Ford’s top-of-the-line model for 1952 to 1954 was the Crestline. Sources indicate that the Fairlane didn’t replace it until 1955. So, we’re not sure why the seller is calling this a ’54 Fairlane. In any event, it’s a 4-door sedan that once used to be green and has been sitting in a barn (or a reasonable facsimile) for some six decades. We assume a full restoration is needed with this 1954 piece of Dearborn iron, which is located in Green Bay, Virginia. This dusty and dirty project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000. Kudos to T.J. for another old school tip!
The company’s product line was refreshed for 1952-54 and would see another facelift in 1955-56. The Crestline was at the top of the pecking order, followed by the Customline and the Mainline. New engines were offered in the 1954 outing, with a 223 cubic inch inline-6 being the starting point, with a 239 CI overhead valve V8 being optional. Until 1955, Ford’s largest competitor, Chevrolet, had been without a V8 since 1918, giving Ford a competitive advantage.
Details are sketchy on this ’54 Ford. We’re told it’s been idle for ages for reasons unknown. It’s a 2-owner automobile with at least 100,000 miles to its credit (unless a placeholder was used). Since an overdrive feature was ordered new, we assume this is a manual transmission car rather than an automatic, as stated. This vehicle has the V8, which is a plus in the Ford’s favor.
Despite its lengthy hibernation, we’re told the Ford does run, but it’s still a project. The green paint is hard to decipher, and the interior supposedly matches (not many photos). The seller may not be looking to free up space, as trades will be considered along with serious offers against the $5k asking price. Would you take the plunge?
1 zero too many
Well, my first car was exactly that, $50, for a 53 Ford 2 door sedan, that ran pretty well after I paid for a valve job on the flat V-8. But that was 1967 as I was attending school in Ohio. It had little rust if any and the light blue paint with white top just needed a good rub and polish. I drove it to California, back to Philadelphia and again to Ohio in 1969. Money well spent, not to be repeated. Two zeros too many, sorry.
Gomer to Barny, “it’s going to need plugs, points, bearings, valves, rings starter, wires, water pump, fuel pump, oil pump, clutch( which is odd, we never saw Andy or Barny shift the car), radiator, brakes, even has sawdust in the differential”, as Barny sinks lower with every repair. I read, this car cost about $1800 new, that Barny allegedly paid $300, his life savings, in 1963, so an early lesson in you get what you pay for. Small town cops didn’t make much, and while his salary was never mentioned, it was thought he made as little as $20/week. He paid Mrs. Mendlebright $5/week room and board.
Sadly, I shake my head at every one of these,,,projects. You know as well as I do, nobody is going to take this on, yet, I suppose it is a bit gratifying knowing someone still thinks so.
B-a-r-n-e-y. ;)
Thanks, I figured the AG police would be on that, maybe we should ask “Mr. Schwamp”, although he never spoke on the show.
it’s a manual, no indicators on the steering column. four doors aren’t helping either
IDK why people see the asking price and think it’s carved in stone. The ad states “or best reasonable offer” as well as possible trades … so make a reasonable offer. It’s rusty, but not dented and the bumpers appear straight. If you’re like me and don’t mind a quad cab, make a reasonable offer.
Chiselled.
side trim looks like a custom not a crestline by rear wheels there is a piece of chrome the crestline had 3 chrome hash marks after the main chrome piece
looks from the inspection sticker it could have been a nj car. 4dr if you can buy cheap get running cheap you may have a good deal elsewise it’s a parts car
Wow, who’d a thought it possible.
.. even the steering wheel is covering in rust!
My first car in Sea Haze green, except it was a 6 with ford-o-matic.
A reasonable offer could be made. These Fords are widely available in my area for $1,000-$2,500. Take your pick, and no, I won’t find one for you! There are several on Marketplace, if you look around. I like these old Fords since they are not as expensive as comparable Chevys, and there is a good parts supply for used, repro, and new parts available. Nothing wrong with 4 doors, since it is easier to get grandkids in!
In the summer of 1954, my Aunt Mary and my Uncle Jimmy went to the local Ford Dealership in Jersey City, New Jersey (which I think was called Jersey Motors) and bought TWO 1954 Ford Crestline 2 door sedans. One was green, the other white, and both cars were powered by Fords’ 223 C.I. OHV Inline Six connected to a three speed manual transmission. My Uncle Jimmy was my aunt Mary’s ‘Brother-In Law’, Not her husband. Anyway my Aunt Mary was a Highschool Teacher in Jersey City, and as such, she did not rack up that may miles on her white, 54 Ford sedan. But my Uncle Jimmy worked for the U.S. Post Office as a Postal Inspector and so he traveled to numerous Post Offices throughout the Northeast, racking up the mileage on his green 54 Ford sedan. Then in 1960, my Aunt Mary purchased a brand new 1960 Rambler Classic 4 door sedan from the Local Rambler dealership in Jersey City. But instead of using her ‘low milage’, white, 54 ford as a trade in, she instead used her Brother-in Law’s higher mileage, green 54 Ford sedan and my uncle then took over ownership of his Sister-in-Laws white 54 Ford sedan. Then some five years later, in the summer of 1965, my uncle gave me that white 54 Ford which became my second car, even though I still wasn’t old enough to have a New Jersey Driver’s License.That same summer, I foolishly quit High School because I wanted to attend Lincoln Tech in Newark, New Jersey to learn auto mechanics, And I can still remember that Lincoln Tech gave all the new students in that class, a ‘gift certificate’ that could be used at various auto parts stores. So I took that complimentary Gift Certificate to a shop that was called ‘California Speed and Sport Custom’ which was located in New Brunswick, New Jersey and I purchased a ‘FOXCRAFT’ floor shift for that 54 Ford, that cost me $15.00 after using the gift certificate. The installation of that FOXCRAFT floor shift was the first ‘WORK” I ever did on any vehicle