Original Paint: 1953 Ford Customline Tudor

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?