West Coast Classics is proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this completely rust free and an older restoration as required over the years from it's previous San Diego, southern California owner, who had owned the car from 1952 until we acquired it this year, in a seriously striking original color combination of this original southern California 1950 Ford Custom DeLuxe 2 Door 6 Passenger Convertible with it's original 239 cu in Flathead V8 engine matched to a 3 speed column shift transmission with factory Overdrive and a Power hydraulic soft top. The restoration was completed between the years 1974-79 after having been purchased in 1952 by its previous long time owner who had driven the car until 1964, when he then stored it until he had the time to fully restore it, the odometer now reads 11,357 miles.
The car was purchased in 1952 whilst the owner was a student at Hoover High School in San Diego and has spent it's entire life since then in San Diego, CA. The car was reportedly used as the Hoover High School cheerleading car from 1952-54 and carried the Homecoming Queen at Hoover, driving in parades in downtown San Diego. It was driven in it's original condition until 1964 and lovingly restored after being parked for some 10 years in the late 1970's in it's original color and with NOS parts. The owner met his wife in this car in 1956 and drove her home from their first date, they were later married for some 62 years until his recent passing. This car oozes pride of ownership.
The car has it's original 239 c.i. V8 which has been bored 1/8", ported, releaved, Merc 1/4 crank, 3/4 cam, 'Offenhauser' aluminum heads, intake manifold with dual 97 carbs, Malory dual point ignition, 3 speed stick with over-drive, all of which makes this a car that will cruise at 70 mph @ 3000 rpm with 18 mpg. When restored the 'shoe box' panels were flawlessly prepared (with no friendly waves!) and received a 30 coat cellulose 'Black' lacquer paint job (better than any paint job one can get today) with a lustrous and durable finish with superior adhesion to metal! The car boasts it's original hubcaps (no wheel trim) for a clean look and a completely restored interior with high quality original 100% wool carpets, seats recovered in striking 'Black & Red' Connolly leather (same as the classic Rolls Royce & Bentley cars) from original factory upholstery patterns, all knobs and ornaments are NOS, the top bows are original and restored to factory color with all fittings replated and the metal dashboard was restored at the same time, a new 'White' soft top was installed and all new stainless trim and body moldings & all new chrome with all new suspension, wiring and mechanics.
The car was nicely factory optioned with original factory options of the car including: 239 CID 2 BBL V8 engine (now upgraded with dual carbs and bored 1/8"; power hydraulic soft top; 3 speed manual transmission with optional Overdrive ($180); original push button AM radio ($85); Whitewall tires ($25); heater & defroster ($70) & electric clock ($15). The floor boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas are completely solid and rust-free and the car has had no signs of any accidents - obviously an always garaged and cherished car since new and overly restored in the late 1970's by it's fastidious owner with no expense spared and with attention to all details and with actually very few miles driven since the restoration!
After their 1949 revolutionary redesign, Fords received only minor updates for 1950. Ford's facelift for 1951 included a new "dual spinner" grille, larger capacity fuel pump, waterproof ignition system to prevent shorts from moisture and chromed windsplits ahead of twin point tail-lights. Overall quality had already been much improved over the hastily assembled '49's with bodies and frames strengthened, handling upgraded and the V8 engine quieted. The Custom lineup had a revised grille, new steering wheel horn ring, push-button door handles and the gas filler now located behind a hinged flap. Whitewalls, trim rings and ribbed fender skirts were all extra cost options as was the heater & defroster, clock and radio.
It is of note that America's newest and finest automatic transmission and Ford's first, the 3 speed Ford-o-matic transmission was introduced in 1951, with the 3 speed manual with or without Overdrive transmission remaining an option.
This particular fully older restoration example still looks extremely impressive in it's original 'Black' color Lacquer paint and the interior is quite stunning in this 'Black & Deep Red' leather two-tone color combination! All the chromework and brightwork has been restored and the original spare wheel with it's jack is in the trunk. The 239 Flathead V8 engine with dual carbs is extremely strong and this particular car drives magnificently - must be driven to be fully appreciated - drives straight as an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly remarkable daily driver that will give any modern day car a run for it's money!
This is a rare opportunity to own a great daily driving and never abused example of an obviously always garaged and rust free 19510 Ford Custom DeLuxe convertible with all service records from it's long time previous ownership available and a more loved and cared for car you could not hope to find! This is one very desirable car for any classic American car enthusiast or Ford collector to add to his collection and a sure-fire investment that's sure to appreciate over the years for any classic American car collector!
