The heyday of the American convertible was likely during the 1960s. Every automaker seemed to have one for every size of car they built. At Ford, they would be known as the Sunliner from 1952 to 1964, including this one-owner beauty offered by a dealer from an estate sale. Though it has a few imperfections, this automobile looks like one you could drive for years to come before having to consider a restoration. Located in Chester, New York, this drop-top has yet to meet its reserve at $9,000 here on eBay.
Unlike the Skyliner, which was Ford’s short-lived 1950s retractable hardtop, the Sunliner was a true convertible that was associated with the company’s senior product lines. From 1952-54, it was the Crestline Sunliner; for 1955-59, it was the Fairlane Sunliner; and from 1959 (there was some crossover) through 1964, it was the Galaxie Sunliner. After that, Ford continued to build full-size rag tops into the 1970s, but without the Sunliner moniker.
This Ford was recently moved out of storage after the passing of its original owner. When this automobile was purchased new, John F. Kennedy was in the White House, Lawrence of Arabia was set to win Best Picture honors at the Academy Awards, and the New York Yankees took home the World Series championship. From what we can tell, almost everything about this cabriolet could be original, though not perfect. At 94,000 miles, the vehicle was used but certainly not abused.
The Sunliner has been treated to new brakes, a fuel-sending unit, and a battery. As a result, we’re told the 352 cubic inch V8 (numbers matching?) runs well with a 2-barrel carburetor (slightly easier on gas) and dual exhaust. Power accessories include a power mechanism to low and raise the convertible top, whose material is beginning to age and may need replacing.
Sand Shell Beige is the shade of paint, and it presents well from what we can tell. There are no issues to worry about with the body unless a small dent in the front bumper bugs you. The undercarriage has its share of surface rust which you would expect after 60 years with no apparent undercoating. Ford built plenty of these drophead coupes in 1962, with the “regular” Sunliner coming in at 42,646 copies plus another 13,183 more with the sportier “XL” designation. Who’s ready for a new ride through the countryside?
Beautiful, and very, very clean given it’s age. The interior (minus the split in the driver’ seat back) looks like new. New seat covers in this pattern/color should be available through SMS interiors, etc. I like it, and at a reserve of $9K, it would normally be in MY ballpark price-wise, if I had the sheckles. What a nice driver collectible this would be!
W0W! This is one of those listings that makes me just want to say , I am buying this car period. In this perfect world, I would just call the seller and start saying numbers, until he said Bingo, its yours
just a note the 1955 was a Fairlane 1954 was last year the name crestline was used plus in 1954 there was a skyliner it was the 2 Dr ht with a green see tru roof
Well the reserve must not have been $9000 because the bid now is at $9489 and it still says the reserve is not met. For some reason, for me, it seems like the interior and exterior don’t quite match. With all that said I think it still looks good for 1962 and being unrestored.
You forgot to mention that the New York Mets had their inaugural season in the Polo Grounds for the auspicious record of 40 wins. We went to a Giants game with Roger ‘the former Dodger’ Craig (as Lindsey Nelson used to say) starting and making it through 2 or 3 innings. Willie hit one out and McCovey had 2 dingers. Believe the final score was 16-4. Nice sunny day though.
Reserve Not Met 11,100.00 Beautiful Car
My first car in high school was the 61 version of this. Baby blue exterior, blue interior and white top. Took a cheerleader or two home in the car with the top down. Those were the days! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to enjoy it much as a motorcycle pulled out in front of me one day coming home from school. That was the end of that car. I haven’t seen another like it since. This one looks like a good cruiser. Someone is going to enjoy this one.
Nice classic time piece.A true original unrestored treasure.Wow!!