Same Family 68 Years: 1952 Ford Crestline Sunliner

Sunliner was the name that Ford used to brand its full-size convertibles in the 1950s and 1960s. That mantle was passed from the Crestline to the Fairlane and then the Galaxie between 1952 and 1964. The seller has a 1952 Crestline Sunliner, which was one of about 22,500 produced that year when everyone wanted to cruise America with the top down. Though this ’52 has been in the same family since 1958, it has been largely forgotten for many decades. If you have unlimited funds and ample time on your hands, this restoration might be the one for you. Located in Dewey, Oklahoma, this old ragtop is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $14,500 OBO.

This project comes with a 239 cubic inch “flathead” V8 and transmission (“3-on-the-tree”?) that have both been rebuilt. But neither is in the car, and we don’t know how long ago that work was done, so it might have to be redone to be viable. We’re told the Ford was built early into the 1952 model year at Ford’s Kansas City operations, perhaps the closest to where the car is now.

From the photos provided, it’s hard to tell how complete this old Ford is. The seller says a box of new chrome parts is part of the deal, including taillights, headlight assemblies, and other assorted pieces. But is the car rusty? Probably. Are some of the body panels damaged? Likely. Is the interior in trouble? Absolutely. The photos pose more questions than the listing seems to answer.

When this Ford was already on the road, Chevrolet was preparing to roll out its “See The USA In Your Chevrolet” campaign with Dinah Shore. Ford could have done something similar to market these Crestline convertibles because they were just as capable and had a V8 years before Chevy did. So, if you’re into projects, bring your trailer and cash, and dig this old Sunliner out from its perch. Once again, “Zappenduster” rules with the barn finds tips!