1950 Ford Custom Coupe

Description

This shiny black 1950 Ford coupe is one of the slickest semi-customs we've ever seen. Built just a few years ago, it was obviously a labor of love and retains the beautiful original lines and adds a mechanical makeover to create something truly special.

The 1950 Fords were groundbreaking cars, and this coupe is arguably the most attractive model. The shape is delightfully modern and retro at the same time and the clean look is tough for customizers to improve. So when this one was built, they focused on making what was already there as nice as possible and then cleaned it up a bit, and the results are amazing. Don't worry, the iconic bullet nose grille is still in place, as is the cool Plexiglas hood ornament and flashy side trim. The gorgeous black paint is extremely well done and captures the perfect '50s pastel look that works quite well, particularly with a light tint on the windows to make it look customized. The doors open and close with the precision that only comes from a lot of tedious hand-fitting and adjusting and the gaps are so even it's likely that this car has never been wrecked or rusty. All the trim was restored, which probably cost a fortune, and the gleaming bumpers and grille are testament to quality workmanship.

The tan interior is definitely a product of the '50s custom movement, 21st century style. The factory split bench was upholstered in tan vinyl and given traditional patterns, but it's obvious they weren't shooting for absolute authenticity. The interior's most dramatic feature is the dashboard, which wraps around into matching garnish moldings on the doors for a dazzling effect. The factory instruments were housed in a single round pod, so they've been replaced with a neat set of Haneline gauges that replicate the look but enhance accuracy. A custom billet banjo-style steering wheel looks so cool that there's no point in trying to reinvent it, and there's a big back seat that's totally usable by full-sized adults. A/C was tucked under the dash but on those days it's not needed you'll find that the windows crank up and down effortlessly. The trunk is enormous and nicely finished with matching materials and a full-sized spare tire under a matching tan cover.

A later 289 cubic inch V8 replaces the venerable flathead and it's remarkable what adding 125 or so horsepower will do for a car like this. The engine bay is beautifully done, with a Ford Blue engine block, finned Cobra valve covers, and a super sanitary look overall. The firewall and inner fenders were smoothed and painted to match the bodywork and everything else was either polished or plated to glitter like jewelry. There's a new alternator, power brakes and steering, and a giant radiator and electric fan up front. It's backed by a C4 3-speed automatic transmission and a 9-inch rear end with highway gears inside. The front suspension is the usual Mustang II setup with rack-and-pinion steering and custom A-arms, while familiar leaf springs hold up the rear end. A custom dual exhaust system with mellow-sounding mufflers gives it that traditional V8 sound and the stance is exactly right on those beautiful 205/75/15 wide whitewall radials with spinner hubcaps.

Fans of both the traditional custom look and traditional custom workmanship will love this car. Beautiful, well-sorted, and so easy to drive that it catches you by surprise, it has quickly become one of our favorites. Call today!