Ford Australia's Better Idea

mercman from oz

mercman from oz

Well-known member
263191
263192
263193

Ford Australia had a better idea in 1947, when they "rounded" the bottom corners of the Trunk Lids on the 1947 and 1948 Ford Sedans. I guess that when the Trunk Lid was opened, it was too easy to walk into it if you weren't looking at where you were going, which could have resulted in the loss of sight or other injuries. While our 1946 Ford Sedans (the only body style that we got apart from the Coupe Ute and Panel Van) had the "square" Corners on the Trunk Lids, (refer to the Bronze 46 in the top photo). This was modified for the similar looking 1947 models (refer to Black Sedan in middle picture). Australia had to wait until 1948 before we got the model with the round Parking Lights. The bottom photo shows an imported 1947/1948 Ford which still retained the Square Corners. In the USA, the late 47 and 1948 Fords had the rear Bumper mounted lower, but this change was never adopted on the 1948 Ford Sedans assembled in Australia.
So, what do Ford Barners think of Ford Australia's better idea? Why was it never adopted on the USA built Fords?
 
263194
263195

As with the 1946-1948 Fords shown above, the same is true on the Mercurys that were assembled in Australia. The top photo (Black Car) show the Square Corner on the bottom of the Trunk Lid while the lower photo (Turquoise Car) shows a 1948 Mercury with the Rounded Bottom Corner of the Trunk Lid.
Why didn't the Designers at Ford in the USA think of this improvement?
 
Well spotted. I wish I could answer your questions Trevor.
Maybe someone out there knows.

Manuel in Oz
 
A ggod idea.
Softens the blow to the head when you walk into it.
Also lessens the risk of ending up like a Chev owner ( one-eyed )
A fact I've known since I was 19 years old in 1965.
Got struck by my 39 standard sedan lid several times while we were both in the upright position.
Taught me to be always careful while lifting a sedan trunk lid - even now.
No problem with the coupes - being rounded.
Chris.NZ.
 
Last edited:
263195

Just because Ford in USA originally designed these old Fords, it doesn't mean that the design couldn't be improved on, which is exactly what Ford Australia did. Ford Australia "had a better idea".
 
You should ask my wife that question. I've never heard such profanity come out of a woman's mouth after she caught her head on the corner of our 47' convertible. Twice!
 
Ford in Australia didn't offer any Coupes or Convertibles after 1940. Only the Fordor Sedan, Coupe Ute and Panel Van was available. On that basis, this "modification" only applied to the Fordor Sedans in both the Fords and Mercurys for 1947 and 1948.
 
The rounded corners of the trunk are more aesthetically pleasing and suits the car than those boxy square ends. I would really hate to jam my head into one of those sharp corners. Yep wonder why the US didn’t make the change?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top