This original Ford sales film provides a fascinating look at the all-new 1949 model line -- features, body styles, everything. Check it out. Video: presenting the all-new 1949 Ford | Mac's Motor City Garage.com
On June 19 1948, I attended an event sponcered by Ford Motor Co to promote Little League ball and to introduce the 1949 Fords at St. Louis Sportsman Park. Babe Ruth, Dizzy Dean and others rode onto the field in new 1949 Ford convertables. As a 9 year old, I was taken by the change in Ford styling from the 48 Fords. Dizzy pitched a ball to the Babe who was suffering from cancer and he lightly hit the ball. Babe Ruth died that August. A friend had his picture taken with a group of boys with Babe. We both are still car nuts possibly influenced by that event. deChrome
My introduction to the '49 Ford was at the home of 2 other boys in my neighborhood who lived 3 houses down on the other side of the street. I wasn't quite 12 years old. His Father was a local businessman who was the type that had to be a**** the first in town to own anything new. About 6 or 8 of us were in the living room watching "Howdy Doody" on their TV, which was the only one on the block! His Dad drove up in a new '49 Ford and their Mother called to us to come and look at it. As I walked out the front door it was parked in the driveway and I could see the round bullet in the grill and exclaimed that it wasn't a Ford but a Studebaker! Only when I got close enough to read "Ford" on the car did I believe it was A Ford. Biggest year to year change in a car thaat I can recall.
Wow, another great story. I've heard of these '49 Ford promotions, nice to hear from someone who attended one.
Although I have never owned a '49-'51 Ford I have always loved this body style,especially the coupe. Back in the early 60's my best friends older brother Lanny inherited a maroon '49 Ford coupe from his aunt and his parent's stipulations were while they were working his duties were to haul his little brother (and often me) to school or a occasional ball game or movie. In '64 he got married and bought a new SS Impala and the old Ford sit in his parents front yard for sale,Tim (My friend) pleaded with his parents to keep the car but it fell on deaf ears. I don't know what happened to the car but the price on the sign was 200 bucks..man if I could only rent a time machine... HRP
Love the coupes. One of the film's neat features is the look in the back of the original business coupe.
Bill, This clip has stirred a few old memories. In 1959 my Mom was driving a 55 Chevy Del Ray Coupe and Dad was driving a 49 Ford 4-dr Sedan. At the age of 12, I had already been plagued with Car Fever. I kept both cars washed on a regular basis and was allowed to drive either in the yard. Sad but true, my experience with the Ford flat 6 compared to the OHV Chevy 6 marked me for Life. I have been a Chevy Guy all of my adult years, but I never forgot the 49 Ford ..............Jeff
Great story, thanks. My grandfather had a '49 and there are photos of me as a toddler with it, but to be honest I have no first memory of it. My Dad had a '52.
Bill, The best part of the story was, when I turned 16 the 55 Del Ray became my first car and daily driver. Wish I had that one back.....................Jeff
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