1954 Ford Crestline Skyliner - Continued
 By: Lori Gard

After 22 years of producing and improving the famous Flathead V-8 engine, Ford decided it had gone as far as it could go with that engine after 1953.

In 1954, Ford introduced an all-new engine with a distinctive profile: it was a 239-cubic-inch, 130-horsepower Y-block V-8 that produced 20 horsepower more than the 1953 flathead V-8. The new engine had a shorter stroke than the old flathead, had wedge-shaped combustion chambers and came equipped with a Holley 2-barrel carburetor.

1954 was also the year Ford introduced overhead valves as well as being the first year Ford introduced North American ball-joint front suspension. Ford was the first low-priced car with this type of suspension.

Most of the auto manufacturers of 40 plus years ago were big into naming parts of the cars. Ford called the spring loaded engine hood "Presto-lift" and the see-through speedometer "Astra-dial." Under the hood, off to the left side of the dual downdraft carburetor and beneath the oil bath air cleaner, is the "See Clear" windshield washer reservoir bag. Since this was only the fourth year for Ford-O-Matic automatic transmissions, the Ford-O-Matic label is proudly displayed on the deck lid. The shift pattern is the same as on current Fords.

Edmunds' 1954 Crestline Skyliner has come a long way since its first trip across the country. Today, Edmunds drives his luxury hardtop occasionally. He shows the Skyliner in many car shows all over the Maritimes, and he has won numerous first place trophies for his efforts. One beautiful restoration. 

<BACK TO PAGE ONE