Fords 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959

Ford in the Fifties

Henry Ford II assembled a new team of executives and designers often referred to as the “whiz kids“, (including Robert McNamara) and launched themselves into the 1950‘s with new designs,  quieter cars,  and lots of new features.  The 1950 Ford ad campaign announced to buyers, “50 Ways New, 50 Ways Better!”.

A limited edition Custom two door sedan, was introduced in 1950, a V-8 Crestliner which sported a padded top, and huge color contrasting sweeping side panels, sold for about $1700.  About 27,000 of these cars were produced in 1950, and 1951.

1951 saw the last of the true “woody wagons” for Ford, but the “Country Squire” name plate was now added to the Ford wagon line.  Ford-O-Matic was introduced in 1951 as their first “automatic” transmission. 1951 also saw the introduction of Ford’s first “hardtop coupe”, the Custom V-8 Victoria. 

1952 Fords sported a new 1 piece curved windshield replacing the two piece flat glass windshields.  The Sunliner convertible coupe was offered in 1952, priced at just over $2,000.  1953 Fords sported a special steering wheel hub medallion to commemorate their Golden Anniversary.

The good old Ford flathead V-8 motor was finally retired in the 1954 model year, and a new ball joint front suspension was introduced the same year.  Other new developments for 54 included a new model called the Skyliner, which featured a transparent, green tinted Plexiglas roof insert over the front seat area.  It was priced at $2,164 (the same as the Ford Sunliner convertible), with about 13,000 units being produced.

The Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria was offered up in 1955, a two door sedan which sported a sweeping chrome band that wrapped up the side posts and over the top of the car, and could be had for about $2200. About 42,000 of these Crown Victoria’s were produced in 1955 and 1956.

Safety was the mantra for Ford in ’56.  Promoted as the “Lifeguard Design”, Ford introduced dished shaped steering wheels, “crash proof” door locks, break away rear view mirrors, padded dash boards, and seat belts. Seat belts were a popular option, but only about 20% of the 1956 Fords actually had them installed, due to a vendor supply problem.

A little known fact is that Ford outsold Chevy in 1957 in model year output, although  Chevy enthusiasts would point to calendar year production, which beat Ford by about 130 units.  The most famous production Ford for 1957 was the world’s first mass produced “retractable hardtop”, which sported a hardtop roof which folded into sections and neatly parked itself into the trunk area, effectively converting the car into a convertible.  Also for 57 was the introduction of the “car truck”, the Ford  Ranchero.

The ‘58 and ‘59 Fords refused to join the “bat fin” group, and retained their more conservative small fin treatment designs.  The Ford “Galaxie” name plate was seen for the first time in 1959.  Ford’s new three speed transmission, the “Cruise-O-Matic was introduced in 1958.