What if I told you that you could go out today and, for under $10,000, you could buy a seventy-two-year-old classic that has only covered an average of 1,055 miles per year throughout its life? You would probably question the odometer reading, but the seller of this 1953 Ford Customline holds documentary evidence confirming the car’s odometer reading of 76,000 miles. It needs nothing, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the Ford listed here on Craigslist in Olathe, Kansas. They set their price at a mere $9,900 OBO but may be willing to consider trades.
Ford introduced its first-generation Customline range in 1952, offering buyers body styles to suit most tastes. This generation remained in production until the end of 1954, with the first owner ordering this four-door Sedan in 1953. The history of this classic is unclear, although the seller indicates that the car received a repaint in its original combination of Glacier Blue and Sheridan Blue at some point. The indications are that this occurred a fair while ago, but the Customline still presents exceptionally well. Scrutinizing the photos reveals a few minor chips and imperfections, but nothing that justifies another round of attention with a spray gun. The panels are remarkably straight, and there is no evidence of rust. I typically advise in-person inspections before a classic purchase, but my instincts tell me that this process won’t unearth any nasty surprises. Most of the plated trim is in as-new condition, the glass is clear, and this Ford rides on classy whitewall tires.
Powering this Customline is Ford’s venerable 239ci flathead V8 that sends, according to the company’s Sales Brochure, 110hp and 196 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via the optional overdrive manual transmission. The power and torque figures are quite respectable for what Ford marketed at the time as affordable family transport, and this old girl should cruise as effortlessly at 60mph on the open road today as it would have in 1953. Potential buyers can consider the Customline a turnkey proposition. The seller claims that the odometer reading of 76,000 miles is documented as genuine, making this an extraordinary find.
Ford slotted the Customline between the entry-level Mainline and the more expensive Crestline in its model range. However, it still scored quite nicely for the standards of the time, with this car featuring cloth trim, an AM radio, a clock, and a heater. The seller describes this car’s interior condition as 9/10, courtesy of the lack of rips, tears, and sagging headliner. I would probably mark it slightly more harshly because while the back seat looks excellent, the front exhibits wear. It isn’t horrendous or threatening to develop holes, and potential buyers who want to protect this classic’s originality and prevent further deterioration could fit a set of slipcovers that would hide the problem. Otherwise, this interior is clean, tidy, and its condition is consistent with a low-mile classic that has been treated respectfully.
My father loved classic Fords, especially those from the 1950s. I do not doubt that he would take one look at this 1953 Customline, and my mother would have to restrain him lest he brought it home. I am a chip off the old block and am thankful that it is far enough away to prevent me from pursuing it further. Your situation may be different from mine, and you may find the combination of the Customline’s originality, practicality, odometer reading, and the price an irresistible combination. Too often, we are told that a specific classic offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but that may well be the case here. How often have you seen a classic Ford of this vintage that offers so many positive attributes for such a modest outlay? That makes this old survivor worth a closer look.
This is just like the new 53 Ford my dad bought, it was all gray and had the painted like this because for safety he felt that at dusk he wouldn’t be seen. Sidebar, because I was mischievous, I dropped the license plate and filled it with gas I told my dad (Rockwool) he thanked me! That was the last of that Ford, he had to replace it with a lt. green Country Squire the last year of real wood, 54 went to fiberglass wood.
Needs nothing, instant gratification. Give yourself some extra time when you take this car out, so you have time to accept all the compliments you’ll get.
Great example of this car! One auction offered a 1953 Ford (Crestline, as I recall) about ten years ago, wearing its original paint, and with 7,000 original documented miles, riding on its original tyres (which it was recommended that the buyer change immediately if the car were intended to be driven). I’ve no idea what the final bid was, but I imagine that it must have been north of $25,000. I would LOVE to have this car, except for the fact that I test-drove one once (also, this same colour combination, and a Fordor Customline, in Kansas!). They were asking $2,500 for it in 1986, but I had all I could do to drive it, since I could not see out over the hood very well. I was driving my 1946 Ford at the time, and that had good visibility for me. I am short from my waist to my shoulders, and seeing out forward on many vehicles of this era is a real PROBLEM, for me. Once they lowered the profiles and heightened the greenhouses, in the early 1960s, then I could see just fine. If I were to buy a 1953 Ford or Mercury (I’d prefer the Mercury), I would need to concoct a way to raise the front seat about two inches. Another problem is, because I sit too low in any car, the sun-visor is too short. This was less of a problem in my 1946, because it had the highly effective polarised fold-down visor extension which you could still see through, but it cut the glare instantly. I’ve forgotten the name of that accessory. That ’46 had every option known to man or beast in 1946 — spotlights — fog lamps — the finest A.M. “long distance” radio I’ve EVER experienced, both under-dash and under-sear hot water heaters (neither of which was very effective once it got below 45°) — a Borg clock you could hear ticking even over the road noise — a nice marbled silver-looking, tinny-sounding “picnic” extension speaker (you’re nuts if you use that one, because, in order to keep that tube radio from eating your battery, you had to leave the car running — and then if it were a sultry day, you’d risk over-heating that old flathead V-8!) — Columbia Overdrive (which you absolutely NEED for cruising at 65 m.p.h.!) — the fancy accessory bumper side-extenders — turn-signal kit — Dynamatic Fan (to cool that flathead!) — windshield washer kit — vacuum storage “pontoon” inside-wheel-well tank (so the wipers would not stall when going uo a hill) — passenger’s side rear-view mirror — trim rings around the hubcaps… the old girl was decked-out! But it had high mileage by 1986, and I was looking for another Ford or Mercury with more life left in it. If I could have driven it, without putting Webster’s Third Unabridged or a Manhattan telephone-directory under me, I probably would have bought that 1953 Customline, with its neat 50th Anniversary steering wheel. Its clock was no longer running, but I know how to restore an old car clock — which is why mine always ran and kept time. Oh well… nice to see THIS ’53, and I expect that it will find a new home rather quickly. The “Mainline” always looked rather austere and stripped-down to absolute basics, but the Customline gave you most of what you got in the Crestline but without the very last word in trim. So I think that far more Customlines sold, new, than Crestlines or Mainlines.
Great example of this car! One auction offered a 1953 Ford (Crestline, as I recall) about ten years ago, wearing its original paint, and with 7,000 original documented miles, riding on its original tyres (which it was recommended that the buyer change immediately if the car were intended to be driven). I’ve no idea what the final bid was, but I imagine that it must have been north of $25,000. I would LOVE to have this car, except for the fact that I test-drove one once (also, this same colour combination, and a Fordor Customline, in Kansas!). They were asking $2,500 for it in 1986, but I had all I could do to drive it, since I could not see out over the hood very well. I was driving my 1946 Ford at the time, and that had good visibility for me. I am short from my waist to my shoulders, and seeing out forward on many vehicles of this era is a real PROBLEM, for me. Once they lowered the profiles and heightened the greenhouses, in the early 1960s, then I could see just fine. If I were to buy a 1953 Ford or Mercury (I’d prefer the Mercury), I would need to concoct a way to raise the front seat about two inches. Another problem is, because I sit too low in any car, the sun-visor is too short. This was less of a problem in my 1946, because it had the highly effective polarised fold-down visor extension which you could still see through, but it cut the glare instantly. I’ve forgotten the name of that accessory. That ’46 had every option known to man or beast in 1946 — spotlights — fog lamps — the finest A.M. “long distance” radio I’ve EVER experienced, both under-dash and under-seat hot water heaters (neither of which was very effective once it got below 45°) — a Borg clock you could hear ticking even over the road noise — a nice marbled silver-looking, tinny-sounding “picnic” extension speaker (you’re nuts if you use that one, because, in order to keep that tube radio from eating your battery, you had to leave the car running — and then if it were a sultry day, you’d risk over-heating that old flathead V-8!) — Columbia Overdrive (which you absolutely NEED for cruising at 65 m.p.h.!) — the fancy accessory bumper side-extenders — turn-signal kit — Dynamatic Fan (to cool that flathead!) — windshield washer kit — vacuum storage “pontoon” inside-wheel-well tank (so the wipers would not stall when going uo a hill) — passenger’s side rear-view mirror — trim rings around the hubcaps… the old girl was decked-out! But it had high mileage by 1986, and I was looking for another Ford or Mercury with more life left in it. If I could have driven it, without putting Webster’s Third Unabridged or a Manhattan telephone-directory under me, I probably would have bought that 1953 Customline, with its neat 50th Anniversary steering wheel. Its clock was no longer running, but I know how to restore an old car clock — which is why mine always ran and kept time. Oh well… nice to see THIS ’53, and I expect that it will find a new home rather quickly. The “Mainline” always looked rather austere and stripped-down to absolute basics, but the Customline gave you most of what you got in the Crestline but without the very last word in trim. So I think that far more Customlines sold, new, than Crestlines or Mainlines. The Crestines tended to be fancier and sportier, and the Customlines were well-enough equipped family sedans and wagons.
Your comment about visibility reminds me of when I was a kid, there was a little old lady in our town who drove a ’54 Ford sedan who looked between the steering wheel and the dash to see out. When we were behind her, it looked like no one was driving.
If you were in Ohio, that would have been my mom, driving her 3 on the tree, 1962 Ford 4 door Galaxie! It had power steering and brakes… it took all her power to steer it and stop it!
Hello Harrison. My first car was a 53 Ford tudor Customline in the same light blue, very common then, but with a white roof. I paid $50 for it in 1967. I told this story here before. I drove it from OH to CA, back to PA then to school in OH, sold to a football player for profit at $115 in 1969 when I couldn’t afford gas or upkeep. He drove it home to Detroit shortly after and wrapped it around a pole. End of Ford but he was okay. I should not say how I felt.
I remember a black fordor in this very town owned by a local jeweler (our landlord at the time 60 odd years ago). His business was a mile up the street from his house and I’ll bet he only drove it to work and to church as it was 10 years old and looked brand new, much like this one! I love these pre-55’s (especially the Mercs).
This is a great car and the price is reasonable. I can’t get over how clean it is inside and out.
This looks like a repeat of one a few months ago! Same car?
Hello, Dave in PA!
I’m Dave in NY now, ready for yard work but wet and cold does not help! Drove past the Lincoln when on Northway around 6:30 PM.
when I was 9 years old in 1954 my parents bought a used 1952 Ford same color only minor difference between 52 and 53 picture brings back great memories
The memories flood back for me, too. I was four in 1954 when my parents, giddy with excitement, purchased the twin to this car. It was their first car, identical to this one in every regard, including the external sun visor. They bought it, used, from the local Packard dealer. The story went that the car’s previous owner was a traveling salesman who had previously owned a Packard. Alas, after only ~2500 miles of driving the Ford, the fellow determined it didn’t suit him–too light, he claimed. So he traded it in for a ’54 Packard.
I’d buy this car simply for the nostalgia it offers, but I’m out of storage space. Besides, I’d have to live in it until my wife cooled down. So the best I can do is to make screen grabs of these photos and use them as my computer’s random background page.
I was 9 in 1954 when my parents bought a used 1952 same color but some small difference tail light lens parking lights
Is it riding low in the front, or high in the rear? Or, both?
Still for sale. What’s the catch?
Do check out his other listings. What a trip!
Marc, you are correct about “what a trip”! That is, about the variations of cars and pickup listed, from modified to antique and unusual, to say the least. Yes, check them out. Crypto accepted along with what else? Quite the collection.
To Dave in PA: WHICH Lincoln did you drive past on the Northway??
Harrison, it was YOUR Lincoln that I think I passed if it was near the Northway on Sunday on my way up here. This is the third time that I am posting this reply. They disappear!
Harrison, I tried to reply and lost everything while click to post, so here goes again. It was YOUR Lincoln that I think I passed within a few miles at least. Didn’t you say it was at the mechanic’s at Cliffton Park or another Mohawk town? I passed it on the way up to S ville, here to do the spring yard work. Raking and pruning done while nice cool and calm day yesterday, just gutter inspection today in windier weather. I leave for south tomorrow AM, set the cruise at 65 mph and let them pass by at speeds much higher. How is the progress on the 89 Town Car (the one seen here a few weeks back)? Curious minds want to know.
Harrison, it was YOUR Lincoln that I think I passed if it was near the Northway on Sunday on my way up here. This is the third time that I am posting this reply. They disappear!
To Dave in NY: If it WAS, it must have been my mechanic test-driving it, because it resides with him, for now. On the other hand, that “vintage” and colour of Town Car is not all that uncommon in these parts: they have lasted well, and those that have them tend to keep them.
Harrison, I did not see your car. I only meant that I must have passed it while traveling north on the Northway, maybe a few miles from it as it sat in peaceful repose awaiting service. The color I was referring to is the then common light blue color used on the early 50’s Fords and Mercurys. I had one of each when I was in California in the early 70’s. As of 2:45 today my work up here is over. I was up on a ladder checking the gutters. As it is windy, I am glad that not much was out of place, leaf and stick wise. Now off to check the shops in “downtown” S ville.
Harrison, I did not see your car. I only meant that I must have passed it while traveling north on the Northway, maybe a few miles from it as it sat in peaceful repose awaiting service. The color I was referring to is the then common light blue color used on the early 50’s Fords and Mercurys. I had one of each when I was in California in the early 70’s. As of 2:45 today my work up here is over. I was up on a ladder checking the gutters. As it is windy, I am glad that not much was out of place, leaf and stick wise. Now off to check the shops in “downtown” S ville.