The all-new 1949 Ford was the car that assured Ford Motor Company’s success after WWII. The modern slab-sided styling, aircraft-inspired nose, and available V-8 power took America by storm. Sybil Shepherd’s flirtatious character, Jacy, drove a Ford Custom Convertible in Peter Bogdanovich’s early 1950s coming-of-age film classic The Last Picture Show. Both the car and character were fresh, bold, and capable of turning heads. Generations of American teenagers found “Shoebox Fords” to be fast, affordable, and highly customizable.

This outstanding 1949 Ford V-8 Custom Convertible is an unmodified and fully equipped example. The convertible was one of nine body styles available, and without question, it was the most elegant. Special colors were also offered exclusively on the convertible, while the interiors were finished with a combination of genuine leather and Bedford cord. The 100-horsepower, 239-cubic inch V-8 was the most powerful engine offered by Ford, and it was topped only by Mercury’s 110-horsepower powerplant.

A restoration in 2000 returned this Custom Convertible to as-new condition, and it has been well maintained since. The car is finished in Fez Red, a color exclusive to the convertibles, with a tan Haartz cloth top. The interior is finished with matching red metal surfaces, dark red leather, and Bedford cord. Other equipment on the car includes bumper guards, wide whitewall tires, rear fender skirts, back-up lamps, and dual exhaust tips. Aftermarket taillight lenses with blue inserts are a small concession to personalization.