Proxie, I had one just like it in 1954 except mine was birch gray. It was an early 49 and had a lot of problems, of course my speed shifting didn't help it either. My 51 was a much better car.
I never had any problems with the 49s, but I prefer the 50s over the 49-51. Here I am with the 49 I owned in 1959 on Daytona Beach. "Check out the Shoes" Ha. Sherrel