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Topic starter
18/05/2025 8:38 am
Here's another '49 Ford and a very sweet one it is. Of the convertibles I have, this is my favorite-so much so that I have two of them (don't ask why-??)
Issued by DM in 1998, the 1st one has been a part of my collection for 26 - hard to believe it's been that long - anyway this is a wonderful model in a perfect color.
1949 Ford Custom Convertible, in Miami Cream
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
18/05/2025 8:47 am
I have this one too John......my gosh, has it been that long? Wow!
18/05/2025 9:08 am
Got to love a '49 Ford Custom Convertible. Looks so good in Miami Cream...Not to be confused with Packard Miami Sand!
Great pics!
John, did this one come with an up-top?
John Bono
North Jersey
18/05/2025 9:23 am
John, the top boot is fixed - no optional up-top.Got to love a '49 Ford Custom Convertible. Looks so good in Miami Cream...Not to be confused with Packard Miami Sand!
Great pics!
John, did this one come with an up-top?
Topic starter
18/05/2025 9:47 am
OOOPS, it seems that I forgot what day this was. My bad, I fixed it. LOL!
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
18/05/2025 3:18 pm
Nice pictures, John, my first car was a 4 door 49 Ford in green so naturally I had to have this one...
No dog leg hinges here.
It's parked next to FM woody..
I just couldn't resist adding the 49 Mercurys.
This post was modified 11 months ago by David Vandermeer
David Vandermeer
Corinth, Texas
19/05/2025 3:20 am
19/05/2025 4:55 am
David, a nice FOMOCO group.Nice pictures, John, my first car was a 4 door 49 Ford in green so naturally I had to have this one...
No dog leg hinges here.
It's parked next to FM woody..
I just couldn't resist adding the 49 Mercurys.
John Bono
North Jersey
19/05/2025 9:40 am
These two new designs for 1949 were sure a beautiful new styling venture for Fomoco. They leave the competition in the dust IMHO (except Hudson). I think I remember it correctly that this Mercury design was initially slated to be the '49 Ford but for some reason that decision was changed and a new Ford design was hastily developed, causing its well known QC issues which were remedied by 1950.
As a side note, I have always been intrigued by the French Ford Vedette of the same era; the Mercury influence is obvious, though scaled down.
French V8
The Vedette is the model of renewal for the French subsidiary of the American manufacturer Ford. Developed by Ford SAF (Société Anonyme Française) in just two years, its origins date back to an American project dating back to 1941. During World War II, Ford wanted to develop a small, economical model to respond to the economic crisis hitting the country. However, the return of peace in 1945 changed plans and demand for this type of vehicle disappeared on the North American market. Thus, Ford SAF took over the project and aimed to develop a superior compact in less than two years. Thus, at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, the new Vedette was presented to the public for the first time. At launch, it was only available in a four-door body style called the Limousine with a 60 hp 2.2 l V8 under the hood. When it was presented, it had rear wings that partially covered the wheels, but when it went into production, the rear wings had a more classic open shape. Significant development issues were detected by the first customers (waterproofing, excessive fuel consumption, etc.), but Ford quickly made improvements to its new model.
Launched for the 1949 model year, it received an optional Cotal gearbox in June of that year. For the following year, two new bodies were added to the range, the two-door coupe called Coach and the Cabriolet. The mechanics were modified, with power increasing from 60 hp to 66 hp. During the year, the chassis was reinforced to improve road handling. In 1951, the heating, considered too weak by many customers, was greatly improved. The Vedette range remained stable, evolving only slightly. During the 1952 model year, a commercial derivative named Abeille appeared. Externally, the presentation is simplified with the removal of all chrome (except the front headlights), a mesh grille and hidden quarter windows. It is the rear part that stands out most from the classic Vedette, with a tailgate opening in two parts. Equipped with a payload of 500 kg, the passenger compartment reflects the bodywork with a simplified presentation and the replacement of the front bench seat with two more rustic seats.
Three volumes
To counteract flagging sales, the Vedette underwent significant changes in 1953. The rear end was redesigned, making the Vedette a three-box sedan. Other changes included a single-piece windshield and the grille received two chrome strips incorporating the fog lights. The rear window was enlarged, and the front fenders and side skirts adopted chrome strips. Mechanically, the cooling system was improved, as was the braking system thanks to the installation of larger drums at the front. Engine power increased to 68 hp. The Coupé and Cabriolet bodies underwent the same changes, but production ceased a few months later. A new Décuvrable version based on the sedan was offered in the catalog that same year. The Abeille commercial version also underwent some changes but retained its two-box body. Chrome bumpers with overriders were installed, as were side moldings and wheel trims. New logo on the front hood and installation of the rear license plate on the lower part of the tailgate. During the year, the Abeille received original equipment, a removable central pillar facilitating loading on board.
1954 was a quieter year for the Vedette, which evolved smoothly. Thus, aesthetically, the side moldings were refined, the rear trunk handle was new and the reflectors were embedded in the rear bumper. The passenger compartment was also modified with improved soundproofing, a new heating system and the clock moved to a new position on the dashboard. New Vendôme version, which placed itself at the top of the Vedette range. On the program, 93 hp V8 engine and new exterior presentation. Numerous chrome elements adorned the body (hood, taillights, rear fenders, side skirts), while the grille and hubcaps were specific to this version. A V-shaped badge was added to the rear trunk and reversing lights were fitted as standard. The Vendôme also stood out from a simple Vedette with its two-tone exterior paint. The interior was generous for passengers, with improved comfort and equipment. The Abeille remained in the catalog and retained the Vedette's grille, but lost its bumper overriders. Despite these numerous changes, the Vedette range's days were numbered. Indeed, the American group Ford wanted to sell its French subsidiary, whose results were deemed disappointing. Thus, during 1954, the assets of Ford SAF were sold to Simca, and the Vedette's replacement was sold under this brand.
The Vedette would be the model of renewal for Ford SAF. Developed initially for the United States, the American compact would ultimately make its mark in France. Appreciated for its comfort and smooth operation, its career would end at the same time as Ford SAF disappeared, after 106,506 units were produced.
The Vedette is the model of renewal for the French subsidiary of the American manufacturer Ford. Developed by Ford SAF (Société Anonyme Française) in just two years, its origins date back to an American project dating back to 1941. During World War II, Ford wanted to develop a small, economical model to respond to the economic crisis hitting the country. However, the return of peace in 1945 changed plans and demand for this type of vehicle disappeared on the North American market. Thus, Ford SAF took over the project and aimed to develop a superior compact in less than two years. Thus, at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, the new Vedette was presented to the public for the first time. At launch, it was only available in a four-door body style called the Limousine with a 60 hp 2.2 l V8 under the hood. When it was presented, it had rear wings that partially covered the wheels, but when it went into production, the rear wings had a more classic open shape. Significant development issues were detected by the first customers (waterproofing, excessive fuel consumption, etc.), but Ford quickly made improvements to its new model.
Launched for the 1949 model year, it received an optional Cotal gearbox in June of that year. For the following year, two new bodies were added to the range, the two-door coupe called Coach and the Cabriolet. The mechanics were modified, with power increasing from 60 hp to 66 hp. During the year, the chassis was reinforced to improve road handling. In 1951, the heating, considered too weak by many customers, was greatly improved. The Vedette range remained stable, evolving only slightly. During the 1952 model year, a commercial derivative named Abeille appeared. Externally, the presentation is simplified with the removal of all chrome (except the front headlights), a mesh grille and hidden quarter windows. It is the rear part that stands out most from the classic Vedette, with a tailgate opening in two parts. Equipped with a payload of 500 kg, the passenger compartment reflects the bodywork with a simplified presentation and the replacement of the front bench seat with two more rustic seats.
Three volumes
To counteract flagging sales, the Vedette underwent significant changes in 1953. The rear end was redesigned, making the Vedette a three-box sedan. Other changes included a single-piece windshield and the grille received two chrome strips incorporating the fog lights. The rear window was enlarged, and the front fenders and side skirts adopted chrome strips. Mechanically, the cooling system was improved, as was the braking system thanks to the installation of larger drums at the front. Engine power increased to 68 hp. The Coupé and Cabriolet bodies underwent the same changes, but production ceased a few months later. A new Décuvrable version based on the sedan was offered in the catalog that same year. The Abeille commercial version also underwent some changes but retained its two-box body. Chrome bumpers with overriders were installed, as were side moldings and wheel trims. New logo on the front hood and installation of the rear license plate on the lower part of the tailgate. During the year, the Abeille received original equipment, a removable central pillar facilitating loading on board.
1954 was a quieter year for the Vedette, which evolved smoothly. Thus, aesthetically, the side moldings were refined, the rear trunk handle was new and the reflectors were embedded in the rear bumper. The passenger compartment was also modified with improved soundproofing, a new heating system and the clock moved to a new position on the dashboard. New Vendôme version, which placed itself at the top of the Vedette range. On the program, 93 hp V8 engine and new exterior presentation. Numerous chrome elements adorned the body (hood, taillights, rear fenders, side skirts), while the grille and hubcaps were specific to this version. A V-shaped badge was added to the rear trunk and reversing lights were fitted as standard. The Vendôme also stood out from a simple Vedette with its two-tone exterior paint. The interior was generous for passengers, with improved comfort and equipment. The Abeille remained in the catalog and retained the Vedette's grille, but lost its bumper overriders. Despite these numerous changes, the Vedette range's days were numbered. Indeed, the American group Ford wanted to sell its French subsidiary, whose results were deemed disappointing. Thus, during 1954, the assets of Ford SAF were sold to Simca, and the Vedette's replacement was sold under this brand.
The Vedette would be the model of renewal for Ford SAF. Developed initially for the United States, the American compact would ultimately make its mark in France. Appreciated for its comfort and smooth operation, its career would end at the same time as Ford SAF disappeared, after 106,506 units were produced.
This post was modified 11 months ago by Jack Dodds
19/05/2025 7:26 pm
@jack-dodds Thanks for the pictures and writeup Jack.
Tony Perrone and John Merritt reacted
19/05/2025 7:29 pm
+1, great automotive history story, and yes the Mercury design influence is clearly visible, thanks Jack.@jack-dodds WONDERFUL Jack!
Tony Perrone and John Merritt reacted