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What was the wheelbase of the Ford shoebox in 1950?

The wheelbase of the Ford Shoebox in 1950 was 114 inches (about 2.90 meters).



Context and Significance


To understand how the wheelbase fitted into Ford’s design philosophy, it helps to place it within the broader Shoebox era. The 114-inch wheelbase provided a balance between passenger room, trunk space, and handling characteristics that defined Ford’s postwar lineup.


Key specifications related to the wheelbase are summarized below.



  • Wheelbase: 114 inches (2,896 mm)

  • Model years covered: 1949, 1950, 1951 Ford passenger cars

  • Body styles typically sharing the wheelbase: sedans, coupes, and convertibles available in the Shoebox range


These points illustrate how the 114-inch wheelbase underpinned the era’s design and packaging, contributing to a consistent chassis footprint across multiple body styles.


Model-Year Consistency


Across 1949–1951


Ford did not significantly alter the wheelbase during the Shoebox years; the 114-inch measurement remained the standard across 1949, 1950, and 1951 passenger cars. This consistency helped manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers align parts, suspension geometry, and interior layouts during the period.


Additional Context


In practical terms, the 114-inch wheelbase influenced ride quality, weight distribution, and overall stance—the hallmark of the Shoebox’s visual identity. For collectors and restorers, maintaining the 114-inch baseline is part of authentic restoration from this era.


Summary


The Ford Shoebox family in 1950 rode on a wheelbase of 114 inches, a constant across the 1949–1951 model years that shaped the car’s interior space, handling, and distinctive postwar styling.

What classic Ford cars have a 112-inch wheelbase?


𝟭𝟵𝟯𝟲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝟲𝟴 𝗗𝗲𝗟𝘂𝘅𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗻 The 1936 Ford Model 68 was a single-year production vehicle that built upon its Model 48 predecessor. The car maintained a 112-inch wheelbase while introducing updated styling, including new fenders and a wraparound radiator grille with vertical bars.



Why are 1950 Fords called Shoebox?


In response to its design, the model line would be called the "Shoebox Ford", denoting its slab-sided "ponton" design.



What was the wheelbase of the Ford 4 door in 1950?


114-inch
Custom and Custom Deluxe (1949–1951)
It was part of Ford's first complete redesign of their cars post-WW2. In 1950, it had a 114-inch wheelbase and 196.8-inch overall length.



What was the wheelbase of the 1951 Ford?


Wheelbase-114".


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.