It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If that is true, then the first photo of this 1954 Ford Customline tells us much. The selection of show silverware leaning against the front bumper attests to the high level of work performed by the seller during its restoration. They have enjoyed this classic immensely, but feel that the time is right for it to find a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Customline listed here on Craigslist in Springfield, Vermont. Taking it home will involve handing the seller $18,995.
Ford introduced the Customline in 1952 to slot between the Mainline and the Crestline in its model range. A Second Generation graced showrooms in 1955 and 1956, before the badge disappeared. Interestingly, it didn’t actually mark the end for Ford, with the Customline badge soldiering on in Australia until 1958. In fact, a 1957 example finished in a tri-tone combination of Raven Black, Colonial White, and Woodsmoke Gray once served as a daily driver for my family. This First Generation example rolled off the line in 1954, and to describe it as stunning wouldn’t be an understatement. The seller treated it to a meticulous restoration, refinishing the car in Skyhaze Green with a Sandstone White top. The paint shines richly, the panels are free from bumps and bruises, with the underside shots confirming that this baby is as solid as the bay it left the line. The trim and glass are close to perfect, making it easy to see why this Customline has a selection of show trophies in the cabinet.
The positive impression made by this Customline’s exterior is carried over inside, utilizing the same Green and White combination on the upholstered surfaces. Close inspection reveals slight pimpling on some of the plated items, but that’s as bad as it gets. The vinyl looks spotless, the dash is excellent, with the same true of the headliner and the wheel. A retro-style stereo is the only addition to an interior that appears to need nothing.
Customline buyers in 1954 received the 223ci six as the entry-level engine. However, this car’s first owner splashed the extra cash for the optional 239ci Y-block V8, which they teamed with a three-speed manual transmission. It was a worthwhile investment, with the V8’s 130hp representing a 13% gain over the six. The seller claims that this Ford has a genuine 137,000 miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. However, this beauty is in excellent mechanical health, with the seller describing the Customline as a joy to drive and own.
It is amazing to think that while Ford enjoyed a sales success with the Customline, we have only ever seen eleven of these classics cross our desks at Barn Finds. To place that into perspective, the company sold an impressive 674,295 examples in 1954 alone. This is one of those cars, and it is a gem. From its sparkling paint to its spotless interior and the V8 under the hood, it raises the question of what isn’t to like. The seller’s price is heading towards the top end of the market, but the car’s condition justifies that figure. Do you agree? If so, are you tempted to make a play for this fabulous Ford?
Barney Fifes 1st car he paid Mrs. Lesh ( Grandma Walton) $300 for. After it broke down, Gomer said it needs, plugs, points, bearings, valves, rings, starter switch, ignition wires, water pump, fuel pump, oil pump, clutch, brake linings and drums, radiator hose, oh and a good wash, he also found sawdust in the transmission and rear axle, the oldest trick in the book, Gomer says. Everytime Gomer said something, Barney sinks lower and lower.
This car, is history right here. The ’54 Y block finally caught up with the others, and made Ford a viable contender at the track. Other ’54s of note, was Jim Reeds ’54 he had in the Adam 12 episode “Who won”? I believe his car had a 312 Y block with 2-4 barrels, and yes, he won. Nice find, if you can drive it, that is.
Howard. Going back to being a little kid its One of my all time favorite Andy Griffith episodes!!! The horn button coming out at poor old Barney like a snake. And Gomer rattling off the long list of repairs.
-Dave
This is an absolute beauty. So nice to see that someone put all that work in a sedan. I’m not at all against restoring a 2 door hardtop mind you, but to see such a high level of workmanship on a 4 door is nice to see. Great colors too. Great write up and a great find too Adam. I enjoyed it. Thank you.
somebody will buy it just because it won trophies.
Nineteen K ,for a clean 54 Ford 4 door sedan that has a couple of trophies from who knows where? I don’t think so. Maybe drop the 1 and you get $8,995, Still not for me ,but much closer to a realistic figure.
I have never seen such a perfect matching of paint everywhere. Anyone driving this beauty to the grocery store should not assume a quick grab and go. They will have to do some talking about their car.
WOW, coulda been the very 1st car i bought used in ’59, although mine was a 2 door. Almost the same color, though. My ’54 was a greenish-teal color. Had the V-8 with a 3 speed stick. Previous owner had been an older farmer who probably never drove it over 35 mph. What’s a 17 year old to do? Well, break that “baby” in, of course! It had less than 50,000 miles on it and the 1st time I tried shooting thru the “blinking” red light on my way home, I blew the clutch out. Had to do some fancy downshifting without the clutch in order to get in our farm’s driveway. Next morning, I had ridden the bus to high school (no parking permit yet) and Pop jumped in the car to run an errand. He wasn’t pleased when he couldn’t shift gears, but did get the clutch replaced for me. Cost a whopping 50 bucks in ’59. Makes me wonder how much a clutch replacement is these days. Kept the ’54 a couple years until I was in the Air Force and driving a 450 mile round trip to my base in NC. Needed something that didn’t burn 2 quarts of oil each way. Traded it for a ’57 Ford Fairlane 500 2 door hardtop….that’s another story for another time…
My second car. Mine had the same engine, tranny, and sea green 4 door. It also had the overdrive and fender skirts!! Nice cruiser to take me a couple years to college. My mom had a 2 door 53 with flathead v8 and overdrive. Good solid cars.