1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner

Description

Some 50 years after the first Ford rolled out of its Mack Avenue, Detroit plant, this 1953 Ford Sunliner Convertible emerged, stylistically bridging the gap between the boundless curvature of the models before it and the more squared off appearances of those to follow. This is a coveted classic seldom seen on the road, and it pairs its outstanding aesthetics with a more modern engine under its hood for more power and increased reliability.

The entire Sunliner line got a freshening the year before this '53 first set rubber to road, including a more modern wrap around windshield for increased visibility. Thoroughly revitalized and wearing a coat of green that nicely accentuates its form, this vintage Ford cuts quite an appearance and it's pretty easy to see why it was called upon to pace the Indy 500 field the year it debuted - with William Clay Ford behind the wheel, no less. There's a world class display of chrome featured on the exterior that includes a signature bullet sitting at the center of a beefy front grille and bumper, as well as prominent side trim and awesome accenting adjacent to the skirted rear wheels. The paint itself is in fine shape - it's a very distinctive shade and holds a nice, deep shine and a smooth texture. Neatly tucked beneath the tonneau cover in back sits a white convertible top that's ready to rise up for protection in the event of darkening skies.

This vintage Ford features a great looking interior. The pair of white leather bucket seats at its center were originally from a Lincoln and fit nicely in this setting, with door panels to each side and quarter trim in back featuring period appropriate tuck and roll surfaces. A plush center console sits between the buckets, offering additional interior storage space. The dash area remains in largely original configuration and it's looking as clean as can be, with its fan shaped instrument cluster clear and readable, an analog clock that actually works, and all switches and control knobs securely in place. The original AM radio is still positioned at the center of the dash, but there's also an AM/FM/Cassette stereo mounted in the glove box to provide an enhanced audio soundtrack while you're on the road. The spacious trunk area is well prepped and harbors a full-size spare inside.

In place of the original vintage engine, a 302 cubic inch V8 now sits beneath the hood, surrounded by cleanly painted inner fenders and a matte black fire wall, wearing a blue-tinged, open element air cleaner and surrounded by fresh plug wires. It was only recently rebuilt, so it's running in top form, and pairs with a 4 speed automatic transmission whose overdrive gear provides low RPM cruising at highway speeds. Farther forward, there's a sizable aluminum radiator on board to help keep engine temperatures under control during more demanding driving conditions. This pivotal classic rides on a set of 15" wheels with chrome hub cabs wearing 6.70-15 whitewall tires to top off its thoroughly authentic appearance. A glance below will reveal an undercarriage that's in impressively solid shape and from that vantage point you can see the X bracing Ford employed to maximize structural rigidity.

Rarely encountered and endlessly impressive, this 1953 Ford Sunliner Convertible is a skillfully restored classic that features a number of well-chosen upgrades to make for a fine vintage driving experience. Call today!