1953 Ford Crestline

When the Ford Crestline was introduced in 1952, it was the top trim level, positioned above the intermediate-level Customline and base level Mainline. Bodystyles included a Sunliner, Victoria, and Range Wagon. Power was from a 239 cubic-inch 'flathead' v8 engine. The 1953 Ford models received changes to the grille with a larger horizontal bar with three vertical stripes located on either side of a large central spinner. The large bar wrapped around the front edges of the fenders. Instead of round parking lights, they were now rectangular. In celebration of the company's 50th Anniversary, the word '50th Anniversary 1903-1953' was placed in the center of the steering wheel hub.

A total of 128,302 examples of the 2-door Victoria Hardtop were produced in 1953; 11,001 examples of the station wagon and 40,861 of the Sunline Convertible were built. The L-head 239 cubic-inch V8 had a Holley two-barrel carburetor, three main bearings, and delivered 110 horsepower. It had a three-speed manual transmission with a semi-centrifugal-type clutch and three-speed helical gears with synchronizers for second and third gears. A three-speed manual with automatic overdrive was a $108 option and the Ford-O-Matic automatic was a $184 option.

The Crestline rested on a 115-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 197.8 inches. The tires were 6.70x15 except for the station wagon which rode on 7.10x15 tires.

The 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner convertible was selected as the Official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500, and for the first time in Pace Car history, the company offered a replica for sale in its showrooms, building a limited edition of 2,000 cars. The replicas were given special paint and interior treatments, identifying the special-edition cars with a special SS trim code. They were finished in White Sungate Ivory paint, a Gold and White interior with Anniversary Gold painted dash, and a White Orlon top with matching Gold bows. Other features included crossed-flag emblems on the front fenders, Black body-side 'Official Pace Car' lettering, and a Continental kit. The 239 CID V8 engine was fitted with the Ford-O-Matic, and dual mirrors, a radio, clock, heater, power steering, fender skirts, and backup lights completed the equipment list.

Ford celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 1953 by launching a series of special events to promote a new image. They produced a historical documentary titled 'The American Road,' narrated by Raymond Massey. Several former Life Magazine editors designed and published a photo-illustrated book, 'Ford at Fifty.' Additionally, Ford sponsored a two-hour television special simultaneously broadcast on NBC and CBS, hosted by Edward R. Murrow and featuring Ethel Merman, Bing Crosby and Mary Martin of Peter Pan fame. Ford also re-opened its Rotunda Building in Dearborn as a visitor center and commissioned Norman Rockwell to design a calendar chronicling the company's first 50 years in a series of illustrations that were hung in Ford dealerships and countless homes.

The 1953 Ford would be the last to use the flathead V-8 that Henry Ford had first used in 1932. A new V8 with overhead valves was introduced for 1954. It was rated at 130 horsepower, which was nearly 25 percent more than the 1953 flathead.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019