The basic body style

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The 1954 FORD CRESTLINE SUNLINER utilized the basic body style that was debuted two years prior with the launch of the all-new '52 Ford, save for a few minor styling upgrades. A new grille and side trim were the obvious visual changes; however, the big news that year was under the hood.

So Long Flathead, Hello "Y-Block V-8"

It was called the "Y" Block for its "deep skirt" block designed for extra strength. This new Ford engine was designed under the leadership of Harold T. Youngren, formerly the Chief Engineer for Oldsmobile. Much of the Y-block engineering work was done by Victor G. Raviolo. This new powerplant provided less friction than the longer-stroke flathead, delivering 18-percent more power. Using a 3.50" bore and 3.10" stroke combination with a 7.2:1 compression ratio, the engine produced 130-horsepower @ 4200 rpm.

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Industry-Changing Mechanical Upgrades

"Automatic Power Pilot" was how the Ford PR folks described the integrated carburetion/ignition/combustion systems, and they promoted it by saying it "makes sure that the right gas mixture is supplied to combustion chambers, ignited at the right instant, and burned completely, evenly, for the most 'go' from every drop of gas.

The combustion chambers were wedge-shaped. The valves were designed as "free-turning," which permitted more even wear and a tighter seal. The virtues of using overhead valves were many, including the use of larger ports, which allowed gases to flow more freely into and out of the cylinders, as compared to the flathead design it replaced. A chain-driven camshaft with mechanical lifters, full-flow oil filter, and Holley 2bbl. Carburetor round out the engine particulars.

For Law Enforcement applications, a larger "Code P" 256 CID V-8 Mercury (7.5:1 compression ratio) version of the Y-block was available, delivering 160-horsepower @ 4400 rpm using a 4-bbl. Holley carburetor.

Other mechanical upgrades on the 1954 FORD CRESTLINE SUNLINER included the addition of a new ball-joint front suspension (designed by Chief Engineer Earle S. MacPherson). This replaced the old king-pin design, reducing the number of lubrication points from 16 to 4. The transverse-link front suspension featured rubber bushings, tailored-to-weight coil springs, and an improved "low friction" steering linkage arrangement.

The frame was redesigned with "K-bar" construction, stronger box-section side rails with a 5 cross-member design, and the engine now sitting lower in the chassis as compared to the 1953 models with the flathead V-8. Brakes were also upgraded with new, stronger mountings and heavier shoes. The improvement was measured with a 13-foot shorter 60-0 mph stopping distance compared to the previous year's design.

New rear suspension modifications were incorporated in the '54 design as well. Redesigned Variable-Rate leaf springs were used 5-leaf, semi-elliptic design and 7-leaf on wagons. They featured special inserts between the leaves, which, together with rubber bushings at shackles and brackets, eliminated the need for any lubrication. In addition, updated full-displacement tubular shocks were used on all four corners. In all, these chassis changes were substantial, and Ford advertising touted them as being "The Greatest Advance in Chassis Design in 20 Years!"

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Warning lights that warned the driver when the generator was not charging and when oil pressure was too low, replaced previous gauges, and next to these round lights were the fuel level and water temperature gauges. V-8-equipped cars featured a small emblem over the locking glove box area.

The dashboard of the 1954 Ford was graced with a new "Astra-Dial Control Panel" that placed the speedometer high up and centrally located to the driver. The domed speedometer housing was backlit with a green translucent lens that faced the windshield.  Warning lights that warned the driver when the generator was not charging and when oil pressure was too low, replaced previous gauges, and next to these round lights were the fuel level and water temperature gauges.  For the first time in FoMoCo history, the listed maximum index was 110 mph, up 10 mph from the previous listing maximum of 100.

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4 Power Assists Options

Four optional power assists were available for the first time in '54

• Swift Sure Power Brakes
• Four-Way Power Seat
• Power-Lift Windows
• Master-Guide Power Steering

The four options were heavily advertised when the '54 came on the market.

The car was built on February 18, 1954, and was assembled at the Ford Plant in Kansas City, and came fully equipped

• V-8 engine
• Coronado Deck Kit
• Rear Fender Skirts
• Deluxe Wheel Covers
• White Sidewall Tires
• Dual Spot Lights with mirrors
• Deluxe AM 8 Tube Radio
• Magicaire Heater/Defroster

Ford's optional "Fordomatic" automatic transmission continued to be a popular convenience option, when ordered with the listed power assists. .

12-Year Restoration Project

This Ford is fully restored to factory condition, and is driven to local car shows and gathering. Back in 1989, a complete frame-off restoration was started.  The owner bought the unfinished car four years later and told his wife it would be a "six-month restoration."

Some 12 years later, the project was completed, and this vehicle is considered one of the finest examples of a 1954 Ford on the planet. When the owner was in high school in the early 1950s, on the West Side of LA, a fellow student had a similar '54 Ford convertible. Since then, the style was always a favorite of his. He loves these vintage Fords to the degree that the family garage not only houses this Red Sunliner, but a matching Raven Black '54 Sunliner that is nearly identical in options.

In fundamental design and engineering, the 1954 Ford is a car that continues to set the trend…a car that is definitely recognized as the pace-setter wherever you may drive it along the American Road.-- wow, what a time capsule on wheels!