1950 Ford Deluxe 2 door sedan
Hmmmm, both options have their merits, as early '50s Fords like this one are ideal candidates for the former, but the latter can look great, too.
Having been exposed to the whole "Kustom Kulture" phenomenon in recent weeks, I can see great potential for this 'Single Spinner' to be given the full custom treatment - lowered, roof chop, shaved, nosed, decked - the works.
There have been a couple of standout customs of late that have taken this route, like Arthur Matsakos's blue & yellow flamed '50 coupe that was in just about every Aussie car & hot rod mag last year. The US TV show, 'Overhaulin' with Chip Foose took a '50 Ford Club Coupe and created a similar extreme custom, with a nod to Ford's original 'factory custom' from 1950 - the Crestliner.
The argument against giving this car the full custom treatment can be evidenced by checking out some of the outstanding stock examples from clubs around the country, like the '49 - '59 Customline Car Club of Victoria. There's no doubt Single Spinner Fords like this do look great in stock condition, especially with a few period-correct accessories.
I've been viewing, reviewing and re-reviewing this car for the past week, and I still can't make up my mind which is the best way to go, but I'm sure a few potential buyers out there will know exactly which direction they'd take this car! The fact that it needs some work means that whoever buys will have to put some work into it, whichever direction they choose.
Purchased out of Texas, this vehicle has been treated to a mild custom at some stage, as evidenced by the red velour interior and red rims. The interior is actually in pretty good nick, so if 'pimpish' red velour is your thing, you're set! All that's required is a clean and tidy up.
The exterior is in gloss black and looks OK, but does need some work. There is rust in the usual trouble areas - boot floor, sills and a few other small areas - but all of it is repairable. Similarly, the chrome around the 'single spinner' grille ornament, front bumperettes and a few other areas needs replating, but is generally in good condition. Custom mufflers and rear wheel spats (not shown in these pics) have been fitted, as well as a rare and desirable 'Fulton' sunshield.
This car has also been fitted with a Mercury version of the famous Ford flathead V8. This means 255.4 cubic inches and 10 more horses than the equivalent Ford 239ci flathead V8. The engine performs well, as does the 3 speed manual transmission, and gives a nice bark through the custom mufflers.
So, factory stock or extreme custom? Both options would result in a pretty cool car, and I still can't decide, so maybe you can! Fishop Falcons have reduced the price to $13,900, so if you were in two minds about even wanting this car, let alone what to do with it, this may help make up your mind!
Mike Ryan
WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model:Ford Deluxe 2 door sedan
Year:1950
Dealer:Fishop Falcons
42 Danby Street,
Torrensville, SA, 5031
Ph: (08) 8352 1246
Price:Reduced to $13,900
0-100 kph:Around 13 seconds
Best point:Desirable model
Worst point:Needs some work
Recommendation:Great basis for a customcoupe . . . . or stock resto!
Trivia:The popularity of Single Spinner Fords inspired US company, Easy Rods, to create a fibreglass body kit recreating the distinctive '49 - '51 Ford look. When fitted to 1989-97 era Thunderbirds or Mercury Cougar coupes, the Easy Rods kit combines the classic front and rear end visual cues of the Single Spinner with modern interior comforts and running gear.