- Seller: John M
- Location: Sleepy Hollow, New York
- Mileage: 30600 Shown
- Chassis #: B3CG138646
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE – The seller has decided to relist this Ford as a BF Auction, so be sure to take another look and cast your high bid.
Reader John M inherited this 1953 Ford from his grandfather about 30 years ago. He planned to restore it one day, but life got in the way, so the car sat. Unfortunately, he’s realized he isn’t ever going to get around to restoring it, so he’d like to see it go to someone who can do something with it. It has a flat-head V8, and the odometer shows 30k miles. After being parked for many years, it shows lots of surface rust, giving the car a unique look. Whether you want to restore it, get it back on the road, or use it as a parts donor, there’s lots of potential here. It’s located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and is now being offered as a Barn Finds Auction!
The Customline was Ford’s middle trim level offering; it wasn’t quite as well appointed as the Crestline but had more to offer than the plain-jane Mainline. This example still sports most of its original brightwork, but it appears a few pieces are missing. While these aren’t quite as popular as Tri-Five Chevys are, parts support is still quite strong (be sure to check out ShoeBox-Central and EarlyFordStore). Hopefully, the missing trim is still with the car, but if it isn’t, replacement pieces are available.
Inside, we find an old but complete interior. Whoever optioned this car went with the Pastel Plaid upholstery, which had to look great paired with the light blue (Glacier?) paint. The Ford brochure described this upholstery option as easy to clean and long-wearing, which seems accurate considering this interior is over 70 years old. It might not look new, but we doubt many modern vehicles with interiors will last this long!
Under the hood, you’ll find the 239 cui flat-head V8, which was rated at 110 horsepower and paired to a column-shift 3-speed manual. While it hasn’t run in a long time, there’s a good chance it can be made to run again, as these engines have proven to be quite durable and long-lasting. From what can be seen, it appears to be complete and retains its factory-correct components.
Being a 4-door makes it hard to justify a complete restoration, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth saving in some form. As long as it is sound structurally, this could be a fun and affordable project, especially for a young aspiring mechanic to learn on. Of course, the flat-head V8 might also be desirable to someone building a vintage-style hot rod. Let us know what you would do with this Ford down in the comments below, and be sure to bid!
Bid On This Auction
Chopper50 bid $600.00 2024-03-17 14:22:54
mo bid $100.00 2024-03-17 09:07:56
Gosh, if I could find a bottle of Roger RamJet’s Proton Energy Pills I would be down to jump on this. 53s have always had a soft spot in my heart, had a 53 Vicky in the early 60s. But like the owner, time is running out for me to complete all my projects (80 is just a couple months away) and still haven’t finished my 47 Ford Convert which I started on in 1960–maybe wrap it up before 90. This one does look weather worn but appears to be all there and salvageable. Good luck to both the seller and next owner, they’re enjoyable cars to drive and ride in.
A very scarce find ! I would say , it’s worth saving , but will need a paint job if restoring this ’53 Ford . It’s no doubt an original vehicle but has probably sat outdoors for a long time . It would look nice restored and put back on the road ! Happy Motoring
Do you know if there is water in the radiator? Thank you
Slban
Is there water in the radiator? Does it really matter?
Terry if you find any Roger Ramjets proton energy pills order me a case and I’ll pay for yours. I can’t recall the artist of the song with the lyrics “My get up and go has got up and left.”
Definately Aerosmith. Sweet Emotion if I’m not mistaken.
I own a 54 Country Sedan in the Glacier blue which appears to be the same as what this 53 is wearing.
I would love to add that visor to mine!!!
I don’t think that’s the original seat material. Looks like seat covers to me. They were a big item in the 50’s and 60’s. People had them installed to cover up ripped seats or in some cases, had them installed when a car was new to protect the original material. You might get lucky and have good upholstery underneath. A V-8, a stick, and 4 doors, that’s what most cars were really like in the 50’s.
I liked that you mentioned the seat cover material. All you said about them I remember well. Wonder if some company will reproduce that basket weave vinyl look. It would be period correct and might save some $ by hiding some small flaws.
This Ford appears to have had its nose where it doesn’t belong,!!
SMS Fabrics in Oregon still produces the nylon woven original fabric material for these cars. Good luck to the buyer.
SMS in Oregon have the capability of reproducing any factory fabric or material out there. Be ready to dig deep.
My parents purchased a new ’53 Ford Customline in 1953. But for the roof (theirs was a darker shade of blue), it was identical to this one, down to the sun visor. So, with respect, I differ with your assessment that the seat-covering was probably not original to the car. My parents’ car, I recall clearly, was fitted with identical seat covers, in the same pastel colors. In fact, I disliked those seat covers. In cold, dry conditions they’d impart an electrostatic charge to our bodies as we moved across them. The discharge when we subsequently touched a metal component of the car’s interior was decidedly unpleasant to me, a young child at the time.
Who ever the author is of the write up is I left a post with one other writer I won’t mention her name about inquiring a free membership for us seniors. Seniors are entitled to several other perks, discounts and freebies including free college classes. I hope my asking doesn’t break the bank. I just thought to show some appreciation for the elders who have vast knowledge about the vintage vehicles (Notice I didn’t say old=). We appreciate it if you run it up the flagpole.
I remember rusty cars in the junk yard with new looking seats under the seat covers.
I had a 53 Ford, 2 dr, V8, stick with OD. It was dark blue with white racing stripes. Home on leave from the army for a month. Bought it $15, drove it for a month and sold it for $35.
YBlocker. Water in the radiator would also mean water in the block.those old flat heads had a single head gasket therefore long standing water could leak it’s way into a cylinder and creat some problems.
Yup, those ore “seat covers” and look alot those you might have found at Montgomery Ward or Sears in 1953. Keep that new car upholstery safe and at the same time don’t let the kids ride their bikes near the car!
Rayco was a big name back then also.
I drove a 1946 Ford Super DeLuxe V-8 Tudor for many years. I looked at one of these, this same colour, and in beautiful condition. But I am particularly short from the waist to the shoulders, and visibility was a chore in this car — I did not want to have to drive with my buttocks resting on the Manhattan telephone-directory, just to see out in front of me! The ’46 also handled far better. I liked the 50th anniversary steering-wheel, but the car also had a metal plate where a radio ought to be — so, I decided not. Moreover, with this one, given that it has sat outside for years and maybe even decadès, I DREAD to see the rust inside of the trunk from the inevitable leaking gaskets! And…WHERE are the hub-caps?? Used to see SCADS of these ’53s on the road well into the late 1970s — they were hearty cars — and, mostly Customlines, for some reason.
My best friend in high school had a 2-door sedan version of this car. That flathead V8 was amazing! His dad installed a Montgomery-Wards rebuilt engine in it right after they bought it in 1962. With 3 on the tree, he used to beat a lot of newer and bigger-engined cars during our frequent backroads drag races.That car seemed to be indestructible!
There were a lot of 52-53 Fords that people could afford as their first car in 1963-64. I always liked the looks of the 1952 and 53 Fords which were very popular then as everyone seemed to have one.
I ended up a 55 Chevy 210 with the 235 six cylinder three speed that cost $300. It was basically an old person’s car. Naturally there was a lot drag racing then and the 235 truck engine in my Chevy actually was more than a match compared to the good-looking stock 239 cu in. Fords. My car would get them off the line and keep getting up. . There were no traction problems on the street in those days as all of the cars were stock. I did race a six-cylinder 53 Ford back then, but it didn’t have the power like the 239 Fords.
We had a lot of fond memories in that car racing against the numerus 52-53 239 cu in. Fords that people had in 1963-4.
Yes Jack, in the early 60s I was into Mercurys but loved the Fords too. My ’51 4dr sedan snapped a cog out of the cluster gear so I lost 1st gear. There was a traffic light that stopped us on the down hill side to a RR overpass close to my home. A Ford like the sedan pictured here (but maroon and not so rough) pulled up beside me and revved his engine for a challenge. I thought, ‘I can’t beat him without a 1st gear’, but I had to try. Starting in 2nd I pushed the old Merc pretty hard but the ford was gone. As he was shifting I felt the torque kicking in and passed him as we went under the overpass. Then I remembered that the cops usually sat up on the other side and I backed off and he flew by me. As we topped the hill I had slowed to almost the 30 MPH speed limit and the Ford was being pulled over. I felt sorry for him cause I never should have raced him there. Hope he didn’t think I was sucking him in. The cars both had the same flatheads but mine was kind of tired and the Merc was a heavier car so I usually lost to those damn Fords. Hahaha.
The 52-54 Fords were a great looking trio, especially compared to the stodgy school teacher cars the “other 2” were still building. A 2dr would be nicer, but even with 4, I think it’s well worth restoring, and the price is certainly reasonable for a complete original car
I wish I had one of Grandpa’s cars!
Dad had one very similar to this. 4dr. 6cyl. stick in pale green. I had forgotten about the grab rope mounted on the back of the front bench seat. Brings back some memories and I can almost smell that vinyl and cloth interior. That metal dash would stop you real quick in a panic stop or unfortunate collision and no seat belts either. Yeow!! Kind of miss those days but not completely if you know what I mean.
That “grab rope” was actually a spot for folks to hang their coats.
Indeed, metal dashboards could inflict serious harm–especially on a child–during abrupt stops. There were no child-seat requirements in those times, and I customarily stood next to one of my parents as they drove their ’53 Ford. But we had a safety device nonetheless: my parent’s arm. Whoever was driving would automatically extend an arm across my chest when decelerating. Of course, during an emergency slowdown or stop, it would have failed to prevent me from catapulting into he dashboard. But it probably gave my parents peace of mind.
Painted metal dash’s are beautiful. Plastic ones can mess up your face pretty good too. Ever ride a bicycle without a helmet? Or drink out of a garden hose? Of course the list goes on. Then somewhere along way, common sense went away, now we can barely take a crap without a yellow vest, steel toe shoes, and a hard hat. Oh, and a password
I had a 52 2dr. post 3speed with overdrive same blue. Starter let go when money was short and after awhile I thought it was fun parking it on a hill or having friends push it. So I drove it for about a year without a starter. I did miss that sound of the flathead cranking to start,seemed like the battery was always a bit tired!!! raa raa ra r!
Philco Ford appliance sedan
If the rust isn’t structural give it a general mechanical overhaul and just drive it! I don’t understand the obsession with classics have to have 2 doors!
My dad bought a used 53 two door in 55. It was his first V8 and although I was only 5 I remember him saying that this car could fly! Light green Customline automatic. I can still remember riding in that car.
This one appears to be all there, could be a nice build.
Hi, Franco! My six-volt ’46 started that way, too: your description is perfect!
Pop cans
Flathead Mercs in 51 had the 255 in Canada. I am wondering if only Canada?
Yes, DAN, mine was a 255 and the Ford was a 239 I guess. I’m Canadian and I owned both Mercs and Monarchs that were the 255 engine. Still couldn’t beat the Fords with my car. Did have a tie once. At a red light another ’53or54 pulled up and we challenged each other. When the light turned we both pulled away as slow as we could, I think its called a slow drag. Anyway, we were both laughing our butts off but the drivers behind were not happy.
Mercury flathead’s were 255ci in the US
That is about the oddest patina I’ve ever seen. The left front fender and right rear door and quarter panel appear to have been somewhat protected while every thing else looks like it got a light acid wash. Bizzare!
It probably represents an accident repair from 35+ years ago where that part of the car was refinished and has held up better.
My mom had a 53 flathead 2 door, and had the 54 overhead 4 door. Both 3 speeds with overdrive. Both glenmist green,. Great cars. Had a flathead later in a 52 pickup, and have one now in a F6 cab over ( with stacks, no mufflers!!). Fun to drive, but not very fast. .
Does your car have overdrive in it.
Sorry NO
RE: the 1953 Ford Customline 4 door sedan:
1953 the Korean war was still going on and nickel was not available for the melting that went into chrome on the 1951-1953 cars. This is why there is so much rust on the grill and bumpers. It takes a lot of care and upkeep on these year cars to have them still shine today.
If I remember correctly the 1953 Ford Owner’s Manual made a reference to the Korean War material shortages and its effect on chrome plating quality.
I looked at one of these at the Jefferson Auto Show in Wis. some years ago. Almost bought it as the body looked like new, however I slid my refrigerator magnet carefully over the exterior and found it didn’t stick in many places – reason – bondo under the beautiful paint job. From the looks of this offering I’d suggest you get your body shop guy or gal to give it a very careful look over – once the cancer starts it doesn’t go away with bondo. Deep pockets help.
Min $500 buyer’s premium on a $1000 car is gouging. Please do better.
If it wassn’t dor the $500. buyers fee I wold gladly bis . I am cli[ose enough to come get that beautiful 53 .
63 years ago this car was exactly the same as the car I first drove … complete with 3 on the tree and the flathead. (I was 10) When I was 14 I begged my Dad to not trade it in for the few bucks they gave him, but to keep it for me when I was 16. No dice.
Just as well….. that way I ended up with a Mini Cooper S 1275 as my first car.
Just a thought: think you could just spray clear over it to preserve the patina?
My thoughts exactly. Keep the patina. Not a fan of more doors though.
If you look closely at the photos, those are plaid seat covers, not factory upholstery. Also, I used to have a ’53 with the 6-banger, back in the mid-80s. It was a beater but good transportation.
In the mid 60’s, I had a 54 4 door with the overhead V8, my mom had the 53 2 door with Flathead. Both had 3 with overdrive, both the Seafoam Green like this one. Great cars for the time, mine got me t0/from college for a couple years.
Two-door conversions are fairly popular for older cars. Find a pair of doors from a two-door (or take the labour intensive path of stretching the front doors), move the door posts back and use the back doors to fill in the space behind the posts. Might call for some custom windows unless you can find the appropriate parts from a two door, but Lexan is relatively cheap.
Don’t forget to add an Edelbrock or some other dual carb manifold with two Strombergs, dual exhaust and a new camshaft.
Love to see a 1954 Ford Crestline 4 door with full power. I know the options were available but very, very few Fords came loaded.
In the mid ’60s I owned my first ’53, a Customline. In ’68 I bought a beautiful Mainline 2 Dr 6 cyl. 3 spd. It was originally this same color blue and appears to have had the same seat covers as the one pictured. I thought they were original. Mine had 33,000 mi. In 1969 I removed the entire interior and replaced it with a black 1965 GTO interior (front & rear seats, console, carpeting, new side panels). I discarded the original seat covers, not thinking much about it at the time, but I still have the like new original seats 55 years later.
My first car was 53 Ford tudor that I bought in Wilmington Ohio for $50 in 1967. I learned to tune up, change oil and all on that car. I had a valve job done, drove it to California, then to Philadelphia, back to Ohio where I was going to school. I didn’t have enough money for gas, sold it to a football player for $115 in 1968. A few weeks later he drove it to his home in Detroit and promptly wrapped it around a pole. It was a good car.
Absolutely love it, warts and all. Time I immergrat to the US, lol.
I’d refresh her mechanically, as she left the factory.
Undecided about the pertina, because the interior needs refreshing, but the exterior would look out of place.
Hi Dave
Where are you located?
Are you still interested in 53 Ford?
I’m pretty sure my grandfather had one of these, back on the farm. I looked at the picture of the steering wheel and dashboard and tried to imagine myself sitting in this car and I just had to laugh. Made in 53, same as me.
We really want to see this Ford go to a good home, so we are going to cut the buyer’s fee down to $200! Unfortunately, our system won’t show the reduction, but we will run this one manually so that we can discount it.
Thank You
Hi Dave
Where are you located?
Are you still interested in 53 Ford?
I can not conect with Dave
Where arev you Dave
@John – You’re welcome to make an offer using the form if interested. Thanks!