Vehicle Description
There are still plenty of interesting hobby cars out there that
don't cost much money. For example, take a look at this gorgeous
1953 Ford Crestline Victoria - with its very attractive 2-door body
style, 239 Flathead V8 power, slick hardtop profile, and
period-perfect pastel colors that look amazing today. Not
over-done, not modified, but a nice, clean little Ford that still
has that flathead magic going for it.
The colors are White over Flamingo Red, and the combination works
rather well on this neat Ford coupe. Redesigned just the previous
year, the 'shoebox' Fords had a very modern, sleek look and the
Victoria hardtop with its wrap-around rear window and pillarless
profile was a sporting choice that still looks great today. The
restoration on this tidy driver is more than a few years old, but
it's holding up well and the car wears an honest, top
driver-quality 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, and this '53 has
obviously benefitted from an easy life. In addition to that great
preservation, the pros that restored this Ford got the details
right, and even though there a couple minor signs of use it shows
very nicely in person. The bodywork is nicely done, and you'll note
that the slab-sided panels show none of the usual ripples and
waves. Gaps are good and the panel alignment is very good overall
as well, suggesting a car that didn't need major reconstructive
surgery before the finish was applied. And although the finish
isn't a show-stopper, it's much nicer than most would probably
expect at this price point, with a great shine and luster that
really comes to life when that coral color starts to dance with the
sunlight. The front and rear bumpers are in good shape and the rest
of the brightwork has been shined up and looks quite correct
against the handsome paint, and a deep polish could probably bring
out even more bling. Fender skirts add to the period feel, while
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 period-correct (and potentially original) two-tone
coral-and-white interior has a very jaunty 1950s appeal to it, with
pleated seat covers and simple patterns throughout. It works
perfectly with the matching bodywork, and the contrast of the newer
black carpets and black accents on the original-style door panels
is very appealing. There are a few signs of age and use (although
if we're honest, there's very little to complain about inside, if
anything at all), because this is a car that actually gets driven,
but the simplicity is a big part of the appeal. An original, big
black 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, slipping through traffic with ease. The
original AM radio is still in place and remarkable still works,
although the original heater isn't operational at the moment, but
nevertheless we absolutely love that the Flamingo Red dash is
decked-out just like it would've been in 1953. That includes the
center-mounted clock, and even the windshield stop-light prism
mounted just ahead of the driver. 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.
1953 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 this Vicky
very fun to drive. The engine is nicely detailed with bright 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 215/75/15 wide
whitewall radials on stock steel wheels adorned with Ford hubcaps
and beauty rings, it rides and handles rather well for a car about
to celebrate its 70th birthday.
Entry-level cars are out there and you don't need to start with a
project or a goofy '70s 4-door to get in the game. Instead, this
particular '50s Ford is packed with panache and turn-key ready.
Call today!
