Description
The Ford Custom Eight 98HB Fordor Sedan, introduced in 1946, was part of Ford’s first postwar automobile lineup and one of the most popular models in the company’s catalog. Civilian car production had stopped in early 1942 as factories shifted to building military vehicles for World War II, so when the 1946 models arrived they were greeted with enormous demand from a car-hungry public. The “98HB” designation identified this car as an eight-cylinder model in the top-tier Custom trim line, paired with the practical and family-friendly Fordor Sedan body.
Stylistically, the 1946 Ford Custom Eight carried forward the prewar design language, as Ford, like most manufacturers, did not have the time to develop an all-new car immediately after the war. The Fordor Sedan featured smooth, rounded fenders, a long roofline, and a wide horizontal-bar grille that emphasized the car’s broad, low stance. Chrome trim, bumper guards, and bright detailing distinguished the Custom line from the more modest Super DeLuxe and DeLuxe trims. With four full-size doors, the Fordor was easy to access and ideally suited for families or professional use, giving it wide appeal.
Inside, the Custom Eight Fordor Sedan offered one of the most comfortable and well-finished cabins in Ford’s lineup. Upholstery was available in quality mohair or broadcloth, and the dashboard featured woodgrain panels with chrome highlights, giving the interior a richer appearance than the simpler trims. Seating for up to six passengers was provided on front and rear bench seats, and optional equipment included a heater, radio, and clock. The interior’s space, comfort, and upscale details reflected the growing consumer expectation for refinement in the immediate postwar years.
Under the hood, the 98HB Fordor Sedan carried Ford’s famous 239 cubic inch flathead V8, producing 100 horsepower. Known for its smooth torque and dependable nature, the V8 gave the car lively performance for its class, with cruising speeds of 70 mph easily attainable. It was paired with a three-speed manual gearbox, and Ford’s rugged chassis ensured durability in everyday driving. While the inline-six versions offered better fuel economy, the V8 models appealed strongly to buyers who wanted extra power and prestige.
The chassis used Ford’s traditional ladder frame with transverse leaf spring suspension, a design carried over from earlier years. Hydraulic brakes on all four wheels provided reliable stopping power, though ride and handling were still relatively firm compared to independent suspension systems offered by some competitors. Nonetheless, the Fordor Sedan’s balance of simplicity, ruggedness, and V8 performance made it highly competitive in its market segment.
Priced at just over $1,300 when new, the Custom Eight Fordor Sedan was affordable enough for middle-class families while still delivering the prestige of a V8-powered, top-trim model. It quickly became one of Ford’s best sellers in the postwar years, helping the company reestablish itself as a leader in the booming car market of the late 1940s.
Today, the Ford Custom Eight 98HB Fordor Sedan is valued by collectors for its role in the postwar automotive boom and for its classic flathead V8 performance. While overshadowed in the hobby by sportier coupés and convertibles, the Fordor represents the heart of Ford’s sales success in the era, a dependable and stylish family car that carried millions of Americans into the new age of prosperity. Restored examples highlight the elegance of its chrome and woodgrain trim, while surviving originals remain a testament to the durability and practicality that made it such a success.