If you take a hard line on your definition of a survivor, you will probably appreciate this 1953 Ford Customline Tudor. The seller claims that it retains its original paint and interior trim. If true, its condition is impressive for a classic with seventy-three years of active service under its belt. The seller describes it as a turnkey proposition, suggesting that the buyer could fly in and drive this beauty home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Customline listed here on Craigslist in North Escondido, California. The seller set their BIN for this beauty at $16,000.
Ford introduced the First Generation Customline in 1952, slotting it between the more basic Mainline and the upmarket Crestline in the model range. Our feature Customline left the factory the following year, ordered by the first owner in Sheridan Blue. The seller claims that its paint is original, and I see nothing in the image gallery contradicting that statement. It doesn’t hold a mirror shine, but the warm glow you would typically expect from elegant aging. The panels are straight, and if this Ford has spent its life in its current location, it should have avoided the rust issues common in many cars of this period. The trim shows age, but remains acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle. The glass is clear, and the whitewalls add a touch of class to this wonderful old gem.
Buyers could choose between the 215ci six-cylinder engine and the 239ci flathead V8 when ordering a ’53 Customline. This car’s first owner selected the six, which produced a very respectable 101hp and 185 ft/lbs of torque. They didn’t specify either of the available optional transmissions, sticking with the tried-and-true three-speed manual. The six’s strength was never its outright performance, but its excellent low-end torque delivery. It made the motor extremely flexible, capable of pulling smoothly from low in the rev range without needing to row the shifter. The seller states that this Customline is a low-mile vehicle, with the listing indicating an odometer reading of 13,500 miles. Whether that figure is genuine or if the odometer has rolled over is unclear, but even if it has, that is still pretty low for a vehicle of this vintage. The seller describes the Ford as “very drivable,” suggesting that it is a turnkey proposition.
As with the paint, this Customline’s interior is said to be original. Once again, the condition is pretty impressive if it is accurate. The back seat is hidden beneath a blanket, which could be a protective measure or a way to hide UV deterioration. The front seat has a stain on the driver’s side, but no appreciable wear. The remaining upholstered surfaces are in good order, and there is almost no wheel wear. It isn’t overburdened with factory options, although the pushbutton radio is a nice touch.
Meticulously restored classics always garner admiring looks and positive comments, as enthusiasts appreciate the time and effort an owner has expended to achieve a factory-fresh result. However, cars like this 1953 Ford Customline Tudor often command more respect, because people recognize that surviving for over seven decades in an unmolested state is a significant achievement. I would never claim that this is the best example on the planet, because it definitely isn’t perfect. However, it has aged gracefully, and if treated with respect, there is no reason why it couldn’t still be plying our roads in another seventy-three years. Are you tempted to become part of that story by giving this Customline a new home?
I always wondered if it was a joke that Ford had cars called the Tudor (and they were 2-door), and the Fordor (which had 4 doors). Did the marketing guys make this up as a joke, but the execs said yes, let’s go with that!?
Ford Tudors and Fordors go back to at least the Model A days. I saw an original 31 Ford color ad showing all the models and variations, maybe 10, with more than half listing one or the other. Others vere Victoria, phaetons, etc. Just their play on word description.
In 1960 my dad had this same car. I was only 4 years old but I do remember riding in it. Same color, same interior, same 2 door configuration.
I’m not sure what its issues was but I don’t think it was very reliable for him.
My dad had a ’56 Ford Tudor, with a six cylinder, three on the tree in 1965. As I recall, he paid a hundred dollars for it. He drove it for about a year and then sold it for $150. Why did he sell it? Pissed him off that he was getting passed by everyone on the freeway!
My parents had one of these, too, though a V8 and Fordor. I was the same age as you, four, when they bought it sightly used in 1954. They, too, experienced reliability problems. I recall lots of frustration with failing fuel pumps, until they finally had an electric one installed. About eight years later, when the car had traveled 60,000 miles, they sold it for junk because the rod bearings were beginning to rap. This car is has a six cylinder engine, however, and I understand the Ford sixes of this era are extremely durable.
I never had a problem with my 53 Ford car or 53 F100 V8 fuel pump failing but one time an unusual thing happened when the pump hold down stud came loose from aluminum two carb setup manifold with pump at rear. J B Weld and tap solved that. Sometimes the pushrod under the pump needs replacing on flatheads.
In 1993 after getting my license back I bought a brown completely whacked out one of these to drive temporarily. Surprisingly put about a thousand trouble free mile it’s on it, but you could see that right front wheel flopping around through the floor pan! L6 engine and Ford-O-Matic worked beautifully! Only Ford I’ve ever owned
Dunno about the mileage being turned over once but when Ike Eisenhower became President in 1953, he began the creation of the Interstate Highway system. Until then it was just 2 lane blacktop at best. In those days it was common for a car to be considered high mileage at 100,000 miles. Today that is “low mileage”. 200,000? Often common today but not then. :-) This ’53 doesn’t look like a 100,000 mile car of that era. Terry J
100,000 miles? I remember when most new car dealers would only keep cars with less than 70,000 miles in their used car retail inventory. “High mileage” cars with over 60,000 miles, but that were well kept examples usually got a “rollback” on their odometers. Dad traded in a ’61 Plymouth wagon for a ’64 Valiant convertible. Went to the dealer for a 1,000 mile check up on the Valiant and there was the wagon, on the “front line” of the dealer’s used car inventory. It had 20,000 fewer miles on it than when he had traded it in a few weeks before.
I remember people talking about that back in the day, and dealers rolling back odometers. I bought a really nice white ’63 Impala convertible in ’72 or so from a private party that was in awesome shape for under $500 and it had 67k on the clock, so I imagine they thought it was about done for but ran fine for the year I had it. The only reason I sold it was I couldn’t afford to feed it on my salary at the time. I still regret selling my ’89 Toyota 4×4 Xtra Cab at 150k, but I thought it was probably about ready for a rebuild, not realizing that when they started adding molybdenum to the steel in the engines it changed the game entirely. I read about a guy with a Tundra some time back who did that and Toyota caught wind of it and gave him a brand new truck, but he didn’t like it so he bought another older one and ran it up to over a million as well.
I will go you one better. I worked at a dealer where we had service loaner cars. One of them was particularly desirable. And many employees (including me) took the car on vacation. In a very short period of time the car had 30,000 miles on it and it was still a new car. (never had been titled) So they pulled it out of loaner service and had it detailed to the max making it look like new. Our dealer was very straight and would have never think about “rolling” the odo. But when the boss was away for a few days. The sales manager had the odo rolled back to about 700 miles. The car immediately sold. When the new owner drove the car and it went to turn over to 800, it flipped over 30, 800. Needless to say the owner (a policeman) brought it in as his warranty suddenly got shorter. The service paperwork said warranty speedo. But the sales manager paid for the new speedometer out of his pocket. (Including the labor) The following week it became illegal to roll speedometers!
Thank You Adam!!! What a wonderful vehicle to enter the classic car hobby with.. Possibly a little high on the price, but that is what dickering is for. Ready to go to a local show, cruise in, or C&C with just a bath and a coat of wax.. Is that white bar under the keys the parking brake or the cable pull for overdrive?? No picture of the trunk lid for confirmation?? NO problem the the 6 and 3 on the tree for us old timers to operate at our leisure and enjoyment. To bad it is on the wrong coast as I would like it in my driveway.
Trunk emblem shows “overdrive”
GOOD!!! You apparently have access to more pictures than I do..
I bought a 52 2 door V8 flathead in 1959 after I got out of active duty. The pavement was quite visible through the floor but I couldn’t kill the car. I could floor it in 1st & 2nd until it got to max speed in that gear and it didn’t seem to care what I did to it.
Brings back memories.
Surprised no one bemoaned the I-6 mill. Stick with it instead of the flattie eight as I have it on good authority* that the OHV-6 put out more HP than the ol’ V-8. The HP given in ’53 for the six had to be given at a much lower RPM so as to not show up the dying gasp year of the eight. The new engines tested out between five and ten ponies more at peak.
* My uncle had a friend who worked in the dyno room at Ford.
very true my parents had a 1952 6 it was the first year for the I6 or ohv 6 it was faster off the line than the flat head 8 ford did a paper increase on v8 hp so it looked like more power
The final two years of the flat V8 were 110 HP with the overhead 6, that debuted in 52, just slightly behind. But I have always heard, as stated, that the 6 was quicker off the line, but overtaken later by the V8. In 54 the overhead valve V8 came out, still 239 cu in, but with maybe 130 HP.
The six was easier to work on, and didn’t have the overheating problem that the 8’s had, either. I expect the 6 was slightly lighter in weight, which wouldn’t have hurt handling and braking. I’ve never driven a 6 that I didn’t like, including a big, slow turning International Harvester truck engine which idled about 400 rpm and would pull hard down to that speed when lugged, too. Give me a straight 6 any time!
Neat old Ford. Mom had the top of line 2 door hard top with V8. Ran like a train and looked great. Looks like this car owner made a few orders from JC Whitney.
I’ve read people say that the OHV six was the way to go. Always lived in the shadow of the V8. Get some Westley’s for them tires.
Exactly what I thought. Can’t really call those “whitewalls” at the moment. Bleche-whit to the rescue
My thought exactly when I first saw the first picture! Westley to the rescue! I would imagine that if the “white? walls ” are that yellowed. They must be quite old. I have always liked this body style.
Interesting car with the OHV 6 and 3 on the tree. The 6 was rated at 101 up while the Flathead V8 only had a few more ponies. This 53 would be a 50th Anniversary model, all of the 53’s had a special horn button that read “Ford 1903-1950 50th Anniversary.”
What is that accessory on the driver’s window?
My thought exactly when I first saw the first picture! Wesley to the rescue! I would imagine that if the “white? walls ” are that yellowed. They must be quite old. I have always liked this body style.
Would love to spend some time behind the wheel of this one. Ohv 6 inline with a 3 on the tree, yup. Looks solid enough to put it into daily service if you wanted. Personally I’d dump the white walls and the full hub caps.
Now for the price, out of my reach.
How about gloss black wheels, (body color) thin white stripe tires, dog dish or baby moon caps?
Yes, kind of what I have in mind. Keep it simple.
WAY TOO MUCH money for this smackturd. Get real !
looks solid and if is as original they say them great. all you need is somebody that wants to buy it
$16k? Seriously? $8k would be more like it going by the (often overly optimistic) Hagerty and the seller would be lucky to get that. Pure fantasy “BIN.”
The comments about the new OHV 6 vs the old flathead 8 are apt. An R&T road test of the ’52s (same basic car/engines) had most testers preferring the 6 with the stick to the automatic 8, citing better acceleration and handling with the smaller engine. Both test cars ran the quarter in around 22 seconds, with the 6 being marginally quicker (21.8 vs 22.2).
According to the Craigslist location map. It’s right in the Lawrence Welk Resort neighborhood. A one ana 2 ana!
Sorry couldn’t resist. I spent a week there for a BMW conference. Good place to have what we were doing. (a ropes course) it a bad place to eat. PLUS piped in Lawrence Welk music 24/7. It gets a bit too much. While standing in line for lunch. I found the controls for the music in a cabinet in the wall. I managed to turn it off and got a standing ovation by my fellow BMW managers. Oh, I forgot, a great place to play golf. At least 4 separate courses.
Pulled a solid ’53 tudor out of our
local junkyard for something to do one summer 🏝️. Twas a mint
green with a flathead V8 and 2 stuck valves. As I recall, the body
and interior were in really good shape for a rust belt car. Got it home, tore the engine down, and rebuilt it using an article in Rod &
Custom Magazine as a guide. Not a bad proposition til my sister spun a hearing trying to get
out of a snowbank. Out came the
flattie, and in went a 289/C-6 from a badly rusted ’67 Galaxie sedan (Frame rot got it). Then, I
ditched the mint green paint for a
very dark blue, steelies with dog
dish hubcaps, and raised white
letter tires. The gray interior was
in fine shape. So I had the floors
redone and covered them with dark blue indoor/outdoor carpeting I scrounged from Carpetland USA. And yeah, I still
had my ’50 Packard limo and put my sister back in the Ford as her
daily driver until she got her own
ride. My folks had one of those
God awful ’73 Chevy Caprices that wouldn’t start when the temperature dropped below 40°
So during that winter ☃️, Mom
either drove the Packard or my
newly acquired ’62 Buick ragtop
to work during the week. Took me about 9 months to do my ’53
tudor which wasn’t bad at all. It was built with reliability in mind
and not much else. Wouldn’t have done it if I hadn’t been playing music 🎵🎶 back then.
And speaking of music, Wayne, when you found the controls for
the muzak, did you put on some
good old classic rock to liven up
that little suaree? And as for golf,
I did play it some, but I mostly went to the driving range and whacked a bucket of balls to relieve any frustration I had back
then. And yes folks, my ’53 did have a row of wooden clothespins running from the fuel
pump to the carb to keep it from
vapor locking!
…And did you turn off the bubble
machine too? It would’ve looked
very surreal seeing all those bubbles with Led Zeppelin blasting out of those speakers LMAO! Tanka you Bobby anda
Susie! Righta now, let’s ah welcome ah Led Zeppelin as dey
play ah deir toppa 10 ah smash
Stairway To Heaven ah!
Hi Ken! I never saw a bubble machine! The food was so bad because the average mean age of other guests. (Non-BMW people) was approximate 147 years old. (Lol) So food was very bland.
Factory put a higher-ratio rear in the O/D models, this one should get off the line quite nicely and then loaf along at relatively low rpms when on the highway. Better fuel economy with that six, too. But nothing sounds better than a flattie with dual glasspacks. Back in the day my dad swapped out the rear from a standard-drive six into my O/D V8 ’53 Victoria, thinking it would be even more stingy on the road. At my tender age of the time and the advancing age of the ’53 most of my time was spent on small-town streets. Few times I was on a highway it was so tall I was always kicking it down to O/D second when the hills started but it seemed barely above idle at 60mph.
The six was easier to work on, and didn’t have the overheating problem that the 8’s had, either. I expect the 6 was slightly lighter in weight, which wouldn’t have hurt handling and braking. I’ve never driven a 6 that I didn’t like, including a big, slow turning International Harvester truck engine which idled about 400 rpm and would pull hard down to that speed when lugged, too. Give me a straight 6 any time!
This is a really neat old Ford, were it mine I’d clean up those whitewalls and go cruising but the asking price is too high imo.
My first high school car (1965) was a ’54 2 door, 2 tone green with a 239 Y block and 3 on the tree. It was a nice car. It was on a car lot for $150 and I earned the money by shoveling cow manure out a huge barn after school and on weekends 150 hours at $1 an hour. Before I go, I’d like to have another ’52 to ’54 just for fun. Wasn’t my nicest car or my fastest but it was the first (if I don’t count the ’49 303 Olds that I never actually got running). :-) Terry J
My first car was a 53 Ford tudor with the flat V-8, light blue. It was Customline with manual transmission and unusual power steering. I bought it in SW Ohio for $50, had a valve job before driving to California in 1969, back to Philadelphia, back to school in Ohio then sold to a football player for $115. He drove it home to Detroit and soon hit a telephone pole. Should have worn his helmet.