The Pick of the Day is a 1954 Ford Crestline Skyliner, which was advertised by Ford as the “most distinctive car under the sun” – a quite literal description as these models featured a see-through acrylic roof that stretched across the front passenger compartment.
Ford built the Skyliner for only one year, making 13,144 units before the Crown Victoria Skyliner replaced the coupe in 1955.
“The Crestline Skyliner was one of the top-of-the-line models issued by Ford in 1954, offering buyers a truly unique experience in driving under an acrylic green-tinted front roof section providing an open feel without the intrusive wind,” says the Sarasota, Florida, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
Ford claimed the acrylic bubble canopy’s green tint lit up the interior with a “soft, diffused light” while filtering out 60 percent of the sun’s rays. And if you were looking for more shade, you could cover the roof with an attachable curtain.
This example is finished in Sandstone White with a color-matched hardtop and sporting rear fender skirts, a rear-mounted continental kit spare tire and wide whitewall tires.
The interior is fitted with two-tone Torch Red and White vinyl bench seats with matching door panels and dashboard. According to the seller, amenities include heat, an AM radio and clock. Attached to the dash is a two-spoke steering wheel with a half-circle horn ring.
The odometer, housed within the Astra-Dial speedometer, reads 67,413, although the seller doesn’t confirm if that reading is true.
Another notable feature of these 1954 Crestline Skyliners: it helped introduce the new Y-block OHV V8 engine that replaced the flathead V8. This new 239cid V8 was factory rated at 130 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear via a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission.
The seller notes that this Skyliner is also equipped with Master Guide power steering, dual exhaust and upgraded power brakes with front discs.
The asking price for this Crestline Skyliner is $31,900.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
What a beautiful automobile! There are no words, this is amazing so clear, great lines, wonderful sun roof, just fantatic.
Gorgeous car. The sunroof, without a curtain, is like driving around in a greenhouse.
The acrylic sunroof introduced by Ford in 1943? I’m sure that was a typo. Did you mean 1953?
By the way, that white 1954 Sun Valley is absolutely gorgeous.
When I was a teenager,I wanted one of these as soon as I could afford it .I’m 76 and still can’t afford it. Beautiful car.
Very pretty car! 1954 was quite the transition year for Ford. The Skyliner roof was a cool innovation from Ford. (called the Sun Valley for Mercury) I believe the engine was actually the new 272 cid, OHV Y block V8. (the 22 year old 239 cid Flathead V8 was finally retired) This was also the last year for the 52-54 body style. The Crestline, Skyliner would give way to the Fairlane Victoria and famous Crown Victoria in 1955. The revolutionary retractable top convertible produced from 57-59 would also be known as the Skyliner. The soft top convertible introduced in 1952 was known as the Sunliner.
Can you call me at 682 221 7809
My dad had one . I was nine years old and I loved it ! The inside had a snap on cover if didn’t want to see through the top but I loved watching the rain hit the top! Memories!!!