1954 | Ford Crestline Victoria

Highlights:

• Condition 2-
• New technical inspection (TÜV)
• 30 years of family ownership in Canada

Brand & Model History:
In 1952, Ford introduced a completely new model line, clearly surpassing Chevrolet, which only caught up a year later. The Crestliner was renamed "Crestline" and established itself as Ford's top model. The new design, featuring a panoramic windshield, curved rear window, modernized grille, and additional chrome details, gave the Crestline a modern look and broke away from the previous "shoebox" style of its predecessors.

Under the hood, the Crestline came standard with a V-8 engine – a 239-cid L-head with dual carburetor, similar to the 1951 Crestliner. Thanks to a higher compression ratio, the engine now produced 110 hp. A three-speed manual transmission was standard, with options for overdrive and the automatic Ford-O-Matic transmission. The Crestline was available in various body styles: as a two-door hardtop coupe "Victoria," as a "Sunliner" convertible, and as a four-door "Country Squire" wagon with wood paneling. In 1952, the starting price for a Crestline Victoria was just over $2,100.

The 1953 model carried over many features from the previous year with minor updates, such as a simplified grille and new side trim. Body styles and prices remained largely unchanged, as did the drivetrain. A welcome addition in 1953 was the option for power steering.

The 1954 model year marked the last year of this generation, as a major overhaul was planned for 1955. Nonetheless, Ford introduced new mechanical improvements, including an optimized chassis and a more powerful V-8 engine with 130 hp, while the base engine became an inline-six with 115 hp.

A notable feature of the 1954 Crestline was the new "Skyliner," a variant of the two-door hardtop coupe "Victoria" with a distinctive Plexiglas roof panel over the front seats. Ford also expanded luxury options to include power brakes, electric windows, and an adjustable front seat. A two-door wagon joined the lineup this year.

The Ford Crestline enjoyed great popularity, with over half a million units produced. Collectors today particularly favor the convertible models, though the Skyliner is also notable for its unique design. With its extensive features and relatively simple maintenance (as long as rust is not a significant issue), the Crestline offers an affordable entry into 1950s American automotive culture.

Condition & History:
The car is in excellent condition, rated at 2- according to the vehicle assessment (see appraisal). The seller discovered the car during a trip to Canada. It had been owned and carefully maintained by a couple for the last 30 years. The technical inspection (TÜV) and emissions test (ASU) were renewed in March 2024.