Sectioned Shoebox Fords

Sectioned Shoebox Fords

Of all the custom bodywork performed on a car in the 1950s, sectioning had to be the most radical and difficult treatment out there. Slicing a ‘section’ out of the entire body made it look skinny and sleek (if not a bit squashed when the top was usually left un-chopped), but the process required stripping nearly the entire car apart and tons of cutting and welding. There were a number of memorable sectioned 1949- 1951 Fords built in the 50s, such as the iconic and beautiful Ron Dunn ’50 Ford by Valley Customs, Ron Courtney’s crazy bat-winged X51, and super clean Don Britton ’50 Ford Tudor featured in Motor Trend way back in 1951. One of my favorites is the lesser known (and also a 1950) Shoebox Ford built by Styler’s Custom shop for Merton Peterson in 1957, that featured some very unique styling cues. Most sectioned cars of this era were going for a mild custom/ future car vibe, something akin to a factory prototype or Motorama show car look that would understate the massive body work that sectioning required. Peterson’s car took more the route of a European sports job- Shaved drip rails, Siata/ Ferrari bumper guards with no bumper bars, small oval grill, minimal trim, and the shortened and pancaked hood. The entire car works pretty well for me, short of maybe a super mild 2 inch chop, but what do you think? Add your favorite Sectioned Shoebox if I left it out…

*Many thanks to Rikster’s site for images*

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