The Customline was the mid-trim level for the 1952-54 Fords. It sat between the Mainline and Crestline models in the generation after the post-war “Shoebox” Fords. This 1954 example appears to be quite nice and has some cosmetic and mechanical upgrades from back in the day, though not much detail is provided. Located in Denver, Colorado, this Y-block-powered Ford is available here on craigslist for $16,750. Thumbs up to Mike F. for the tip.
Cosmetically, the 1952-54 Ford differed little from one another. The sheet metal was all-new compared with the earlier Shoeboxes, but the basic platform was the same. The big news was that the flathead V8 was replaced by the OHV Y-block in 1954, with no change in displacement but a nearly 20% performance increase. Sales were brisk, although the 1953 model year found more Customline buyers. Nearly 675,000 of them were sold in 1954.
This 1954 Customline appears to be largely stock, though a replacement intake manifold has been added to accommodate a bigger carburetor (?). So this Ford may be a bit of a sleeper, with its maroon paint and 1950s interior. The seats look reupholstered, and surely the paint isn’t 72 years old. These are details the seller doesn’t address. The seller says the mileage is 16,800, and the odometer reads that. But it is the second time around?
The 239 V8 is paired with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission, routine stuff before the automatic transmission became so popular. I’m betting that most of the 1954 Customlines came that way. The seller is open to cash offers only; no trades will be entertained. This is a nice-looking Ford, and it would be beneficial if the seller had told us more about it.
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