Ford Custom

The Ford Custom is an automobile which was produced by Ford in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia in certain years from 1949 to 1981.

For the 1949 model year, the Custom nameplate was used for the top trim level in Ford's range automobile. It was part of the completely new redesign of Ford cars after the war. In 1950, it had a 114-inch wheelbase and 196.8-inch overall length. For 1950 the name was changed to Custom Deluxe and then to Customline for 1952 when it moved to the midrange position between the new Mainline and Crestline models.

The Custom name returned for the 1957 model year along with a new Custom 300 series, these two models sitting below the Fairlane and Fairlane 500. The base Custom was the bottom-rung model, whose primary customers were fleet buyers. The Custom 300 was a step up and intended for value-conscious customers. The Custom and Custom 300 generally replaced the fleet-oriented Mainline and mid-range Customline, respectively, from 1956.

The Custom 300 became the base model for 1958, but was dropped from the range for 1960.

1957 Ford Custom 300 Fordor Sedan

1958 Ford Custom 300 Fordor Sedan

1959 Ford Custom 300 Fordor Sedan

From 1960-1963, the "Custom" and number-affixated variant nameplates were absent from the lineup, replaced by either Fairlane or base Galaxie models. Base 1963 Fords were badged as the Ford 300.

The Custom nameplate reappeared in 1964, once again on the economy line of models. As in 1957-1958, the Custom range consisted of two series: a base Custom range and a slightly-better trimmed Custom 500 series. Most Customs were sold to police and taxi fleets during the 1960s, although anyone who wanted basic, no-frills transportation with the convenience of a full-sized car could purchase one, while the Custom 500 was more geared toward budget-conscious buyers who wanted a low-cost automobile but not a stripped model. Generally, the Custom 500 models were differentiated from their less-expensive stable mates by a chrome trim fender strip, roof drip moldings, carpeting (although by the late 1960s, even base Customs had carpeting), a somewhat upgraded cloth-and-vinyl upholstery and minor convenience items.

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