The Don Ferrara ’49 Ford

Don Ferrara is probably best known for his roadster, but his shoebox Ford was actually featured in more publications. From 1953 to 1955, it was featured in Honk, Car Craft and a Trend Book. I think what makes the car most compelling to me is it’s simplicity (I know… this is sort of trend in my thinking…).

For all intents and purposes, you are looking at a relatively stock ’49 coupe. Ignore the front end treatment and all Don really did was shave, lower and spotlight the thing. Now, bring the front end into focus and I might argue that this car would have looked better had Don just left it alone. I detest the front fender openings and the headlights are awkward to my eye, but I do like the grille created from two sections of a ’52 Lincoln bumper.

In any case, this is a really fun car to study, stare at, and just sort of judge with your own biases:

Editor’s Note: Did Don own a shirt?