1949 Ford

Ford
1949 Ford Custom Fordor Sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Production	1949–1951
Assembly	Dearborn, Michigan Chester, Pennsylvania Long Beach, California Saint Paul, Minnesota United States Australia Singapore, Malaysia
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size Ford
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 2-door convertible 2-door station wagon 2-door coupé utility (Australia)
Layout	FR layout
Related	1949 Mercury Eight, Lincoln EL-series
Powertrain
Engine	226 CID (3.7 L) L-head I6 239 CID (3.9 L) Flathead V8 100 HP
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114 in (2,896 mm)
Length	196.8 in (4,999 mm)
Width	71.7 in (1,821 mm)
Curb weight	3,110–3,770 lb (1,410–1,710 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	1941 Ford
Successor	1952 Ford

The 1949 Ford was an American automobile produced by Ford. It was the first all-new automobile design introduced by the Big Three after World War II, civilian production having been suspended during the war, and the 1946-1948 models from Ford, GM, and Chrysler being updates of their pre-war models. Popularly called the "Shoebox Ford" for its slab-sided, "ponton" design, the 1949 Ford is credited both with saving Ford and ushering in modern streamlined car design with changes such as integrated fenders and more . The design would continue through the 1951 model year.

After sticking with its well-received previous model through model year 1948, Ford completely redesigned its namesake car for the year 1949. Save for its drive-train, this was an all-new car in every way, with a modern ladder frame now supporting a coil spring independent suspension in front and longitudinal semi-elliptical springs in back. The engine was moved forward to make more room in the passenger compartment and the antiquated "torque tube" was replaced by a modern drive shaft. Ford's popular 226 CID (3.7 L) L-head straight-6 and 239 CID (3.9 L) Flathead V8 remained, now rated at 90 hp (67 kW) and 100 hp (75 kW), respectively.

The 1949 models debuted at a gala at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in June 1948, with a carousel of the new Fords complemented by a revolving demonstration of the new chassis. The new integrated steel structure was advertised as a "lifeguard body", and even the woody wagon was steel at heart. The convertible frame had an "X member" for structural rigidity.