With improvements aplenty, the 1950 Ford line was marketed as “50 ways new, 50 ways better!” Here’s the confident sales pitch in an original Ford theatrical reel.

Ford’s first all-new car in nearly a generation, the 1949 model is regarded by many historians as the car that saved the company. But the new product was not without serious bugs, including faulty front suspension geometry, sagging upholstery, defective latches, and dust and water leaks in the sleek new bodywork. The new model was a radical departure for the hidebound car maker, and the changes brought numerous development challenges.

Under the decisive, often brash leadership of young Henry Ford II, grandson of the company’s founder, Ford’s engineering and production teams attacked the ’49’s multiple shortcomings. Without shame, the improved 1950 models were marketed as “50 ways new, 50 ways better!” To check out some of the revisions, see our MCG Car Spotter’s Guide to the 1949 to 1951 Fords.

Car-hungry postwar buyers responded to the product upgrade in a positive way, allowing Ford to renew its perennial battle with GM’s mighty Chevrolet division for the number one spot in U.S. auto sales. “Ford is the one fine car in the low-priced field,” the Dearborn automaker crowed, throwing a jape at the bow-tie brand. This original theatrical spot uses some charming circa-1950 special effects to sell the Ford story. Video below.