Billie Joe Armstrong Is Selling His 1949 Shoebox Ford
Culture
Movies and Television
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Have you ever dreamed of cruising down the Boulevard of Broken Dreams in a rock star’s Shoebox Ford? Well, here’s your chance. Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong is saying Good Riddance to his dark blue metallic 1949 Ford Club Coupe survivor.
Clean post-war Shoebox Ford Club Coupes will always be treasured. The 1949 model year marked a resurgence for Ford, with the first new models designed after World War II. The iconic Shoebox style—named for its box-like exterior when the car is enclosed for the full width and length—set the path and is very much sought after. This Club Coupe survivor would be an interesting find, even without a celebrity pedigree.
This is a sweet little driver, not a Basket Case. The glass is intact, but the paint “is not perfect” and the chrome bumpers have seen a better day. You’ll find a 289 cubic inch Ford V8 engine under the hood (replacing the stock flathead), mated to a three-speed automatic transmission with a floor-mounted shifter. A dual exhaust system routes the spent gasses.
Some modest sheet metal modifications have been made. The gas-filler door has been welded shut. A fuel cell is trunk mounted, as is the battery, which resides in a battery box. The trunk floor looks to be in good shape. The car rides on steelies with Ford hubcaps, wrapped with American Classic whitewall radial tires.
The interior was freshened a bit, with leopard print carpeting and vinyl upholstery on the bench seats. The headliner is in good condition. The dashboard is festooned with an array of custom knobs. An aftermarket tachometer resides in the clock mount and a set of Sunpro gauges (water temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and volts) are mounted beneath the radio. The steering wheel is original, but the center cap is showing its age.
The bare-bones sound system consists of an inexpensive removable faceplate JVC head unit and exposed 6x9 speakers mounted in the door panels. An under-dash Magic Air air conditioning is present, although the unit is not operable. The windshield wipers are not functioning. You’ve got to Know Your Enemy and rust is the devil with classic cars.
A guitar signed by Billie Joe Armstrong as well as a letter of authenticity signed byMichael Manning, Green Day’s production/fleet manager, accompany the sale. Don’t be an American Idiot. Snap up this Shoebox Ford and signed guitar - opens in new window or tab. and your friends will be Hitchin’ a Ride.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.