Description
The Ford Custom Six 98HA Tudor Sedan, introduced for the 1946 model year, was part of Ford’s first postwar lineup and represented the company’s effort to resume civilian car production after World War II. The “98HA” designation identified it as a six-cylinder model within the Custom trim line, which sat at the top of Ford’s range. The Tudor Sedan body style, with its two-door layout and seating for five, was one of Ford’s most popular configurations, offering a balance of practicality, affordability, and style.
Visually, the 1946 Ford Custom closely resembled the prewar 1942 models, as development of all-new cars had been halted during the war. The Tudor Sedan featured smooth, rounded bodywork with integrated fenders, a wide horizontal-bar grille, and modest chrome accents. Compared to the DeLuxe and Super DeLuxe lines of 1941–42, the postwar Custom trim was slightly more refined, with extra brightwork and detailing to give the car a more upscale appearance. The two-door sedan body provided easy access to the roomy rear bench through wide front doors, making it suitable for families while being more affordable than the Fordor Sedan.
Inside, the Custom Six Tudor Sedan was more comfortably appointed than the lower-trim models. Upholstery options included mohair or broadcloth, with additional chrome trim and woodgrain finishes on the dashboard. The interior was designed to feel more modern and upscale, reflecting buyers’ desires for comfort and style after years of wartime austerity. Features such as a clock, radio, and heater were available, while generous headroom and legroom made the car practical for daily use.
Under the hood, the 98HA was powered by Ford’s 226 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine, producing around 90 horsepower. Smooth and reliable, the six-cylinder was less powerful than Ford’s flathead V8 but appealed to buyers who valued economy and simplicity. Paired with a three-speed manual transmission, it provided steady performance, with cruising speeds of 60–65 mph easily attainable. The six-cylinder engine also tended to be more fuel-efficient, making it an attractive option in the years immediately following the war when fuel and resources were still tightly controlled.
Mechanically, the Tudor Sedan rode on Ford’s sturdy ladder-type frame with transverse leaf spring suspension at both ends. Hydraulic drum brakes were standard and effective for the car’s size and weight, while the simple chassis design ensured durability and ease of maintenance, especially important in the early postwar years.
Priced competitively, the Custom Six 98HA Tudor Sedan offered buyers a stylish and well-equipped family car at a reasonable cost. Its combination of economy, comfort, and refined looks made it one of Ford’s most popular postwar models.
Today, the 1946 Ford Custom Six 98HA Tudor Sedan is appreciated by collectors for its place in history as one of the first American cars to return to the market after World War II. Though overshadowed in performance by the V8 models, the Six-cylinder Tudors have a charm of their own, representing the practicality and optimism of the immediate postwar years. Restored examples highlight the graceful, prewar-inspired styling and the understated appeal of a car that helped Ford reestablish itself in the civilian marketplace.