1949 Ford 2-Door Sedan.Ford’s new “Forty-Niner” was first shown to the public June 8, 1948, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The “new” car featured integrated front and rear fenders, a wide-mouth chrome grille with a large “bullet” in its center, and small oval tail-lamps that dramatically drove a spear into its quarter panels. It was the first Ford without running boards, utilized coil springs rather than transverse leafs, and an exposed driveshaft replaced the old torque tube.Quickly nicknamed the “shoe box” for its slab sides, the car was simple, elegant, exceedingly modern, and an instant hit. More than a million were sold in the first 18 months. It became a favorite among young hot-rodders, who not only appreciated the sleek design, but also its optional 100-hp flathead V-8. An inline six-cylinder was standard on most models, but the V-8 powered the majority of the cars sold.This is a classic old school shoe box and may be the most talked about late 40s domestic car ever built. What can be better than a two-door sedan body with a flathead under the hood, ready to romp with the customs or the hot rod crowd and continue to draw enthusiastic fans no matter where it goes. See lot #553.This is a relatively rust free car that isn’t currently running, but can be brought back to life with a minimum of effort.This “Forty-Niner” was a flathead that was running when it came to the Thies collection. It sat for quite a number of years and now the flathead won’t turn. But do not despair. Should you want to make sure you have engine stock to work with, there are a notable number of flatheads available.That was one of Larry Thies’ driving forces. You always want to make sure you have plenty of spare parts!