was to be an affordable automobile with great high end looks. If you happen to see this model on the road today it’s a real head turner.
At the current time the 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Convertible might carry a price tag of between $40,000 and $50,000. 1950 Ford Custom Sedans are generally found in the $18,000 to $30,000 range depending on condition, restoration, mileage and originality.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)