1953 Ford Crestline Victoria

Description

There are still plenty of interesting hobby cars out there that don't cost much money. For example, take a look at this gorgeous 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria – with its very attractive 2-door body style, 239 Flathead V8 power, slick hardtop profile, and period-perfect pastel colors that look amazing today. Not over-done, not modified, but a nice, clean little Ford that still has that flathead magic going for it.

The colors are White over Flamingo Red, and the combination works rather well on this neat Ford coupe. Redesigned just the previous year, the 'shoebox' Fords had a very modern, sleek look and the Victoria hardtop with its wrap-around rear window and pillarless profile was a sporting choice that still looks great today. The restoration on this tidy driver is more than a few years old, but it's holding up well and the car wears an honest, top driver-quality look that's certainly appropriate for Ford's best-seller. It's affordable, but that doesn't mean you need to put up with second-rate bodywork and cut corners, and this '53 has obviously benefitted from an easy life. In addition to that great preservation, the pros that restored this Ford got the details right, and even though there a couple minor signs of use it shows very nicely in person. The bodywork is nicely done, and you'll note that the slab-sided panels show none of the usual ripples and waves. Gaps are good and the panel alignment is very good overall as well, suggesting a car that didn't need major reconstructive surgery before the finish was applied. And although the finish isn't a show-stopper, it's much nicer than most would probably expect at this price point, with a great shine and luster that really comes to life when that coral color starts to dance with the sunlight. The front and rear bumpers are in good shape and the rest of the brightwork has been shined up and looks quite correct against the handsome paint, and a deep polish could probably bring out even more bling. Fender skirts add to the period feel, while out back you get some of Ford's first jet-inspired taillights, as well as that "Fordomatic" badge, but we'll get to that in a moment.

The period-correct (and potentially original) two-tone coral-and-white interior has a very jaunty 1950s appeal to it, with pleated seat covers and simple patterns throughout. It works perfectly with the matching bodywork, and the contrast of the newer black carpets and black accents on the original-style door panels is very appealing. There are a few signs of age and use (although if we're honest, there's very little to complain about inside, if anything at all), because this is a car that actually gets driven, but the simplicity is a big part of the appeal. An original, big black steering wheel offers an aircraft-inspired horn ring and there's an orderly instrument panel with an arched speedometer housing that would set Ford's styling trends for the rest of the '50s. The Fordomatic 2-speed automatic transmission was a relatively new innovation and makes this car as easy to drive as your regular daily driver, slipping through traffic with ease. The original AM radio is still in place and remarkable still works, although the original heater isn't operational at the moment, but nevertheless we absolutely love that the Flamingo Red dash is decked-out just like it would've been in 1953. That includes the center-mounted clock, and even the windshield stop-light prism mounted just ahead of the driver. There's a good-sized back seat and a spacious trunk with rubber mat and full-sized spare make it a good choice for your next old car tour.

1953 Fords carry the last of the flathead V8s, and that's really the engine you want. Displacing 239 cubic inches, it's got that fantastic flathead sound and plenty of torque to make this Vicky very fun to drive. The engine is nicely detailed with bright Ford Red paint and large oil bath air cleaner, along with welcome details like the Ford script hoses and correct clamps. Most of you will quickly spot the big alternator up top, and with 12 volts running through it, the starter spins this engine with genuine gusto. Parts are still easy to find and there's no question that this is a reliable powerplant, going about its business without complaint, and as the old saying goes, even the bad flatheads are good and the good ones are great. The undercarriage is very clean with nothing to hide the original sheetmetal and seams, and there's a recent dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers that give the old flathead the right soundtrack. With 215/75/15 wide whitewall radials on stock steel wheels adorned with Ford hubcaps and beauty rings, it rides and handles rather well for a car about to celebrate its 70th birthday.

Entry-level cars are out there and you don't need to start with a project or a goofy '70s 4-door to get in the game. Instead, this particular '50s Ford is packed with panache and turn-key ready. Call today!