Vehicle Description
1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner Convertible
"The Crestline has five smart body styles, including the all new
Ford Sedan and Skyliner. Wide choice of single and two tone body
finishes, with harmonizing interiors. You can have power steering,
power brakes, power front seat on all models, and power windows on
all except Country Squire." From the 1954 Ford brochure. Ford had
two models that allowed in the sun. The Skyliner with its
plexiglass domed sunroof, and the Sunliner, a full convertible.
For consignment, a 1954 Ford Crestline Sunliner, showing 34,918
miles which are unverifiable. Looking sharp in red and not
dissimilar from the illustrated example they used in the brochure,
only that one had a black canvas top where this one is white. And
we're willing to wager that this one is "better than new" and
according to our consignor, this car was owned by the family that
started Friendly's restaurant. He informed us that the car traveled
all over the US of A and would be at every new store opening.
Exterior
The first thing that grabs your attention, aside from the stunning
Torch Red paint, is the grand chrome grille with a center torpedo
motif, the fins of which are mimicked in the marker lights that
flank a robust bar of mirror-like chrome that runs parallel to the
massive chrome bumper below. Once you've absorbed that work of art,
your eyes run up to the jet ornament on the nose and the
tri-colored Ford badge in front. You walk around the side to find
wide trim along the midline that flares at the rear fender which
works with the gravel guard to accentuate the slightly protruded
body panel, a remnant of pontoon style fenders that once dominated
the landscape. More jet age finds the tail lights which are like
vented afterburners while a serrated piece of trim on the cabin rim
spells out SUNLINER in scripted black engraving. 15-inch chrome
wire wheels with white walls complete the package, partially
obscured in back by the fender skirts, and a continental kit
carries a encased spare piggyback style. The top, paint, panel
gaps, and metalwork is fantastic and the only imperfection is an
area of bubbling in the paint down low.
Interior
A stunning interior to match begins with red and white vinyl door
panels with white painted headers and electric window switches on a
ribbed white insert. Red and white also covers the split bench with
a wonderful design that includes button tufting and smooth white
uppers and this fine coverage is repeated in the back bench where
the sidewalls are in line with colored coordination and it's all in
great condition. A black steering wheel fronts an ivory dash with
black knobs and an arching black faced speedometer, vent control
panel and AM radio, while the mid panel is backed by a machined
metal trim piece, with overlapping swirls creating a consistent and
attractive pattern. The floor is covered with black loop carpet and
the immaculate trunk is protected with a fitted rubber mat and
houses a red-rimmed spare.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is an equally show worthy 239ci OHV V8, fueled by a
2-barrel carburetor and rated at 130 horsepower. A Ford-O-Matic
3-speed automatic transmission sets the car in motion and sends
power to the rear wheels and 3.54 gears while power drum brakes are
found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Other than some surface rust on the transmission pan, the underside
is super clean, dominated by the black painted X-frame and the red
belly pans nicely match the Cherrybomb mufflers on the dual
exhaust, exhaust which ends at the square chrome tips in back.
Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in
back and it's all spotless.
Drive-Ability
As part of Ford's Crestline series, this was not touted as a luxury
car back in the day, but because of its current classic status and
immaculate presentation, it sure feels like one today. And so it is
with careful attention and clean shoes that we row this beauty onto
the test loop where the V8 runs well, the car tracks straight, and
all of the functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto
Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of
our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working
at the time of your purchase.
Power brakes. Power steering. Power windows. That's just icing on
this red velvet cake as it is a near flawless show stopper. This is
a collection worthy piece with concours level excellence and as
sure as the sun rises, we can say that discerning buyers will not
wait long on this Sunliner. We'll keep this short so you can get
right to the phone. This is a fabulous Ford.
U4DC181573
U-239ci OHV 2bbl V8
4-1954
D-Dallas, TX Assy Plant
C-Crestline Sunliner
181573-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 76B-Crestline Sunliner
COLOR R-Torch Red
TRIM AE-Red & White Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 13HDP470A-August 13th
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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