1950 Ford Coupe
by: Ronan
Posted on: Thursday, April 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm by: Ronan
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The image of a 1950s curvy Ford Coupe brings to mind a simpler time, an innocent time when nuclear energy was the clean choice of tomorrow, a time when mom and pop shops were on every corner and the teenagers gathered at the local malt shop to drink a nice cold Coca Cola. Times have changed, but we can always look back on yesteryear’s beauty and engineering achievements.
This particular car was designed with family in mind, seating six people comfortably in sofa wide seats covered in rich fabric. Between the comfort of the seats and the quiet ride, one could easily fall asleep in the back seat. According to original advertisements, the Ford Coupe was “economical to purchase, economical to operate, economical to maintain and it had a high resale value”. All fine points to the average family of the 1950s.
During a time when safety was on the mind of the average American family, Ford designed his “lifeguard” style body using practically bulletproof 18 gauge steel and a solid steel section frame. Along with this hardy design the coupe also came with “fingertip steering” known today as power steering. The car’s rugged all steel construction, effortless steering and brakes provided a sturdy and safe automobile for drivers and their passengers while on a family trip to the beach or local park.
Americans love power and the more horsepower the better. Ford gave the public a choice of the economical, but powerful 100 horsepower flathead V8 or the even more economical 95 horsepower flathead six. The 3 speed shifter attached to both of these engines was not attached to the floor like modern manual transmissions, but on the steering stem. Even with all this rugged power and brawny construction advertisements claimed, “So hushed is Ford’s famous Mid Ship ride, the infantry can sleep while you drive.”
Americans also prize aesthetics. If a car does not have flirtatious curves that draw the eye up and down the flanks of a car, we do not want it. The 1950 Ford Coupe has nice lines that invite the eye to follow wrap around chrome from her front grill to her rear bumper. It’s is no wonder that Ford received the famed New York’s Fashion Academy Award for “Fashionable Car of the Year” for the second year in a row.
One look at the 1950 Ford Coupe and you can tell it has character. The outside was stylish, the inside was comfortable, and it had the amenities of the day; an AM/FM stereo to entertain the family, heat to stay warm on drives to grandma’s house, and cozy seats that felt like you never left home.
