Vehicle Description
1953 Ford Crestline Victoria Tudor Hardtop
The Ford V8 had a turbulent birthing process thanks to the rather
bizarre way that Henry Ford worked, trusting his gut much more than
objective reason, or his engineers. He had several teams work
around the clock in secrecy from each other, and demanded they
build engines without oil pumps, or water pumps. It was a painful
process, as Henry changed his mind constantly and refused feedback.
But Henry's insistence of routing the siamesed exhaust ports of the
middle cylinders between them intrinsically made the engine prone
to overheating, which required very large radiators to keep it cool
as best as possible. The flathead developed a rep for being easy to
overheat. And the early versions had numerous other shortcomings;
this was not Ford at its usual best. Let's just say that although
Ford did build the first mass-produced mono-block V8, and at a very
affordable price, it arrived with numerous flaws. Some of those
were improved with time, especially after a major redesign in 1937.
And of course, the hot-rod community quickly embraced it as the
second coming, after the very durable Ford fours that had been the
basis of their attention for some time. Ever-increasing levels of
power were coaxed out of the Ford V8, and it became legendary.
That's not to say that it was truly top dog; engines like the big
GMC OHV six were able to generate more power with less effort, but
the millions of Ford V8 engines available for a song made them
infinitely accessible and affordable.
Offered for your viewing pleasure, an AACA Jr award winner at
Hershey 2019, then garnishing its AACA Sr in 2020, also at Hershey
in fully restored form. This 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria Tudor
hardtop is possibly the nicest example thisautomotive starstruck
writer has laid eyes on as it was restored in 2013 and is still
looking fresh out of the shop today. Striking 2 tone paint, a
flawless interior, some rarities added on and even some modern
power conveniences all come together to make this a true best of
the best showing in our Hallowed Halls.
Exterior
A near perfect application of factorycorrect Seafoam Green covers
the straight steel panels of the lower sectionsof thiscar that have
well minded gaps, and a mirror like shine. Raven Black is reserved
for the bulbous roof and like the rest of the car, shows as near
flawless. From its neatly designed big 1950's front grille with
reflections so deep I could shave my 5 o'clock shadow with ease, to
the big side trim spear that starts at the headlights and goes to
the back of the forward door, then gets picked up again on the back
at the fender bump out with an angled ribbed larger panel that
turns into a spear off the center and a metal bump out at the top
edge of the "wing" perfectly highlighting the small fender skirts.
This literally looks like you're looking skyward at the underside
of a flying jet complete with chrome contrail. Plenty of chrome
trimmings for the window surrounds and a single round tail light
with a wide chrome bezel and small chromed center rest on the end
of the fender which has rounded tops to meet the taillights. A
continental kit in black and chrome graces the area between these
lights and down low is another ultra shiny rear bumper with twin
upright guards. A chrome piece of note is the very rare and not oft
seen eagle hood ornament leading the way atop the hood. Seafoam
Green 15-inch steel wheels with FORD badged chrome caps are wrapped
in wide white bias ply tires on all 4 corners. The contrasting
Raven Black on the roof of this chrome laden skate is what truly
sets the whole package off in this writer's humble opinion.
Interior
The door panels utilize a myriad of materials from smooth white
vinyl to black ribbed vinyl to smooth gray vinyl and even some
black painted metal, which all work together to form the door
panels. Lest we forget the mirror-like chrome trimmings dressing
these doors whichadd to the early 50's charm. Wide long benches,
with the front being a split bench, are the passengers seating
front and rear, and are covered with wide tuck and roll black
inserts with smoothwhite vinyl uppers, all sitting within a black
tub. Some light wrinkling of the vinyl is noted on the upper front
seats, but these do notdetract from the charming warmth these seats
provide. A black steel full metal jacket dash and original
instrumentation are seen inside. The horseshoe speedometer and
gauge cluster are in front of the 2 tone black and white original
steering wheel with its full chrome ring horn actuator. A chrome
trimmed radio and temp controls are noted on this dash and a
centrally located clock in a small circular bump up is in the top
dead center of this dash. The tight and white headliner hangs
proudly above along with 2 tone black and white sun visors that
look just fab. Black carpeting, cleaner than clean, floats this
interior and now I am in true early 50's heaven.
Drivetrain
Powered by the 239ci flathead V8 and 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic
column mounted shifter, this combo provides 110hp. There is a
2-barrel carburetor atop, and way in the back is the rear axle
weighing in with a 3.31 ratio. Overall condition of the engine bay
can best be described as factory fresh with the orange painted
block, heads, and intake providing the perfect contrast to the
black bay. We note power brakes have been installed along with
power steering to make the drive that much easier.
Undercarriage
No patina, no rust and very few flaws for the bottom side of this
show winner. A strong black frame provides the backbone for the
Seafoam Green painted floors and rockers. More black is covering
the suspension which has an independent coil springs for the front
and leaf springs for the rear, and we note power drum brakes on all
4 corners. A like new dual exhaust system with stock style mufflers
is on for spent fossil removal. Just a flawlessly executed
restoration down below.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and good driver with all functions working. Smooth
acceleration and the transmission shifted nicely. A real trip back
in time with a good overall ride and all functions operating as
they should.
A great opportunity to own a truly stunning 50's classic. Restored
in 2013 and its very clean 10 years later that no expense was
spared and no stone was left unturned. A multi-time show winner
that has also been awarded it's Jr and Sr, there's nothing left for
you to do but write the check and turn the key...after the check
clears of course.
B3AV163604
B-239ci Flathead V8 110hp
3-1953
A-Atlanta, GA Assy Plant
V-Tudor Victoria
163604-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 60B-Crestline Tudor Victoria
COLOR YA-Seafoam Green & Raven Black
TRIM K-Green Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 15K822B-October 15th
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
