The last year of a transitional model
The Ford Crestline was only offered for three years, from 1952 to 1954, before being folded into the famous Fairlane, which ran into the 1970s. In that short time, however, Ford proudly maintained it as their main-line brand offering, and the Sunliner convertible version is especially desirable to collectors thanks to its quite advanced power-folding convertible top.
This particular Crestline Sunliner on Exotic Car Trader comes from 1954, the model’s last year. It has been upgraded in many key areas, while also maintaining the original machine’s styling. Let’s take her for a spin, shall we?
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A smooth and polished pearl beauty
A glossy and smooth Pearl White shimmers on the body, with plenty of chrome brightwork to add to the sparkle. The chrome line running from just below the headlights to just below the taillights has a little downward extension by the rear fender skirt, with thick chrome bumpers that sit heavily on both ends.
Period-accurate polished round side mirrors flank the windshield, and a Ford crest rests just ahead of the front wheelwells. A pair of round headlights sits extended slightly from their fenders, while in the back, wings rise up slightly to hold the conical rear lights. The shiny steel wheels clad in modern rubber complete the blend of original flair and up-to-date convenience.
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A completely redone interior that’s faithful to the original
The interior of this Crestline has been completely rebuilt, yet it still retains the styling and design aesthetics of the era. A two-tone tan-white and burgundy leather pairs well with the Pearl White outside, with the burgundy concentrated on the seats, the carpeting, and most of the door paneling. A contrasting tan and white covers the dash and the upper panels of the door.
In addition to the aforementioned period-standard power control over the burgundy convertible top, the original ‘Magic Aire’ controls have been restored, but the brushed-metal dash is custom, and the Vintage Air heating and air conditioning, as well as the Pioneer radio, are updated yet retro. There is also a Stewart Warner gauge cluster, which is likewise attuned to the pulse of the era’s conceptions of class and cool factor. The bi-spoke steering wheel is clad in burgundy around the rim, with each spoke connected by a half-circle wire of polished metal, as well as featuring four round cut-outs for style.
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Bored? You betcha, but not in the way you think
The modern 381ci (6.2L) V8 has been bored over in the popular .030 configuration for even more power, with a four-barrel carburetor ensuring plenty of fuel gets to the pistons at any speed, and a MSD electronic ignition system for even more reliability and responsiveness. A custom dual exhaust provides that iconic bassy idle sound you expect from American Muscle.
An updated Tremec five-speed manual transmission pushes all that power to the rear wheels, where a Ford 9-inch differential has been added to handle it. The front hasn’t been forgotten, either, with a Mustang II front end featuring adjustable coilovers that provide excellent handling and control. Additionally, modified power steering and power disc brakes make driving and control a breeze. The odometer reads 1,720 miles, but that’s only since the engine was redone, and the true mileage is, unfortunately, unknown.
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Final thoughts: A superb blend of old and new
The Ford Crestline was not a long-lived car, but it had class and style in spades. It went on to become the Fairlane, which in turn evolved into the Crown Victoria, demonstrating that a name change does not necessarily mean a legacy is lost. As Ford’s mainline offering for the early 1950s, the Crestline was a popular and capable vehicle for its era, and thanks to the restomod, this Pearl White gem continues to serve as an ambassador for the post-war school of design, while also showing just how much is possible to upgrade and modify it without disrespecting the source material. If you’re looking for a modern and easy-drive classic, this Crestline Sunliner might just be what you’re after.
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