There are still plenty of interesting hobby cars out there that don't cost much money. Take a look at this handsome 1952 Ford Crestline Victoria, hich is a very attractive body style that has V8 power, classic hardtop look, nd a no-frills attitude that's refreshing today. Not over-done, ot modified, ut a nice, lean little Ford that still has that flathead magic going for it.The colors are white over burgundy, change from the original Shannon Green and Clearmist Green, nd the new combination works rather well on this neat Ford coupe. Redesigned in 1952, he Fords had a very modern, leek look and the Victoria hardtop with its wrap-around rear window was a sporting choice that still looks great today. The restoration is a few years old, ut it's holding up well and the car wears an honest look that's certainly appropriate for Ford's best-seller. The front and rear bumpers are in excellent shape and the rest of the brightwork has been buffed up and looks great against the subtle burgundy paint. Out back you get some of Ford's first jet-inspired taillights, s well as that "Fordomatic" badge, ut we'll get to that in a moment.The white and burgundy vinyl interior has a very jaunty 1950s appeal to it, ith pleated seat covers and simple patterns throughout. There are a few signs of age and use, f course, ecause this is a car that gets used on a regular basis, ut the simplicity is a big part of the appeal. A handsome steering wheel with a horn ring, n orderly instrument panel with an arched speedometer housing that would set Ford's styling trends for the rest of the '50s. The Fordomatic 2-speed automatic transmission was a relatively new innovation and makes this car as easy to drive as your regular daily driver. The original AM radio still lives in the dash, lthough it's sadly no longer operational. There's a good-sized back seat and a spacious trunk with rubber mat and full-sized spare make it a good choice for your next old car tour.Most '52 Fords you see have a flathead V8, nd that's really the engine you want. Displacing 239 cubic inches, t's got that fantastic flathead sound and plenty of torque to make the Crestline fun to drive. The engine is nicely detailed with Ford Red paint and large oil bath air cleaner, hich is also fitted with a reproduction decal that completes the look. Parts are still easy to find and there's no question that this is a reliable powerplant, oing about its business without complaint, nd as the old saying goes, ven the bad flatheads are good and the good ones are great. The undercarriage is original, ut there's no shame in that when it's in good condition, nd there's a recent exhaust system with a Flowmaster muffler that gives the old flathead a very cool soundtrack. With 205/70/15 whitewall radials on stock steel wheels, t rides and handles rather well for being more than 60 years old.Entry-level cars are out there and you don't need to start with a project or a goofy '70s 4-door. Get a '50s Ford with a lot of panache instead and call today!
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