Ford Custom

Ford Custom: Which Version to Buy and Why

The Ford Custom catalogue contains two versions, 3.7 MT and 3.9 MT, both offered from 1949 to 1955 as part of the model’s only generation. The choice is straightforward: 3.9 MT is the more powerful version, producing 100 hp from 3,922 cc, while 3.7 MT produces 95 hp from 3,700 cc. Both are Gasoline, carbureted, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive Coupe versions with a 3-speed Manual gearbox.

The Ford Custom catalogue contains two versions, 3.7 MT and 3.9 MT, both offered from 1949 to 1955 as part of the model’s only generation. The choice is straightforward: 3.9 MT is the more powerful version, producing 100 hp from 3,922 cc, while 3.7 MT produces 95 hp from 3,700 cc. Both are Gasoline, carbureted, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive Coupe versions with a 3-speed Manual gearbox. The smaller engine has marginally higher specific output—about 25.7 hp per litre versus about 25.5 hp per litre—but the larger engine provides 5 hp more overall. No prices, torque figures, acceleration results, top speeds, fuel-consumption figures, or weights are available, so the data cannot establish whether the extra power of 3.9 MT is worth any price premium.

Ford Custom generations and version choice

Ford Custom has one generation in the supplied catalogue. The 1 generation ran from 1949 to 1955, used a Coupe body, and included two versions: 3.7 MT and 3.9 MT. Because both versions belong to the same generation and production period, there is no later generation to compare and no generation-to-generation change in engine choice, body style, transmission, drive layout, suspension, brakes, or listed dimensions.

The available comparison is therefore entirely between the two powertrains. Both versions place the engine at the Front, longitudinal position, use Carburetor fuel delivery, have No boost, and send power to RWD through a 3-speed Manual gearbox. Their chassis specifications also match: Independent, spring front suspension; Dependent, leaf spring rear suspension; and Drum brakes at both ends.

Ford Custom engine specs

The 3.7 MT has a 6-cylinder Inline engine with 2 valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 6.8, and an 83.8 × 111.8 bore-and-stroke specification. Its 95 hp output corresponds to approximately 25.7 hp per litre.

The 3.9 MT has an 8-cylinder V-shaped engine with 2 valves per cylinder, the same 6.8 compression ratio, and an 80.95 × 95.25 bore-and-stroke specification. It produces 100 hp, or approximately 25.5 hp per litre.

Choosing 3.9 MT adds 222 cc of displacement, 5 hp, and 4 kW compared with 3.7 MT. That represents approximately 6.0% more displacement but about 5.3% more horsepower. Peak power is listed 300 rpm higher, at 3600 rpm rather than 3300 rpm. The 3.7 MT therefore makes slightly more horsepower from each litre, although 3.9 MT remains the stronger version by total output.

Ford Custom performance, mpg, and economy

The available figures do not show how the 5 hp advantage of 3.9 MT affects acceleration or top speed. Its 0–100 km/h time and maximum speed are not measured, and the same is true for 3.7 MT.

Ford Custom mpg cannot be calculated from the supplied data because city, highway, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for either version. Both versions have a 60-litre fuel tank, but tank capacity alone does not establish fuel economy or driving range. Consequently, neither engine can be identified as the more economical choice from these specifications.

Torque is also not measured for either version. Total horsepower favours 3.9 MT, but the data do not support a comparison of low-speed pulling performance, flexibility, or in-gear response.

Ford Custom dimensions, weight, and chassis specs

Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured for 3.7 MT or 3.9 MT. Weight per horsepower therefore cannot be calculated, and the specifications do not show whether the larger engine carries a weight penalty. Ground clearance and wheel sizes are also not measured for both versions.

The listed chassis equipment does not distinguish the versions. Each has Independent, spring front suspension and Dependent, leaf spring rear suspension. Both use Drum front brakes and Drum rear brakes. Each also carries the same 60-litre tank, so the decision cannot be based on fuel capacity.

Ford Custom reliability and problems data

Reliability ratings, fault records, and model-specific problems are not measured in the supplied data. The specifications confirm that both versions use Carburetor fuel delivery, No boost, a 3-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD, but these facts alone do not establish reliability or maintenance costs. There is therefore no factual basis here for calling either 3.7 MT or 3.9 MT more dependable.

Which Ford Custom version should you buy?

Choose 3.9 MT if the priority is the highest listed output. It provides 100 hp and 75 kW, giving it a 5 hp and 4 kW advantage over 3.7 MT. It also has 3,922 cc of displacement and 8 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, compared with 3,700 cc and 6 Inline cylinders in 3.7 MT. Those are the principal measurable gains.

Choose 3.7 MT if you prefer the smaller-displacement option without giving up the shared transmission, drive system, tank capacity, suspension, or braking specification. It trails by only 5 hp while using 222 cc less displacement, and its approximate specific output of 25.7 hp per litre is marginally higher than the roughly 25.5 hp per litre of 3.9 MT.

The available data cannot determine which version is the better value for money because prices are not supplied. It also cannot calculate weight per horsepower because kerb weight is not measured. Economy, range, acceleration, top speed, torque, reliability, and maintenance differences are likewise not measured. On the evidence available, 3.9 MT is the choice for maximum power, while 3.7 MT is the choice for slightly better power per litre and a smaller engine with otherwise matching listed drivetrain and chassis equipment.