35k-Mile 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner

Description

Raleigh Classic Car Auctions have built a pristine reputation over 26 years of live auctions, as the go-to for the best-of-the-best offerings for car collectors and enthusiasts. Regionally trusted and nationally recognized, Raleigh Classic Car Auctions continues to find low-mile, original examples with documentation annually. The October Special is an offering of 28 premium quality, low-mile and desirable, domestic lots from three private estates. All vehicles are available for in-person inspection at The Raleigh Classic Showroom in Zebulon, NC; 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday: 10/28/25 - 11/12/25 or by appointment.

***   

By 1953, Ford’s Crestline series represented the pinnacle of its passenger car lineup, offering buyers a blend of elegant styling, premium features, and refined road manners. The Sunliner convertible stood out as the most glamorous body style, embodying the optimism and flair of early 1950s American motoring.   

This 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner is said to be a remarkably unrestored example cherished by knowledgeable enthusiasts for decades. According to the seller, “its known history dates back to 1980, when it was acquired at the AACA National Fall Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, showing just 18,000 actual miles. After changing hands among collectors, the car was reacquired by its former owner in 2003. Today, it remains in highly-original condition, still wearing most of its factory-applied black paint, original convertible top, and striking two-tone black and red leather interior.”   

This Sunliner has earned both the prestigious Rogue Award and the Dearborn Award from the Early Ford V8 Club—a testament to its authenticity and originality. The seller states it believes it to be “one of the finest mostly original 1953 Sunliners in existence.”  

Highlights   

• Offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection  

• 35,756 miles indicated  

  • Based on the seller's thorough assessment, known history, and accompanying documentation, the odometer reading of this Crestline is believed to be correct.  

• Powered by its original 239ci flathead V8 engine, according to seller  

• Ford-O-Matic three-speed manual transmission  

• Finished in Black over two-tone Black and Red leather  

• Original black folding soft top  

• Winner of the Early Ford V8 Club’s Rogue and Dearborn Awards  

• The chassis number (B3FC177750) decodes as:  

  • B – 239 cubic inch flathead V8 engine  

  • 3 – Model year 1953  

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant  

  • C – Crestline series (Sunliner Convertible trim)  

  • 177750 – Sequential production number  

Features   

• Paint, interior, glass, weatherstripping, and convertible top reported as original by seller  

• Period-correct trim and brightwork  

• Power steering and brakes  

• Complete wheel covers  

• AM push-button radio  

• Fender skirts  

Known Imperfections    

• As with any vintage vehicle, some imperfections may be present. Interested parties are encouraged to review the photo gallery and contact the seller with any questions.  

Included Items   

• Documentation of ownership history since 1980  

• Early Ford V8 Club award certificates  

• Original keys and accessories   

Ownership History   

This 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner Convertible is offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection with a clean Arizona title with a Mileage Notation of “Actual.” Additionally, the seller states “the previous owner of this 1953 Ford Sunliner knows its history dating back to 1980. At that time, he purchased the car from the Hershey AACA National show. It had roughly 18,000 actual miles at the time and was in pristine all-original condition. The gentleman sold the car several years later to a fellow collector, and eventually the car ended up with a friend. So, in 2003, he was able to reacquire the vehicle - now with roughly 36,000 actual miles. To this day, the car still has its original paint and interior– and even the convertible top is original to the car! This superfine example has won both the Rogue Award and Dearborn Award from the Early Ford V8 Club.”