Before there was the Galaxie or the Fairlane, there was the Crestline, Ford’s top-of-the-line automobile produced from 1952 to 1954. It was the best of the best for Ford and came standard with a 239 cubic inch “flathead” V8. The Sunliner was the convertible edition and the seller’s car was next in line as a project by his since deceased father. It needs mechanical and cosmetic attention, though it looks okay in many of the photos provided. Located in a garage in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, this drop-top is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,000. A salute goes to “Zappenduster” for the tip!
Three series of automobiles made up the 1952 Ford lineup: the Mainline, Customline, and Crestline. The latter only “headlined” the Ford roster for three years. Hardtop versions of the latter were also called Victoria’s, wagons were Country Squires, and convertibles were Sunliners. The seller refers to this car as a Skyliner, but that model wouldn’t arrive until 1954 as a hardtop with a plexiglass see-through roof. Ford produced nearly 672,000 autos in 1952 of which 22,500 were Sunliners like this one.
Because this car was his father’s upcoming project, the seller doesn’t have all the details. He believes the engine turns over, but a new gas tank (and probably other things) stands in the way. The odometer reads 26,000 miles (but it could easily be 126,000). The ragtop has the 239 flathead, paired with a Ford-O-Matic transmission. The seller’s dad may have been at least the vehicle’s third owner.
While the yellow paint looks okay in many places, there are spots that need some attention. And photos of the black interior are inconclusive regarding its condition. This could be a sweet ride when roadworthy again, but you have to wonder what issues may be waiting to present themselves that the seller’s asking price doesn’t take into consideration. One question, though, for our readers: is the Continental kit on the back real or just something for looks?
Going on speculation, I believe I know who the 2nd owner was. There was a man in my hometown of L.Mills,Wis. that ran a dry cleaning business, his name was Dick Tarnutzer. He had a passion for classic cars, mostly former Indy 500 Pace cars( the largest collection in the country, it was said) and convertibles. He went on tho start the Wis. Dells Auto Museum, and I would bet this was one of Dicks cars. The “134” collector plate number indicates someone was one of the 1st to do so, and that could have been Dick. He had several storage facilities, and had over 100 cars. One of the facilities burnt in 1999, and he lost a lot of nice cars. He was heartbroken, and died not long after. His son took over the business, but sold a lot of his cars, and I believe this was one of them. Sadly, this persons father may have died before changing the plate, I doubt he had such a low number. My Wis. collector plate number gotten in the early 80s was already a 5 digit number.
That continental kit is just a prop screwed to the trunk lid, and I think a wonderful find. Automatic a huge plus. I remember a car like this in our parades and in Wisconsin, I all but assure you, there weren’t 2 of these. Dick was a great guy.
Howard, I’m going to speculate myself. Sheboygan is my hometown and at the company my dad worked at was a guy who had a car like this. I remember seeing it at the company picnic. Remember those? All the burgers,brats,ice cream and soda you wanted. Games,rides not too mention lots of beer for the adults. I remember Dad pointing out that car around town on a few occasions
Plenco company picnics perhaps?
Hi Harvey, Sheboygan, you say? What a town. I used to deliver to Schultz( Piggly Wggly) warehouse, and pickup at Old Wis. Sausage, THE BEST! All we get here is Johnsonville, and okay, I suppose. The workers at Schultz were by far the nicest grocery warehouse( Super Valu, the worst), and I think that place is closed now. It’s very possible your story is true, just I remember Dick having a real low plate number like that. In fact, he may have instituted the collector plate program. I don’t recall too many “company outings”, along with Christmas parties, when fuel went up, something had to give. Besides, how many times can you listen to “8 days on the road?” GO PACK!!!
Interesting story Howard. And you may just be right as to ownership. I had never heard of the gentleman and it was a shame he lost so many vehicles in a fire. Glad to see this rare `52 looks basically solid, and well on it’s way to being a show gem! If I had the know-how I’d buy and finish it. The Coronado deck lid adds alot to the car, and is FoMoCo correct for `52-`54 models. Too bad the original interior is black—makes riding in it on a day like today (92 this afternoon!) like an egg in a fry pan!
Reminds me of the movie the long long trailer.
Only in that movie a 1953 Mercury Monterey was used. During some of the grueling scenes, a more powerful Lincoln Capri was substituted. Similar looking at a distance.
Yes, the color was the same, but it was a 53 or 54 Mercury convertible. NO MORE ROCKS!!!
That was a fun movie (starred Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz)! Same year, same color, same basic car – only difference is that one was a Mercury, not a Ford.
Wow, I thought that I was the only person alive who remembered that movie!
@Dan Baker
I have that movie on DVD and tubi is showing it this month along with other Lucy/Desi movies
in 1956 my brother bought a 52 Sunliner, same color exterior but brown dash n inside trim, seats brown and cream colored. It to was a 26,000 mile car. Was enjoyable to drive.
One time I’m not going to grouse about the tire kit.
Exactly, the Coronado kit was an exception to the ugly over the top rule.
My thoughts too. If you must have a Continental kit this is a nice one. Is it really fake?
Yep on both counts. Back in the early ’70’s I found a convertible in the local salvage yard and lifted the Coronado off it to place on my ’53 Victoria. Thought I was Cat Daddy. The mind of a 16 year-old . . .
My dad had one same color only wasn’t a ragtop!
There is a old lady here in the retirement community that has a 52,Mercury conv. and i saw her this morning run a red light doing about 50,all the streets here are 35 mph or less so golf carts are legal.I heard her tell another old timer her parents bought the car for HS graduation
For 8 grand this is a great car.. Maybe not turnkey, but with a little TLC it will make someone a great classic cruiser.. Even that fake add on continental kit blends in nice with the trunk lid.
It may not be a fake, could be the factory or dealer installed Coronado option.
Reminds me of Richie Cunningham’s red sunliner on Happy Days. You know, the one he bought from Rocky Bsrrufi. Wow! What a car! And if the flattie turns over, you shouldn’t have any problems getting this car to run. Sounds like all she needs is a new tank, fuel sender,
fuel lines, and a complete brake
overhaul. And while I was there,
I’d spring for a modern 2 pot master cylinder and disc brakes up front. I’d also pony up for an
electric power steering unit so my SIL or my niece could drive it
with ease. And yes Howard, I remember those company picnics too. Food as far as you could see, games and rides for the kids, and adult beverages by the truckload! At the Eureka Company picnics, the company sprang for the burgers and hot dogs while the ladies would bring
one or more covered dishes. There were all kinds of salads, casseroles, and fried chicken 🍗
if you wanted them. I do recall
getting totally effed up at the last
one I went to when I was 14 going on 15, (1969) a year before
I started touring. Think I had eight, maybe nine beers along with all the chow I ate that day.
And did I go to church with a hangover? Yeah. And did I learn
anything from it? Hell no! I picked up right where I left off when I started touring in.1970.
And with all that being said, I do
expect a lecture from Angel when
she sees me again. And like you
Howard, I can see her now. Arms
folded, and a disapproving look
on her face. Like the one you got
when you stood her up at McDonald’s last year. One more
thing, don’t forget the spring loaded clothespins. You’re gonna
need ’em to keep the flattie from
vapor locking on a hot summer day.
And if you buy this and go pick it up. You HAVE TO get a local bratwurst and some cheese curd! After a weekend at Road America and eating bratwurst every
chance I got. (NOTHING BEATS THE SMELL AT ROAD AMERICA! The bratwurst cooking, mixed in with burning race rubber and burned race fuel! ) It is heavenly smell to me! Anyway, on the way home buy a big bag of cheese kurd to snack on for the trip home!
Wow, I thought that I was the only person alive who remembered that movie!
This is one rare car! I haven’t seen one since I was a kid in the 50’s and 60s!! I think it is really a good start for *$8K. What do you get for 8K today? Not much!!