NEW! Award 119: 1953 Ford Customline Country Sedan – $99,000 OBO

If you’re going to spend money restoring a car, you better go into it, knowing that with few exceptions these days, you will likely have more into the car than you can sell it for.  During his presentations to car clubs, one of Rudy’s key slides about how to price a car states, “What you have into your ride is not what it’s worth.”

Unfortunately, the owner of this stunning Sea Foam Green over brown 1953 Ford Customline Country Sedan for sale, first spotted in September 2023 on Craigslist in Rye, New Hampshire, is likely about to learn that lesson.  Reported to be a fully restored, 66K original mile example owned by three generations of the same family, the pictures confirm this Country Sedan to be an excellent example, with the only noticeable upgrade from stock being color-keyed seat belts.  The seller says they have receipts totaling over one hundred thousand dollars.  While they listed the car for $99,000, the description indicates they are “looking for a fair offer.”

A “fair offer,” in our humble opinion, is looking at what other examples in similar condition have sold for recently.  There is no question most buyers will rate the condition of this restored 1953 Ford Customline Country Sedan for sale somewhere between #1 “Concours” and #2 “Excellent.” A check of the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool, the Collector Car Market Review, and the downloadable 2023 Old Cars Price Guide Big Book confirms the seller’s ask is nearly double the average Condition #1 market estimates we’ve summarized in this table:

Based on the data we’ve accumulated, we will be surprised to see whether anyone will be willing to spend more than the top average price paid for similar examples.  Consequently, we’re awarding the seller our latest “NEW!” (short for “No Effin Way!”) Award for stating an asking price that is geared more towards what they invested into the car rather than what the market is generally willing to pay for these station wagons currently.

Ford Motor Company enjoyed offering a variety of station wagons over the years.  For the 1953 model year, Ford offered three distinct station wagon models that corresponded to the company’s “Mainline,” “Customline,” and “Crestline” trim levels.   The two-door Ranch Wagon represented the entry-level Mainline series, while the four-door, wood-paneled Country Squire offered the top-trim Crestline features.  Sandwiched between the two was the four-door Customline Country Sedan station wagon.  Launched for the 1952 model year, Ford produced the first-generation Country Sedan for three model years from 1951 through 1954.

The 1953 Ford Customline Country Sedan featured a classic station wagon body style, characterized by a two-box design with a distinct separation between the passenger cabin and the cargo area in the rear.  The car’s front end had a bold and distinctive look, with a prominent chrome grille featuring vertical bars and a central emblem with the Ford logo. Large, round headlights and chrome bumper guards flanked the grille.  The car had a sleek, streamlined appearance, smooth lines, and minimal ornamentation. Chrome accents and trim pieces were used sparingly but tastefully along the sides.  At the rear, the vehicle had distinctive round tail lights, chrome bezels, and a chrome bumper, adding to its overall elegance.

Inside, the 1953 Ford Customline Country Sedan typically featured spacious seating for up to eight passengers in three forward-facing rows. The seats were often upholstered in vinyl, providing a comfortable and stylish interior.  The dashboard featured a simple yet functional design with a centrally mounted instrument cluster. It included essential gauges, such as speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and various control knobs and switches.  The interior was often adorned with chrome accents and woodgrain trim, giving it a touch of luxury and sophistication.

The 1953 Ford Customline Country Sedan had various engine options, including inline-six and V8 engines. The 239 cubic inch (3.9L) flathead V8 engine was the most common engine choice, which produced around 110 to 125 horsepower.  It typically came with a three-speed manual transmission, although an automatic transmission option was available. The example featured here has the desirable electric overdrive option.

The 1953 Ford Customline Country Sedan symbolizes the post-war American automotive era. Its classic design and practicality made it a popular choice for families and individuals. Collectors and enthusiasts continue to appreciate its vintage charm and craftsmanship, making it a sought-after classic car today.

The Mac’s Motor City Garage YouTube Channel features this 1953 Ford Station wagon commercial detailing the three options buyers had that year:

This Sea Foam Green 1953 Ford Customline Country Sedan for sale is a nicely restored example that presents well and has the potential for a buyer to win awards if they choose to enter it in competition.  We will be curious how long this restored vintage Ford wagon remains on Craigslist with the current $99,000 asking price.

If you are serious about buying this Ford Country Sedan for sale, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Customline wagon featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Yea or Nay: Do you agree or disagree with our pricing assessment? Please comment below and let us know!