Vehicle Description
There are still plenty of interesting hobby cars out there that
don't cost much money. Take a look at this handsome 1953 Ford
Victoria, which is a very attractive body style that has V8 power,
a classic hardtop look, and a no-frills attitude that's refreshing
today. Not over-done, not modified, but a nice, clean little Ford
that still has that flathead magic going for it.
The colors are Sungate Ivory over Raven Black, and the combination
works rather well on this neat Ford coupe. Redesigned in 1952, the
Fords had a very modern, sleek look and the Victoria hardtop with
its wrap-around rear window was a sporting choice that still looks
great today. The restoration is more than a few years old, but it's
holding up well and the car wears an honest look that's certainly
appropriate for Ford's best-seller. It's affordable, but that
doesn't mean you need to put up with second-rate bodywork and cut
corners, although there are a few signs of use and age that are all
but unavoidable. The bodywork is nicely done, and you'll note that
the slab-sided bodywork shows none of the usual ripples and waves.
Gaps are good and the panel alignment is decent overall, suggesting
a car that didn't need major reconstructive surgery. The front and
rear bumpers are in good shape and the rest of the brightwork has
been shine up and looks quite correct against the handsome black
paint. Out back you get some of Ford's first jet-inspired
taillights, as well as that "Fordomatic" badge, but we'll get to
that in a moment.
The unusual two-tone green vinyl interior has a very jaunty 1950s
appeal to it, with pleated seat covers and simple patterns
throughout. It works well with the basic black and white bodywork,
and the contrast is appealing. There are a few signs of age and
use, of course, because this is a car that gets used on a regular
basis, but the simplicity is a big part of the appeal. A big
steering wheel offers an aircraft-inspired horn ring and there's an
orderly instrument panel with an arched speedometer housing that
would set Ford's styling trends for the rest of the '50s. The
Fordomatic 2-speed automatic transmission was a relatively new
innovation and makes this car as easy to drive as your regular
daily driver, sipping through traffic with ease. The original AM
radio is gone, replaced by an AM/FM/cassette head unit that's a
welcome upgrade. There's a good-sized back seat and a spacious
trunk with rubber mat and full-sized spare make it a good choice
for your next old car tour.
'53 Fords carry the last of the flathead V8s, and that's really the
engine you want. Displacing 239 cubic inches, it's got that
fantastic flathead sound and plenty of torque to make the Vicky fun
to drive. The engine is nicely detailed with Ford Red paint and
large oil bath air cleaner, along with welcome details like the
Ford script hoses and correct clamps. Most of you will quickly spot
the big alternator up top, and with 12 volts running through it,
the starter spins this engine with genuine gusto. Parts are still
easy to find and there's no question that this is a reliable
powerplant, going about its business without complaint, and as the
old saying goes, even the bad flatheads are good and the good ones
are great. The undercarriage is very clean with nothing to hide the
original sheetmetal and seams, and there's a recent dual exhaust
system with glasspack-style mufflers that give the old flathead the
right soundtrack. With 215/70/15 wide whitewall radials on stock
steel wheels, it rides and handles rather well for being more than
60 years old.
Entry-level cars are out there and you don't need to start with a
project or a goofy '70s 4-door. Get a '50s Ford with a lot of
panache instead and call today!