Hot Rods What's the appeal of a Shoebox Ford?

They make great little Kustoms. This one is mine.

 

Interesting that 90% of the cars pictured in this thread are coupes (plus a handful of Victorias). Only one or two each tudors, fordors, converts and wagons.

 

A friend of mine has this tasty little Kustom shoebox. Two door sedan to boot.

 

If you want to see how cool a 50 can be watch the cult classic movie Thunder Road. It features Robert Mitchum who plays moonshiner tearing up the backroads of rural Appalachia "runnin from the law". He drives a 50 Ford with a 51 dashboard and was the inspiration for the car I built.

 

Like everything else in life- if it appeals to you and you like it that is all that counts. Always been a Chevy guy but I would like a 50 Ford coupe. Thought it was a clean design for the times.

 

For those who don't think they make good hot rods (excuse the wheels on this first one).
Cole Cutler's 429 powered '49.


Another sweet shot of Steve Gibbs car.

 

Sort of like a mid-century Mercury, but not as fat looking!

 

I absolutely love the simplicity of this car. Just enough in every way. And the Black!

 

Maybe I should lower mine just a little more :

 

Like this?

 

Yes, lose the Visor and the Whitewalls too, add some Big and Littles. But that's just my very unimportant and misguided opinion.

 

Couldn't disagree more, as this was an extremely original car and came with the original sales invoice that shows that the car came this way. Also, I drive this car a LOT when the weather is good and the visor has proved to be a very practical accessory.

In my opinion, these cars without a visor look like a baseball cap without a bill.

 

^^^ Then put it on the back window like the idiots wear baseball caps now days!

 

I love shoeboxes, especially coupes. I've owned my Victoria for 34 years and I'm very proud of it:

 

Se La Vi - all good. Like I said it's just my opinion. I'm a Restorer at heart myself, if it came that way then leave it be. My Great Grandfathers '61 Bubble Top is just as it came too.

 

They are a cool old car. But look there appeal somewhat when a 302 and c4 or sbc and auto is fitted. Being that they've just gone for the cheapest functional option. If they've put a bit more effort and fitted a nailhead, olds hemi or y-block. Then you know it cool.

 

'51 was (with a few exceptions) the last year before Detroit got the "Jet Age" "Rocket ship" "More chrome is better" bug going. At this point, the design was still clean and understated. Afterwords.... not so much, culminating in the '58 Mega-chrome disasters.
But... to answer the original question..... If I have to explain, you still wouldn't understand.

 

Many smiles per gallon

 

There’s always this option.

 

Ugh.

 

the other appeal

 

"Joe knows how to live"

 

1976 1st pic and current 2023 2nd pic.

 

Way more chevys built like this; to each his own.

 

Well obviously the appeal to me is not what you are experiencing.
I like the shape of the car and a coupe makes it even better for me. That said, a car that appeals to me may not appeal to you and if it does not you should not be building it. Find a car that you like and not one that you have to ask what makes it appealing to me.

 

Far as ive heard shoebox designation goes through 54...i have a 54 (my first car) and a 53 in the shop bit hey ive been wrong before

 

I would say the appeal of the shoebox is selective. Its the first postwar Designed Ford,will take about any engine, and came designed to accept a V8. I would say not overly stodgy. It doesn't appeal much to me today, but,I have had one already, and wouldn't rule another one out as an option if I found one

 

The front end always gets me, lots of chrome and such a unique grille