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

Shiny red custom
Not as fast as some
Like a bottle of coke
With a shot of rum

 

It just ticks all my boxes for things I want in an old car.

 

Steve Gibbs, gets it !

 

Even if it's free, you'll end up paying too much.

 

More coupes.

 

https://49fordcoupe.smugmug.com/The-Car/i-LsNHXg8

 

The coupes seem to be very popular. To me I always thought the coupe body had bad proportions ... what do I know? Anyway, when I was looking for one I wasn't looking for a coupe I wanted a tudor and that's what I ended up with and couldn't be happier.

I really think the appeal of a shoebox is the same as any other car. It either grabs you or it doesn't. I can't imagine buying a car that doesn't somehow steal your attention and decide to build it into something of your own. If it doesn't do something for your creativity or your sense of style, it's unlikely it ever will. Better maybe it belong to someone else.

 

What is the appeal? Just wash one with a very soapy wash mitt and get the feel of the design. Then take it out for a spin and see how it makes you feel.
The last series of Ford with a flat windshield, the first series with no running boards, a lot of automotive history rolling down the road.

 

I can understand where shoebox Fords don't appeal to everyone. The same things that makes them a little plain (slab sides) and quirky ('49-'50 grille with the hump in the hood) are the things that made them revolutionary when they debuted in June of '48. For me it's the stuff that makes them kind of a blank canvas, which translates to killer customs (Lee Pratt's coupe, now owned by some dude named @Ryan... @pgan's old sedan... the Buster Litton "Panoramic Ford" and Andreas Aberg's tribute to it) and killer hot rods like Steve Gibbs' coupe shown above. Though it also had some custom touches, I always thought Brian Bass's coupe was a cool, simple hot rod.

 

@PoTaToTrUcK is that Richard Glymph's old sedan? That one is another great mild custom example. Ditching the rear vent windows really cleans things up.

 

Truth!

 

If you have to ask, you'll never know.

 

A few years ago I was at a local show with my '50 Dodge club coupe, parked in between a '50 Chevy and a '50 Ford. Of the three, the Ford looked to be a more advanced design. This was before I changed out the wheels and tires, and painted the Dodge...

 

They all look good to me!

 

see the movie, "thunder road"!

 

Man I want a 49 club coupe something wicked, really dig this one by @T&A Flathead



And just get a look at this rendering by @Rikster

 

I think the shoebox woodies are the best looking woodie wagons Ford made.

 

Not mentioned so far is the real reason the '49-51 Fords drew attention from the car culture. While they're now known mostly as customs, they were the first home-brew musclecars. Using the big motor/light car formula, it wasn't long before Caddy/Olds OHV V8 transplants became popular, producing a car that would handily out-perform the donor cars. It was a relatively easy swap too, gone was the closed driveline still found elsewhere and you had an engine compartment already configured for a V8 unlike its then currently available competition. You could buy one ready-built or buy the parts and DIY...

 

Okay, I have to admit, this one I really like, it's at the dealership my son works at. 1951 Ford Victoria, not sure if it's still considered a Shoebox but I sure like the look. It's only $39,900.

cheers

 

Yes, it's a shoebox.

 

''Only'' $39,900 Lol.
Seems 10 grand is the 21st century price for a thousand dollar car.

 

........I'm 99% sure that it is, Curt. How it made its' way to British Columbia is a mystery. That distinctive added trim piece is a give-away to its' origin. I asked Richard about where he got it once and he said it was just one of those stick-on pieces you can find at places like Pep Boys. He has the eye for that kind of thing as it is a neat touch. I loved that car. It was all I could do not to rob the piggy bank when he had it for sale. Love the Seafoam Green color. It's perfect. For some odd reason, I don't remember the deleted quarter window. I mean, I should, as that is another subtle, cool look. That's the only thing that makes me not be 100%!..........Don.

 

'pair of 1949 Fords, I had once-upon-a-time, installed a Merc flathead , a trailer hitch, on the gray tudor and was my tow vehicle. The ragtop was simply a 'stocker'

 

Curt and Don,
Yes, this was Richard's car. I bought it in 2019 out of Delaware (sight unseen) and shipped it west, and it was too good to be true. After he sold it, the rear vents were removed, Sombrero's added, rear end lifted slightly and a complete new interior. The chrome trim is to mirror the mid-50's Desoto trim. I have cleaned up a few things and the car is very enjoyable.
The first picture is a shot that Dan Greenburg sent me from Pimlico.
Terry

 

Not a huge fan but they part out fast and a guy can make decent money doing it.

 

As a fellow shoebox owner, I truly hope he gets that much! Lol.

That's one of the big appeals of a shoebox as well. You can get into a fun, quality old ride on the cheap, respectively.

I must add that even tho I'm a shoebox lover, I said earlier there are plenty of them I don't like. I'd put this one in that category. Wheels, tires, grill, bumper. All a firm no imho.

 

They just plain look cool.
Body parts are not that hard to find. Several aftermarket venders available... and the floors are flat, so easy to make your own replacements or patches.
Yes parts for the old flatty's are a bit tough to find, but engine swap kits are readily available and reasonable.
I am (78) and have wanted one since I was (14). Have built several other projects, but just never stumbled on to one I liked, so a year ago I decided I just had to have one before the Big Guy Up There takes me.
Bought a 1949 Coupe that sounds like what you are talking about, and am loving it.
Finally pulled the engine a few weeks ago, and after cleaning up/painting the engine bay will drop in a good running '51 flat head V8 with OD that I have.
Just do it !!
I have made several changes on mine, some like it some don't. I do and that is all that matters

 

If you have to ask the question.......

 

Looks like a real solid start !!