Pat Maroney’s 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria

by Gary Osborne

The Ford Motor Company had much to celebrate in 1953; it was their Golden Anniversary! Henry Ford had signed the Articles of Association in 1903 to establish the Company. For 50 years the Ford Motor Company had grown from a little building that could only produce a small number of cars, to a mega complex of factories that churned out millions of automobiles.

During that time the automobile became part of the fabric of the American experience. Originally, only the wealthy could afford the luxury of ownership. Through the determination and perseverance of Henry Ford that had now changed. Even the working class could now own one. Highways were being built across the country, and innovations within the cars themselves made it practical, and even enjoyable for the average American to own and drive an automobile.

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Ford spent a good deal on marketing, including having a special edition of a Crestline Sunliner to pace the Indianapolis 500 race. Many manufactures wanted to have their cars serve in that role, but Ford was given the honor. The pace car was driven by Henry Ford’s youngest grandson William Clay Ford. After the race it was given to The Henry Ford Museum, where it still can be viewed today.

Of course, for the production cars there were the normal upgrades and modifications from the previous year’s models. Each car built for this model run also received a special steering wheel horn button logo to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Ford Motor Company.

However, there is one bit of sad news. (at least from our perspective) This was to be the last year for the venerable L-head V-8 engine in the U.S market. For 21 years this in-block valve V-8 engine had been a mainstay in powerplants for Ford, and now it was coming to an end. 

During its time this engine had come to be known for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and high-performance capabilities. As technology had advanced over those years, it became clear that the next generation of engines needed to have overhead valves. The public and markets were demanding this new technology, so Ford would need to meet that new challenge with the Y block V-8.

Let’s look at members Pat and Dee Maroney’s fine example of a 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria. While giving some thought to selling their 1936 Ford Deluxe Fordor Sedan, they came across this car through an advertisement sent to our Northern Illinois Regional Group. It was fully equipped with a Fordomatic transmission, radio, heater and clock. Located in nearby Gurnee, Illinois, they decided to just take a look at it. During the conversation with the seller, Pat discovered that it was an Arizona car that was brought back to this area for a frame off restoration. This was done a few years ago, but it was in really great condition.

Pat took the Ford for a test drive and was pleased enough with its performance to purchase the car. Of course, as we all know there are always surprises when buying a used car, especially an antique. After getting his ‘53 Ford home he found that all four wheel cylinders were frozen. So, they were replaced along with the master cylinder. Last year he also accomplished several other repairs to get the car up to his standards.  Due to the pandemic we have all been experiencing, last year’s driving time was extremely limited. The Maroneys have been able to drive it much more this year and look forward to some of the upcoming tours within our group. If you are at one of the events check out their Victoria. I am sure they would love to talk with you.