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| Chassis No. | ||
| B3NV116145 | ||
| Estimate: | ||
| $20,000-$30,000 US | ||
| AUCTION DATE: | ||
| To be auctioned on Friday, October 9, 2009 |
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| OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE | ||
| 110 bhp, 239 cu. in. L-head V8 engine, Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 115" During the early 1950s, Ford consistently outsold archrival Chevrolet when it came to specialty models such as station wagons, convertibles and hardtops. In 1953, Ford sales totals also revealed that while the flathead V8 engine was outdated, it had built up a very loyal following, with Ford slightly outselling Chevrolet during the 1953 calendar year. In fact, an estimated 70 percent of Ford models were sold with V8 power in 1953, versus Chevrolet’s continued reliance on six-cylinder Stovebolt power. Now producing 110 horsepower, the 1953 Fords marked the final year of the long-running flathead V8, which was finally due for replacement by the all-new Y-block overhead-valve V8 in 1954. Stylistically, the 1953 models were cloaked in carefully updated 1952 bodywork with a revised grille treatment, minor trim changes and a pair of striking “Jet-Ray” taillights. Underneath, a new ball-joint front suspension eliminated the outdated kingpins, while the growing number of comfort and convenience options included power windows, power seats and power brakes. Ford was justifiably proud of its 50th anniversary in 1953 and celebrated the milestone in grand style, with extensive advertising and a great deal of media attention. In particular, a specially equipped Crestline Sunliner Convertible was selected to serve as the pace car for the most famous auto race in America, the Indianapolis 500. William Clay Ford was selected to drive the car on this momentous occasion. The 1953 Ford Sunliner Convertible offered here is a superb and faithfully restored replica of its current owner’s first automobile. Prior to restoration, the car was owned by a firefighter who maintained it in original condition, driving it for 73,000 miles. Showing approximately 76,000 miles today, it displays a glossy two-tone exterior finish with beautifully restored brightwork, black painted steel wheels, full bright wheel covers and Coker Classic wide whitewall tires, while the handsome two-tone blue interior is period correct in presentation. Other features include a pushbutton-operated AM radio, a heater and a defroster. It is also equipped with dual exhaust outlets and a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, which came with a set of highway-friendly 3:31 rear end gears from the factory, providing effortless and very enjoyable cruising on today’s motorways. |
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