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.
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.
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.