by Brian Keith Compton

Created on: April 06, 2008   Last Updated: April 15, 2008

Ford had a fight on its hands in 1950 with crosstown rivals GM. After introducing a new line of shoebox' cars in 1949, Ford was hard pressed to design sporty hardtops. Boasting 50 Improvements for 50', style alterations brought about the Crestliner and Tudor coupes to keep pace with the competition.

Ford coupes would draw the attention of car buyers. New options with catchy names included "Equa-Flo" cooling, "Deep-Breath" intake manifolds, "Power-Dome" combustion chambers, "Loadomatic" ignition system and "Soft-Action" clutch. With its "Lifeguard Body", the cross style frame was out and a ladder style chassis was in. Coil springs replaced the traverse leaf springs.

New was the Custom Deluxe trim level, making Deluxe trim standard. With Custom Deluxe, Ford dressed up their coupes with chrome window moldings, chrome horn ring, sun visors and arm rests on all doors. "CUSTOM" spear-tip-shaped nameplates were affixed to the front fenders. The car's shiny bullet nose stayed the same, while a "Coat of Arms" emblem replaced the Ford logo. Turn signals were added to the chrome-wrapped front grille.

The Ford Coupe came in two styles: the six-passenger Club Coupe and Business Coupe. The latter replaced its back seat with a shelf. These economically priced automobiles started at $1,333. The Club Coupe in the Custom Deluxe six-cylinder line was priced at $1,511. For $79 more a V-8 could be added. The standard 95-horsepower V-6 was a 226 cid L-head equipped with a one-barrel Holley carburetor. The 239 cid V-8 had a 2-barrel carburetor to produce an even 100 ponies under the hood. The only transmission was a three-speed manual, which included a manual gearbox or the optional auto overdrive.

Ford's standard coupe came with a gray metallic instrument panel and dash. The gray upholstery was either mohair or broadcloth, while some Business Coupes got tan. For the luxury-minded, you could have a touch of leather: two-tone tan, black and red, or a combination of leather and Bedford cord. A convertible gave buyers the option of Matador Red' Metallic paint with red leather interior or the Sportsman Green' Metallic finish and a black leather interior.

The Club Coupe was the popular choice in 1950. Ford sold 85,111 of the Custom Deluxe coupes and 35,120 of the Deluxe Business models. The most valuable among these coupes today is a fully restored convertible valued around $45,000. In fair condition, $4,500 could buy a restoration buff either the Club or Business Coupe.

Learn more about this author, Brian Keith Compton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.