1959 Ford Custom 300 Tudor Sedan - NO RESERVE WITH LOW OPENING BID!

1959 Ford 300 Custom 300

NOTE - The car is being re-listed because of two bidders (winning bidder and the next highest bidder) who evidently do not understand that a winning eBay bid is a contract to purchase an item and proceeded to back out of the transaction. PLEASE, only bid on the car if you have full intentions to complete the transaction. I've lowered the opening bid and as before, it's a no reserve auction. I took away the "Buy It Now" option, so the car will bring whatever the market will bear. There were over 1300 views and 61 watchers, so my Custom 300 has generated a lot of interest. Thank you.

On October 17, 1958, Ford Motor Company launched the 1959 model year line-up, which by the end of the year, featured seven different series and 23 different models (including the new “Galaxie”, “Courier”, and “Ranchero”). A total of 1,413,994 passenger cars (except “Thunderbird”) sold for the model year.

All passenger car models (except “Thunderbird”) were now on a 118” WB full frame chassis. This was also the first year that no Ford model(s) could be had for under $2000.

Most notably, Ford received huge accolades at the World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium that year by handily winning a prestigious automotive design award known as the “Gold Medal for Exceptional Automotive Styling”. Evidently, critics of automotive design the world over liked the Ford offerings more than any other for the 1959 model year. These truly are exceptionally-styled automobiles. They differ immensely from the previous and next year’s models. Classics!

The Custom 300 was the baseline model in the Ford line-up for 1959. Available as a two or four door sedan (“Tudor” or “Fordor” in Ford-speak), was the base-line model for buyers who wanted a no-frills automobile. Many options and features available on the Fairlane, Fairlane 500, Galaxie, Ranch Wagon, Country Sedan, Country Squire, and Ranchero could be ordered for these cars.

On the exterior, the Custom 300 can easily be distinguished by the "F-O-R-D" letters on the hood, upper front fender ornaments with gold balls on top, a lack of greenhouse chrome around the side windows, a unique trunk emblem incorporating the lock cylinder, and four jet-shaped rear quarter panel ornaments per side. In addition, no rear trunk moulding was used and side trim was at a minimum. Inside, all Custom 300 models used armrests only on the front doors; quarter trim panels or rear doors did not have them. Interiors featured rubber floor mats instead of carpet. Visors were unpadded and most of these cars had few options, most popular being a V8 engine, automatic transmission, power brakes and steering, a radio, and two-tone paint.

This particular car you're now seeing is a very early model. It was built in November of 1958. Sold new to a farmer from Iowa as a gift for his wife, this car spent the next 60 years with the same family. It has been lovingly cared for and just sold recently by the previous caretaker who retired and had other interests. The mileage on the odometer is 69,000-and-change. I cannot say whether this is accurate. The previous owner said it was, but in the interest of fair disclosure (and most state laws), the car is too old and will be labeled as "TMU" (True Mileage Unknown").

If you're interested in this car, please read further and know that the description will be a long one, but this car has many features a potential buyer needs to know about.

First, here is a decoding of the VIN and data plate...C9PG112XXX C- 292-2V 200 HP@4400 RPM (8.8:1 compression) 9 – 1959 Model Year P – Twin Cities Assembly Plant G – Custom 300 Series 112XXX – This was the 12,XXXnd vehicle built at Twin Cities for the 1959 model year BODY – 64F – Custom 300 Tudor Sedan COLOR H – Tahitian Bronze TRIM – 3 – Green Ribbed Vinyl Bolster & Green Random Block Fabric DATE – 11L – Built November 11, 1958 TRANS – 1 – 3-spd Manual B-W T85

The only option this car has is the V8 engine, displacing 292 cubic inches. Originally a two barrel carburetor, this engine now has an original cast iron intake manifold and matching carburetor from a 1956 Ford Y-block engine. I still have the original manifold and carburetor, which is included in the sale. I'm assuming this is the original engine for the car, but I'm not sure because my area of expertise is the Ford FE engines. However, the previous owner states that it is the original. Improvements over the years include adding electronic ignition and replacing spark plugs and wires during the conversion. The radiator has been re-cored recently and new hoses installed, so it should run cool with its new 160 degree thermostat. The fuel sender was also replaced at some point.

Starting with the exterior, the first thing you notice is the striking contrast of the Indian Turquiose and Pearl White Paint. The car was originally Tahitian Bronze, but the previous owner liked these colors better. Besides, they are colors that were available in 1959, except that the white now has a hint of a pearlescent appearance. In the right light, it's quite striking! It never had the front fender top ornamts nor the rear quarter panel ornaments when it was new. The bumpers have been replated and most of the weatherstripping has been replaced. The only thing that needs attention on the exterior is that the windshield has a small chip on the right side and some of the stainless mouldings have some small imperfections. The previous owner told me the car was rarely driven in winter and stayed inside for the most part all other times of the year as well. He claimed it to be rust-free, and by a very brief inspection, the car's body looks good. I had planned on getting the car on a lift, but I didn't. I also have the car stored off-premise from my home, so it's not convenient to go look at it to answer specific questions. I'd recommend seeing the car in person yourself or hiring an inspector to come look at it in your absence.

Inside, the car still has its original upholstery on the back seat and the door and quarter trim panels are original. The front seat was redone with a similar material that looks good, but upon close inspection, it does not match the rear seat. SMS Auto Fabrics does have the correct material, so you could easily match them if you wanted to. The car never had its front armrests when it was new. The carpet was added a few years ago and doesn't fit exactly right in a few places. It looks "lumpy" and "bunched up" in places. Originally, the Custom 300 had rubber floor mats. They're available as reproductions, and this is what I was going to do. The headliner has a few stitches that need repairing, but nothing serious. The visors are original and could probably stand to be replaced, but not urgently. The interior could use a thorough detailing and cleaning to really make it look good. I had planned on doing that and replacing the visors, but never got to it. There's also a hidden radio under the front seat, but I was going to remove it when I got the seat re-done, so I don't know, and didn't care, if it works.

In the trunk, the mat has been replaced with a reproduction. The spare tire and full jack assembly are fully intact, which is rare in most old cars! A car cover is included with the sale.

Mechanically, the car has had the brakes re-done (according to the previous owner - I have not verified, but the car stops well). The engine starts immediately and reaches operating temperature quickly. It seems to have decent power and the transmission shifts well. As you'd expect, a car this big can be a chore to drive at low speed without power steering, but on the road, it's got a good, solid feel. In my opinion, Fords from this era with power steering are a bit too touchy and often leak, so I was fine without this option. The radial tires are still 14 inchers mounted on original wheels that were repainted turquoise. The previous owner says they're nearly new. The car has rear air shocks because after 60 years, the rear leaf springs don't keep the rear end level, but with the help of these shocks, it really helps.

I have not had the car long. I planned on improving the car a bit at a time while driving it, but earlier in November,, Goodguys Hot Rod Association had their final-of-the-season car show here and I found a car there that already has disc brakes, air conditioning, full instrumentation, etc. These were all things I wanted to do to this beautiful '59, but now I'll make it available for someone else. The next owner may be more of a purist and would not add these things, but believe me, if you live in Phoenix, you NEED A/C!

I have a complete set of showroom literature (except the Color & Upholstery book) that are all in excellent condition that I'll give to the new owner.

Let me conclude by saying that this car is not perfect, nor am I eluding that it is. What it is, though, is a fine example of a 60 year old classic car that can be enjoyed as-is, do additional restoration work to while still driving it, or use this as a start to a full-on frame-off restoration or hot rod. If you're serious about the car, you are welcome to come inspect it in person yourself or hire an inspector to do so in your place. My idea of a decent old car may not coincide with yours, so it's always best to see it for yourself.

This is a no-reserve auction and as soon as someone places the opening bid, it WILL sell. Any and all costs associated with transporting the car will be the sole responsibility of the buyer. However, I will assist in getting the car loaded safely and can keep it garaged for up to 30 days past the auction's end to allow arrangements to be made. The car will not be released to the buyer until all funds have cleared. We can work out a final payment plan at the auction's conclusion.

This car is being sold "as is" and has no warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied. It has a clear title and is fully operational for a test drive or loading/unloading on or in a trailer.

Please contact me if you'd like more info. I'll do my best to get back to you soon. Thanks for your interest. Good luck bidding!

• Condition: Used
• Make: Ford
• Model: 300
• Type: Two Door Sedan
• Trim: Custom 300
• Year: 1959
• Mileage: 69000
• VIN: C9PG112XXX
• Color: Turquoise/White
• Engine size: 292-4V
• Number of cylinders: 8
• Power options: None
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Green
• Safety options: None
• Options: V8 Engine
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!