1953 Ford Tudor Customeline
1953 FORD CUSTOMLINE TUDOR
• Classic 1953 Ford Customline Tudor two-door sedan finished in Glacier Blue with Sungate Ivory roof
• 239ci “Strato-Star” V8 paired with a column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission
• Features Motorola AM radio, heater, lap belts, and 15″ body-color steel wheels with hubcaps and Coker Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tires
HISTORY
This 1953 Ford Customline Tudor presents as a well-cared-for example of Ford’s 50th anniversary lineup. It was refinished in Glacier Blue with a contrasting Sungate Ivory roof during a refurbishment completed around 2014. At that time the chrome trim, bumpers, and driver’s window were replaced. The two-tone finish is complemented by body-color 15″ steel wheels with correct hubcaps and period-style whitewall tires. Classic exterior details include V8 badging, a hood ornament, and a driver-side mirror.
Inside, the car features front and rear bench seats upholstered in gray cloth, with matching door panels and black carpeting, all of which were restored during the refurbishment. Amenities include front lap belts, interior lighting, a Motorola AM transistor radio, a dashboard clock, a locking glove box, a heater, and front vent windows. The two-spoke steering wheel wears the 50th Anniversary badge and frames a 100-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges.
MECHANICAL DETAILS
Under the hood is Ford’s 239ci “Strato-Star” V8 with a two-barrel carburetor and oil-bath air cleaner, factory rated at 110 horsepower. Since 2020, significant maintenance has been carried out including rebuilding the carburetor, water pump, generator, starter, and distributor, plus replacing seals, gaskets, fuel pump, sending unit, and voltage regulator. In 2024 the car received fresh engine oil with zinc, a new starter solenoid, transmission and rear axle fluid changes, and front seatbelt installation, along with a timing and tune-up.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. The clutch assembly was replaced in 2013; Braking is handled by drum brakes at all four corners, with suspension and brake components overhauled 2013.