1949 Ford
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| Ford | |
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| Manufacturer: | Ford Motor Company |
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| Production: | 1949–1951 |
| Predecessor: | 1941 Ford |
| Successor: | 1952 Ford |
| Engine: | 226 in³ (3.7 L) L-head I6 239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8 |
After sticking with its previous model for far too long to suit its customers, Ford completely redesigned its namesake car for 1949. This was an all-new car in every way, with a modern ladder frame now supporting a coil spring suspension in front and longitudinal semi-elliptical springs and A-arms in back. The engine was moved forward to make more room in the passenger compartment and the antiquated torque tube was replaced by a modern drive shaft. Ford's popular 226 in³ (3.7 L) L-head straight-6 and 239 in³ (3.9 L) Flathead V8 remained, now rated at 90 hp (67 kW) and 100 hp (75 kW), respectively.
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[edit] 1949
The 1949 models debuted at a grand gala at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, with a carousel of the new Fords complemented by a revolving demonstration of the new chassis. The new integrated steel structure was advertized as a "lifeguard body", and even the woody wagon was steel at heart. The convertible remained on the old chassis for one year, however.
From a customer's perspective, the old Custom, De Luxe, and Super De Luxe lines were replaced by new Standard and Custom trims and the cars gained a modern look with completely integrated rear fenders and just a hint of a fender in front.
[edit] 1950
- See also: Ford Country Squire
1950 saw a new Crestliner "sports sedan" — a 2-door sedan with 2-tone paint intended to battle Chevrolet's popular hardtop sedans of 1950. Another new name was Country Squire, which referred to the 2-door wood-sided station wagon. All wagons received flat-folding middle seats at mid-year, an innovation that would reappear in the minivans of the 1990s. 1949 and 1950 styling was similar, with a single central "bullet" in the frowning chrome grille. The trim lines were renamed as well, with "Standard" becoming "Deluxe" and "Custom" renamed "Custom Deluxe".
[edit] 1951
The 1951 Fords featured an optional Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission for the first time. Ford finally answered Chevrolet's Bel Air charge with the Victoria hardtop sedan in 1951. The car was an instant hit, outselling the Chevy by nearly 10%. The Crestliner continued for one more year, however. All 1951 Fords sported a new "dual-bullet" grille and heavy chrome bumpers.
[edit] Sources
- David L. Lewis (2005). 100 Years of Ford. Publications International, 135–151. ISBN 0-7853-7988-6.
- Generations: Ford Model T to Crown Victoria. Retrieved on August 21, 2006.
