Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 114
1953 Ford Country Sedan 'Restorod' Chassis no. B3AX127596
Sold for US$67,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 114
1953 Ford Country Sedan 'Restorod'
1953 Ford Country Sedan 'Restorod'
Chassis no. B3AX127596
Chassis no. B3AX127596
572 cu.in. GM Performance OHV V8 Engine
Fuel Injection, Twin Vortech Superchargers
Estimated 900+ bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle, Coil Over Dampers
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*An incredible custom blending period aesthetics and massive performance
*Packing a balanced, blueprinted, twin-supercharged GM 572
*Custom chassis with Mustang II front end and coil-overs
*Myriad custom fabricated parts and components
*Equipped for touring with air conditioning and power steering
*Just 937 miles shown at the time of cataloguing
*Beautifully crafted and detailed throughout
*Lots of wonderful period details and touches
THE FORD CUSTOMLINE COUNTRY SEDAN
By the early 1950s, after having offered wooden-bodied Station Wagons since the 1930s, Ford introduced its first all-steel models. The new wagons were offered in 2-door and 4-door models, a first for Ford, which had built both four-door and two-door wagons in the past, but never at the same time. The 2-door editions were called Ranch Wagons, while 4-door models were designated Country Sedan. Interestingly, the 2-door handily outsold the 4-door models every year until 1957. The stylish 1953 Ford Station Wagon model line-up featured no less than 3 models, the Customline Country Sedan, the Crestline Country Squire and the Mainline Ranch Wagon.
THE CAR OFFERED
At first glance, this red and white 1953 Ford Country Sedan looks every bit like a lovely, well-restored, and otherwise mild-mannered standard example, with a handful of well-judged period accessories. However, 16-inch steel wheels with low-profile tires and the subtly lowered ride height pique your curiosity. Dive in for a close inspection and you'll be astonished to see this relatively standard-looking Ford wagon is a comprehensively built custom, riding on a modernized chassis, equipped with all the niceties for touring, and packing an astonishing GM-performance 572 cubic-inch Big Block V8 fitted fuel injection and not one but two Vortech superchargers. In standard 'crate' form, the 572 is capable of upwards of 750hp in normally aspirated form, with well over 1,000 horsepower possible with twin blowers, depending on the tune. According to an appraisal report, the engine is balanced and blueprinted internally. The engine bay is beautifully detailed with smoothed inner panels and an abundance of polished alloy and chrome.
The specification sheet spans multiple pages, with a huge array of custom and high-performance parts listed. To handle the massive power from the big block, it is equipped with a suitably beefed-up 4-speed automatic transmission set in a custom chassis fitted with Mustang II-type independent double A-Arm suspension, coil-over dampers front and rear, and big ventilated disc brakes all around.
Like the body, the interior is restored to a high standard, but brilliantly underplays what lurks beneath. It features original gauges, a standard 53 Ford steering wheel, original switchgear, and a pushbutton radio in the dash, all nicely restored and detailed. The steering wheel is attached to a Flaming River column, which operates the power rack-and-pinion setup in front. Well-integrated auxiliary gauges keep watch on things under the hood, while air conditioning and a hidden audio system make for comfortable touring. The leather seats are finished to a high standard as are the carpets with cool rocket-motif over mats.
Undoubtedly one of the coolest customs we've had the pleasure to offer, this beautifully built and downright astonishing '53 Ford Station Sedan is the ultimate sleeper – with practicality and thunderous performance with understated looks. With fewer than 1,000 miles since completion, it could be the perfect gear hauler for events like the Hot Rod Power Tour®, and also certain to raise all eyebrows at any local Cars & Coffee.
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