The Crestline was Ford’s top-of-the-line model from 1952 to 1954. It was rebranded as the Fairlane in 1955 and again to the Galaxie in 1959-60. The seller has what appears to be a nice, restorable example sitting in a yard with no indication of whether it runs. Located in Chapin, South Carolina, this symbol of the Baby Boomer era is available here on eBay, where the opening bid of $2,500 has yet to find a taker, with a Buy It Now price available at $4,900.
For 1954, the Crestline (and other Fords) had minor styling updates ahead of an all-new car due out in 1955. Two engines were available, a 223 cubic inch inline-6 and an overhead V8 with a displacement of 239 CI. We assume the latter is in the seller’s car (no photo), as there was no 313-engine offered that year (or any year). In fact, there is no meaningful information provided in the seller’s listing. It reads like AI or marketing speak, such as it would be a “nostalgic choice for car enthusiasts.”
The Crestline was positioned atop the Mainline and Customline modes. Ford built more than 95,000 Victoria Hardtop Coupes, which should include this one. That’s as opposed to the 13,000 or so Skyliner Hardtop Coupes with the see-through acrylic roof panel. The body looks okay on the ’54 Ford, which wears white over blue paint that could stand a redo. The interior is described as “sleek” and “black,” but the photos only show the passenger compartment packed with assorted odds and ends.
Regarding the transmission is a manual, which should be a “3-on-the-tree” if original. The car is said to have “only” have 120,000 miles, but that was a lot for those days without a rebuild. If you’re looking for a Ford project from the first half of the 1950s decade, how does this example suit you?
I like the early to mid 50s cars (50-56) over the later 50s cars (57,58,59). Why is there such a difference in price? This car looks just as nice as a ’57 that we all have seen recently, but this seller will accept $4,900 vs $30,000. Nice car. Looks complete. I wonder if the areas where the paint has worn away could be repainted to blend in with the original paint? I’d keep it stock. No Hot Rods!
AI tells me that two Ford Engines were offered in 1954, the Overhead Valve V8, 239 cu in (3.9 L) and the Overhead Valve Inline-6, 223 cu in (3.7 L).
AA (Actual Intelligence) already told you that. ‘54 was the first year for the OHV Y-block. OHV 223 six had already been offered for a couple years. Nobody cares what the Metric Designation (liters) is for a vintage engine.
So, you think it’s the 239, V8?
Keep the patina and get it running and drive it, once you tend to the interior. I mean, the front bumper even looks nice and shiny. I’d be tempted to drop a bigger V8 in it though.
Do you think this car still has a 6 Volt Charging System?
If it still has the original system then yes it is a 6 volt. 12 volt started in 1956 for ford.
6 volt is okay if you use original heavy gauge wiring and make sure grounds are clean. I’ve had several over the years with no issue.
Yes a later model windsor v-8 would be nice to see under the hood. Say a 351 w/ 4spd. One nice detail about the 54’ is it’s the first year for a ‘ball joint’ front end. Upgrade with a set of disc capable spindles as you rebuild as necessary the suspension & brakes and … Yes, drive the wheels off it!
Not a bad looking Ford. I had a ’53 convertible version of this model. 1953 was Ford’s 50th anniversary and their cars had a special steering wheel cap to mark that event. Timothy and AI are correct about the ohv v8 for this car. 1953 was the last year for the flathead.
Clean it up, get it running and drive the heck out of it! No worries about dings and scratches here….
I like it. I’d sell my 2017 Chevrolet Malibu and make this my daily driver.
My favorites of the Ford Shoeboxes are ’52 to ’54. Truthfully I wouldn’t turn one down between ’49 to ’56 but I have to say that this will be at the forefront. I had a ’54 and would probably still have it if not for a guy calling my bluff. I need to learn to just say, NO!!!
Nice ‘54 Geomechs! Would love to find one as clean as that.
1953 was last year for the flat head v8 but in 53 the 6 was a ovh which was introduced in 1952
1953 was last year for the flat head v8 but in 53 the 6 was a ohv which was introduced in 1952
My Grandfather was a Ford Man. According to some notes he left, he bought a 1930 Model A, in 1935 for $75.00; Some kind of 1935 Ford Two Door V8, in 1943, for $200; A 1949 Ford 4 Door, Cyl, for $300; In 1955, he bought a New Ford 6 Cyl, 4 door, for $3,500. I wonder if that was a Ford Fairlane, a lot like this Crestline?
At this price, after some negotiations, this car will make a do it yourselfer a great entry into the classic car hobby. Referencing GEO’s picture I would bet this car has the 223 inline 6, 3 on the tree… NO V-8 emblems or overdrive on the trunk lid. About the most expensive part of refurbrishing it will be replating the grille and back bumper, if you can not find better ones??
The 223 inline 6 with a basic carburetor, mechanical fuel pump, and standard ignition system would probably be fairly easy to diagnose and fix most issues and would probably give better gas mileage than the V8.
I bought a two tone green 54 Victoria from one of my brothers in around 1967. I gave him $75.00 for it. It had a lot of goodies like power front seat, power windows, s 239 V8 automatic, power assist steering and power brakes. It burned oil and through a rod through the block on my way home from work one night. I got a 312 from a wrecking yard and put in it. I hope someone buys this and treats it with respect it deserves.
God Bless America
This one is a disaster. A lot rust.
There are a few more pics on the ebay listing and they show a car in pretty bad shape.
The interior is wasted and it is almost sitting on the ground in a very wet area of the country.
I am not sure it is even a roller, certainly not running.
I don’t see your disaster. Maybe sitting low but it doesn’t look wet and rockers and base of fenders aren’t rotted away. For sure it doesn’t run, possibly from sitting, but these are not hard to figure out to get running. To bad there aren’t any pics of the engine or chassis.
Bottom line it doesn’t look like any kind of disaster to me. Looks like a great project if you have the time and space.
Some of the pictures on EBay that you are talking about certainly don’t do the car any justice. Pictures showing that the car had sat neglected for years really doesn’t help those interested, to see the car in the best conditions possible.
Perhaps, but isn’t that what a barn find is? Neglected?
It is up to the potential buyer to see value as they imagine it. Better pictures would surely help and that’s why it’s often suggested/reminded to get an
in-person visual before laying any money on the table.
If you look closely at the pics on ebay there is a lot rust along the bottom of the doors and fenders.
Yeah, the rust in the bottom of the doors will need to be taken care of. Hopefully the rit isn’t to extensive.
Your opinion depends on what you are looking for.. Turnkey or a reasonably priced project car for entry into the classic car hobby?????
ENDED….. $2,500 !
I think Ford went 12 volt in 1956
you are correct ford in 1956 chevy in 1955
I remember my brothers 55 Ford f100 had positive ground.
God Bless America