1959 Ford Custom Deluxe: A Detailed Overview
The 1959 Ford Custom Deluxe represented a significant evolution in Ford's mid-range offering, embodying the era's penchant for bold styling, chrome accents, and a growing emphasis on comfort and practicality. Slotting above the base Custom and below the Fairlane, the Custom Deluxe provided a well-appointed and stylish option for families and individuals seeking a blend of affordability and upscale features.
Styling and Design:
The 1959 Ford lineup, including the Custom Deluxe, underwent a substantial restyling, moving away from the more angular designs of previous years towards a more fluid and expansive aesthetic.
- Front End: The most striking feature of the 1959 Ford was its distinctive front fascia. The Custom Deluxe sported a prominent, wide grille that stretched across the entire width of the car. Flanking the grille were dual, freestanding headlights, a trend that was becoming increasingly popular. The chrome bumper was substantial, often featuring optional bumper guards. The hood featured a subtle, central peak, adding to the car's assertive stance.
- Side Profile: The Custom Deluxe offered a clean and elegant side profile. The body lines were smoother and more flowing, with a distinctive chrome strip running along the beltline. Models were available in various body styles, including two-door and four-door sedans, and a two-door pillarless hardtop coupe, all of which benefited from the updated styling. The roofline was relatively low and sleek for its time.
- Rear End: The rear of the 1959 Ford was equally eye-catching, characterized by its large, distinctive "cathedral" or "jet-age" taillights. These taillights, often integrated into sweeping fins, were a hallmark of the late 1950s automotive design and contributed to the car's sense of length and width. The rear bumper mirrored the substantial chrome of the front, and the trunk lid was relatively flat.
- Ornamentation: Chrome was liberally used throughout the exterior, adorning the grille, bumpers, side trim, window surrounds, and badging. The "Custom Deluxe" script was typically displayed prominently on the car's fenders or rear quarter panels.
Powertrain and Performance:
Ford offered a range of reliable and capable engines for the 1959 Custom Deluxe, catering to different performance and economy needs.
- Standard Engine: The standard engine for the Custom Deluxe was often a 223 cubic inch (3.7L) "Mileage Maker" inline-six engine. This engine was known for its durability and respectable fuel economy, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
- Optional V8 Engines: Customers could opt for more powerful V8 engines, providing a significant boost in performance. These typically included:
- 292 cubic inch (4.8L) Y-block V8: A common and capable V8 that offered good all-around performance.
- 332 cubic inch (5.4L) V8: A larger and more potent V8 option for those seeking enhanced acceleration and towing capabilities.
- Transmissions: The Custom Deluxe was available with a choice of transmissions:
- 3-speed Manual Transmission: The standard offering, providing a traditional driving experience.
- Ford-O-Matic (2-speed Automatic Transmission): A popular option that offered increased driving ease and comfort.
- Cruise-O-Matic (3-speed Automatic Transmission): Available with some of the larger V8 engines, this transmission provided smoother shifts and better overall performance.
Interior and Comfort:
The interior of the 1959 Ford Custom Deluxe was designed with the driver and passengers in mind, offering a comfortable and well-appointed cabin for its class.
- Seating: The Custom Deluxe typically featured a spacious bench seat in both the front and rear, upholstered in durable and attractive fabrics or vinyl. The pillarless hardtop coupes offered an especially airy and open cabin feel.
- Dashboard and Instrumentation: The dashboard was styled with a blend of functionality and flair. It featured a single, prominent instrument cluster directly in front of the driver, usually including a speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights. The layout was generally uncluttered and easy to read.
- Features: While not as luxurious as the higher-end Fairlane models, the Custom Deluxe offered a good array of standard and optional comfort and convenience features, such as:
- Optional Radio: A desirable feature that was often an add-on.
- Optional Heater: Essential for colder climates.
- Optional Power Steering: Significantly improved maneuverability.
- Optional Power Brakes: Enhanced braking performance.
- Optional Air Conditioning: A rare and highly sought-after luxury option for the time.
- Two-Tone Paint Schemes: Available on the exterior, often complemented by contrasting interior upholstery.
Market Position and Legacy:
The 1959 Ford Custom Deluxe occupied a crucial position in Ford's product lineup, appealing to a broad segment of the car-buying public. It offered a compelling combination of the era's desirable styling cues, a choice of capable engines, and a comfortable interior at a price point that was accessible to many families. It represented Ford's commitment to delivering stylish, modern, and practical automobiles that were a joy to drive and own. The 1959 models, with their distinctive styling, remain popular with collectors and enthusiasts today, appreciated for their quintessential late-50s American automotive charm.