Vehicle Description
The 50s was a great time to be a car buyer. The post-war boom had
led to new ways to individualize your car. No longer just content
to have the latest family coupe, Ford offered more trim and design
touches to fit any budgets, and none came swankier from Dearborn
than the top-of-the-line 1954 Crestline Victoria with new OHV
V8.
What makes this so special? Just look at the shine. The brightwork
was given a solid investment during restoration, and there's a ton
of it, so we love seeing it complete and pristine. Ford's revised
grille was so wide that it reached around the corners just like the
bright bumper below it. The side trim is complete on everything
from the line that runs along the entire straight body, to the
crest at the base of the hardtop roof. It ends in a chrome rear
light surrounds that hints at the tailfin era that was just around
the corner (especially the Thunderbird coming the next year).
Presenting nicely against the 1954-correct Cameo Coral paint. The
final touch of shine comes from the factory style wheel covers...
but really we know you were paying more attention to how the
whitewall tires nicely coordinate with the white roof.
Inside the coral and white two-tone do a great job of coordinating
with the exterior, and pillow top seats have that great '50s look.
And even more of that nostalgic feeling comes when you slip behind
the wheel. This is where you can tell that the Thunderbird was on
its way. The engine-turned panel and nifty speedometer that's lit
from behind by a clear acrylic panel are hallmarks of that iconic
personal coupe. So that level of luxury is what Ford was delivering
in the Crestline Victoria even before the T-bird! The great details
on this coupe even extend to the trunk where it still has its
stand-up full size spare with correct Cameo Coral steel wheel.
While you've already seen plenty of period-correct pieces, the best
one is under the hood. 1954 was the first year for the new overhead
valve V8. The U4 in the VIN tells you that the 239 cubic-inch
powerplant is the factory-correct motor for this Ford. In fact,
since this is a 1954 dated block, we wouldn't be surprised if this
was the original motor! It presents exceptionally nicely in the
engine bay with the tall oil bath air cleaner boldly painted in red
and announcing its "special" nature. And the valve covers match in
showmanship. So you'll love opening the hood at car shows and
showing off all the correct components. On the road, you'll be
quite happy you chose a model year with the new motor because it
gives this cool cruising Ford a little extra kick of power missing
from the old factory flathead. And the control you get from the
column-shifted three-speed manual transmission keeps all the power
firmly in your hands.
Clean, cool, and all-around fun to drive, this '54 Ford Crestline
Victoria is a great way to put a distinctive classic coupe in your
garage. Call now!