Through 1954, the Crestline was the top model offered by Ford (to be replaced later by the Fairlane and then Galaxie). Within that series, the Sunliner was the drop-top version of the car, like this one-owner example offered by the seller. We’re not sure how all that works as the photos provided show it both in a garage and on the back of a trailer. In any event, this nice project is in Bessemer, Alabama, and is available here on eBay where the bidding has only gotten to $2,025 (but there’s plenty of time left on the clock).
As the premium trim line, the Crestliner was only around for three years (1952-54). Out of more than one million automobiles Ford built in 1954, 258,000 of them had Crestline badging. Drilling down further, 36,000 is the number for Crestline Sunliners, the convertible entry. So, a car like this wasn’t rare when new, but nearly 70 years later, when was the last time you saw one? You could get the auto with either a 223 cubic inch inline-6 or the 239 “flatbed” V8 engine, which we believe is in the seller’s car.
Not a lot is known about this vehicle, yet we’re told it’s a one-owner. An easy guess would be that said owner passed away, a relative picked it up where it was and took it home for cleaning up and reselling. No mention is made of a repaint and the body appears to be solid, having been stored in a garage much of its life. It’s not running (or running well) and a rebuild of the carburetor is recommended to get it going again.
The hood is off the car, suggesting that work was started before the vehicle became available for a new home. The brakes are said to be good, and the power top does its job, though the canvas material will need to be redone. As for the interior, it certainly looks passable – so if you can get the Ford running well, you might want to overlook the cosmetics and drive it until more work is needed.
’54 Fords had the new 239 CID OHV V-8, that this car appears to have.
I’m old enough to recall that this first-year OHV V8 engine gave many owners heartburn.
My first car was a 1954 convertible. It had the V8 but we changed to a 272 out of a 56 country squire wagon. One of the big problem with that engine was the rear main seal. I was in a separate block from the engine and used a nail looking seal along both sides where it slid up into the hinge. Notorious for leaking.
what problems with the 239?
what problems with the 239?
Emblem on front fenders makes it a V8 and the 6 didn’t have this emblem.
BF: “As the premium trim line, the Crestliner was only around for three years (1952-54).”
Crestliner was a model (1950-51) not a trim line or series. Crestline was the 1952-54 series. Easy to to confuse the two but they are not the same thing.
My parents owned a ’53 Customline sedan, Tiger. Was that the entry-level model?
Looks like this Crestline was Bobby Joe’s 1970’s hot rod. Hopefully, she’s not too thrashed. Could be a good deal.
rich, if the engine came from a 1956 county squire it was either a 292 thunderbird v8 or a 312 thunderbird special v8 the 272 was not offered in the 1956 squire
The car has been repainted with plenty of over spray. The wheels also question the car’s originality. Behind the left wheel the rear quarter panel suggests an application of body filler. At the current bid this might be a bargain but I’d be hands on before making a bid.
What’s going on here? LOL! You made the exact same comment word for word to the ’57 Pontiac. Is it a site issue?
Yeah, what gives A.G., are you just disparaging ads or was this an honest mistake? If so, you should correct it, if you’re just trashing peoples cars, you should find a new hobby.
That’s not a flathead in the picture I’m no expert , but a flathead is hard to miss
That is a very nice-looking Convertible. My mother bought a 56 Buick Special, which I thought looked pretty cool. I think I like this one better. This Ford is one of “lets go take a look” ones, very dangerous! Good luck!
that was my very first car 56 buick special 4 door hardtop.Wish that I still have it.best car I ever owned and bought it for 175 dollars canadian.
Looks like chevy V8??almost a flathead? Ha,ha,ha!
Definitely not the correct exhaust manifolds for the 239. Does not the the cross over in front of the engine.
Trick was to switch them side to side, then you could cobble up dual exhaust. Always hated that crossover tube. It looks like a “whoops, we screwed up here!”
Somehow there’s always money for changing the wheels around.
“Flatbed” engine? Is that like a “downhill” battery? I’m a Ford Guy (there is no known cure) who’s been around awhile. Never heard of a “flatbed” engine. (I am also a ‘54 model) ‘54 was the first year for OHV Y-block. 239 only offered in ‘54. Sadly, not Ford’s best effort. Enlarged, and mildly improved Ford Y Blocks soldiered on in general usage through the ‘64 model year in trucks.
This would be a fun car to own!
the best one in my opinion was the 312 in 1956 loved that engine
Trick was to switch them side to side, then you could cobble up dual exhaust. Always hated that crossover tube. It looks like a “whoops, we screwed up here!”
What a blast to restore this car. Good deal for a rag top!
The engine looks to have been red with black valve covers, which means it is probably a later Y block. I t could have been painted but what you can see of the black on the valve cover looks to be original to me. I would love to have this car. My first chore would be to, as we say, make it go, make it stop. Then I would find a new set of wheels and original style wheel covers, and a set of proper width white wall tires. Then clean it as well as possible and drive it while making improvements. Top down, of course. GLWTS.
Russ,
I own a 54 Country Sedan 239 with OD and it has a yellow low end and red heads. This is 100% original, the 54 club said the block should be yellow. You are the first to mention red to me. Thanks for the information
I’d post pics but can’t figure out how to.
Maybe my comment wasn’t clear. When I said the engine looked to be red with black valve covers I was suggesting that it was a later model engine, which was not an uncommon swap for a 54 Ford. Trucks kept the yellow block for a few more years.
54 239 engines were painted yell0/cream color, not res and black.
I am sure it would win some sort of shackle contest! Wow!
I owned 2 54’s a Victoria and a Skyliner. As others have noted, this car has been well used. The taillights are off a 53 (the 54’s had a chromed pot metal 3 spoke retainer and plain red lens), as is the hood bird setting on the transmission hump. The 239 was painted Ivory with Ford red valve covers and oil bath air cleaner. That red was close to Chevrolet orange. The duel exhaust is off a 292 or 312. Or the engine has been changed out.