1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner Convertible

Details

Ford is one of the most recognisable brands on the planet and arguably the most successful motor company of all time. To most people, when you mention ‘Ford’ they think of ‘the family sedan’, however, the company has always been an innovator and real ‘car guys’ recognise and appreciate Ford’s achievements. The Model T of course pioneered mass production and was one of the most significant motor vehicles ever built. In 1964, Ford introduced the Mustang which launched a new era of ‘pony class’ American muscle cars. It went on to become a legend. Think motorsport and Ford has done it all. The GT40 is perhaps Ford’s crowning glory and after a few false starts they swept aside Enzo’s red racers to dominate at Le Mans, winning the event in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.  In Australia and England, Ford has been very successful in Touring Cars. Ford, through its racing division Cosworth, was an engine supplier to Formula One and Indy cars for many years, achieving great success. Ford was also a pioneer in rallying and it has been competing in the World Rally Championship (WRC) since its inception in 1973. Cars such as the Ford Escort and in more recent times the Ford Focus have enjoyed great success around the world.

The 1950’s was a fabulous era for the American automobile industry. The United States became the world’s largest manufacturer of automobiles and Henry Ford’s goal of 30 years earlier that ‘any man with a good job should be able to afford an automobile’ was achieved. Ford was a market leader at that time and they had a significant influence on American culture. Fast food, rock ‘n’ roll, American diners, drive-in movies and of course cars were ‘very cool’.

Ford’s model range of the early 1950’s included the Mainline, Customline and Crestline, with each model available in varying body styles. The Crestline was the top of the range model available at that time.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner Convertible. This car is powered by a 239 cubic inch ‘flathead’ V8 engine mated to a three-speed column shift manual transmission with overdrive. This is just a STUNNING example of this early Ford.

The current owner acquired the car at auction in the USA back in 2014. This car was part of the Jeffery Day Collection which comprised of ‘best of category’ examples from the Ford Motor Company and featured some of the finest restored examples in existence. There is an import approval on file dated 16th December 2014. Since arriving into Australia this car has been used sparingly and travelled a meagre 189 miles.

The car was subject to a concours standard nut and bolt restoration some years ago and it still remains in magnificent condition all round. The bright red paint work is in excellent condition, the body work is ‘straight as a die’ and the panel gaps ‘better than new’. All of the external trim and bright work (which are a feature on this car) are also in excellent condition. The interior is also in show room condition with everything looking as fresh as the day it was restored. The soft top is also ‘like new’ and its electric operation works perfectly. Under the bonnet, the engine bay is also excellent and understood to be incredibly authentic. The Ford embossed spark plug wires, as well as the Ford special oil bath air cleaner, the external fitted oil filter and a proper glass windshield washer bottle are details the enthusiasts will notice. The car is as clean underneath as it is on top.

This Ford Crestline Sunliner Convertible is highly optioned with a driver’s side spotlight/mirror (which is oh so cool!), an AM radio, a clock, a heater, a power top, rear fender skirts, wide whitewall tyres and extremely rare dealer installed power steering. Quite incredible really for 1953!

The car was given a ‘once over’ and service in November 2016 at 79,120 miles. Today the odometer reads 79,176 miles.

Not surprisingly this car drives as well as it looks. One could really be teleported back to 1953 and driving it off the showroom floor . . . it is that good . . . in fact better! The only defect we have noticed is that the fuel gauge is not working.

The car is accompanied by a US title (California) and a pouch with original Ford dealer documentation, including an owner’s manual.

This is just a FABULOUS car that is ready for the show circuit and/or to be driven and enjoyed.

 

 

 

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