Long-term ownership with a flathead Ford expert. Later 255 cubic inch Mercury V8, automatic transmission, optional power steering. Nice paint and chrome, recent interior. An affordable ‘50s Ford that runs and drives great!

1953 was the final year for the venerable flathead Ford V8, but they did a great job keeping it contemporary, both in terms of driving manners and styling. The top-of-the-line Crestline Victoria hardtop was Ford’s answer to the GM hardtops and there are many who will argue that it’s every bit as stylish. Dimensions grew making the Fords look big and impressive, and it wears traditional ‘50s colors of Sungate Ivory over Glacier Blue. This one carries nice bodywork that’s quite straight and gaps are good all around, suggesting a car that has never had major surgery, and with all that stainless trim, it’s important that it fit together properly. The Victorias also received some extra chrome on the C-pillar that makes them look upscale, and there are jet-age influences everywhere you look, from the stylized air intake on the quarter panel to the round taillights out back. This car also carries a set of accessory bumper guards that are popular with Ford fans, as well as a set of fog lights up front. It’s just a nice, clean vintage Ford that makes people smile when they see it.

The tri-tone interior nicely complements the exterior with two shades of blue and some off-white accents. Most of the soft parts are new, including the seat covers and door panels, so it looks and feels fresh, and heavy-duty rubber floor mats should look great for years to come. Seat belts were added for safety, which is always a good idea, but the rest is pretty much factory-stock. The big steering wheel feels substantial and gives you effortless control (this car is equipped with the optional first-year power steering), especially with the “necker knob” clamped to the rim. The Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission was the first to feature today’s common PRNDL sector, so it will feel familiar, and all the secondary controls are grouped on either side of the column. The gauges are all operational except for the clock, which isn’t unusual, but the AM radio works properly. A large trunk is part of the package, and it includes a correct rubber mat, full-sized spare, and jack assembly.

There were several variations on the flathead V8 available, with the largest passenger car application being the 255 cubic inch Mercury V8. When this car was restored, a Mercury block was sourced and rebuilt, then dressed to look like the original 239 cubic inch Ford unit. That means bright red engine enamel, a correct air cleaner, and various other accessories. Of course, it’s not hard to spot the Merc, but the added cubic inches makes it feel a bit punchier, especially with the automatic transmission. It starts easily, idles nicely, and makes all those awesome flathead V8 sounds that people have loved for more than 90 years. The car is still 6 volts, but there’s a modern alternator in place of the original generator, and you’ll note that this car is equipped with power steering, with 1953 being the first year it was available in a Ford. The 2-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic shifts cleanly and with 3.31 gears out back, it’s a comfortable highway cruiser. The floors are correct red oxide primer and in good shape with no evidence of rot or patching—even the spare tire well is in excellent condition. Brakes are manual drums, but they’re effective for the car’s weight and performance, and there are recent shocks so it rides well. Glasspack-style mufflers give it a traditional mellow sound and it sits right on a set of G78-15 wide whites on the original steel wheels.

We like flathead Fords a lot—they’re fun, easy to maintain, and have great club support, making them the ideal starter car for the first-time hobbyist. This ’53 also offers great road manners, easy access with the automatic transmission and power steering so anyone can handle it, and a clean look that needs nothing to be enjoyed. Add in the reasonable price, and you get a car that’s a win no matter how you look at it. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.