Pick of the Day is a 1954 Ford Crestliner that not only is rare but has a mysterious history.
According to the advertisement on ClassicCars.com, the private seller of this bright-blue hardtop coupe points out that Ford produced a run of only 200 such special-edition vehicles, which were equipped not only with glass roof panels but with a glass hood window to showcase the cars’ engines.
The cars were sold only for display in Ford dealership showrooms. The seller notes that this car went to a Ford dealer in Washington state.
The seller also notes that the car was equipped with 27 factory options, including air conditioning, under-hood lighting and power windows and seats.
According to the ad, the seller bought the car in 2014 after it had spent 20 years in the possession of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and that the car title is from the FBI.
We did a little non-federal investigation and found more about the car on the inthedriveway.com website, which notes that only 1.1 percent of 1954 Fords were equipped with the plexiglas Skyliner roof and that the 200 dealer specials with the see-through hoods were done to show off in their showrooms Ford’s new Y-block V8 with overhead valves
The website also quotes the car owner who bought the car at an online auction as saying that, “Every once in a while, they have a car that was owned by the FBI. I was the high bidder.”
The seller adds that the FBI stored it in an air-conditioned garage in Quantico, Virginia, but the seller had yet to find out why or how the car had come into FBI ownership.
In the ClassicCars.com advertisement, the seller says that he did find a traffic ticket issued to the car in 1954 in Oregon, and that he also has the “original books and brochures” and all of it will go to the next owner.
In addition to its rebuilt V8 engine, the restored car has a manual transmission, power leather seats, power windows, brakes and steering, and shows 36,790 miles on its odometer.
The car is located in Bay Shore, New York, and is for sale for $54,000.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
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Nice car, but I cannot remember seeing a battery like the one on that ford, not 3, not 6, but 4 caps
4 caps indicate an 8 volt battery, with 4 two volt cells. This is a common, aftermarket solution to slow cranking/starting engines that does not require modification of anything in the electrical system.
Re 8 volt battery, interesting, but do they keep the same 6v generator? what about light bulb life?
The battery in the car was replaced with an 8 Volt, a common upgrade for faster cranking / start up on older vehicles and equipment with 6 Volt electrical systems.
I remember seeing one of these dealer display cars at the local annual car show / cruise in. If I remeber correctly the owner said it came from a dealer in the area.
As far as the earlier comment regarding the 4 caps on the battery the owner installed an 8 volt battery to replace the original 6 volt. The 8 volt battery helps with engine cranking / turning over faster for easier starts. Its a common upgrade on older tractors and equipment with 6 volt electrical systems
That is an awesome car.
I m looking for a driver, a clean 1956 Chev 2door hardtop. My budget is a little light, but the seller has to be generous. I live in San Diego, CA. This would be my last car . My dream car. Thanks
For yrs. I have wondered why early 1950’s Fords were not shown or sold @ Jackson Barrett auctions. I wondered id most wound up in junk yards but lately I’m thrilled to see beauties like this rare ’54. My first car was a ’51 Victoria, black w/ a ’54 Pontiac grille. I saw a ’51 some yrs. ago @ a church event & it was an absolute beauty in perfect condition. I’d love to have one again or a ’54 Mercury hard top like I also had.
Gorgeous! Yes, Ford really did make these. This 54 Crestline Skyliner is retro-actively the first year Crown Victoria, and some indeed had that see-through hood. This baby probably really scoots with those dual quads! One question though, is this a factory air car? I thought the 54 AC setup had the evaporator in the trunk.
Nice blog. Very informative information regarding fords cars. Keep on sharing.