Barn Find 54 Ford Crestline Custom Tudor

[Guest james1100]

Hi Guys, My father in law recently passed and my mother in law wants me to sell this car for her and I don't have a clue what it might be worth.

A local guy wants $150 to look at it and she just doesn't have it to spend. I know it's impossible to give a true estimate but a ball park amount of what it may be worth would help.

It is a USA car(now registered and located in Canada) that was last on the road in 1997. It had a partial restoration around 1992 with the seats and door panels redone and some body work so it has some body fill in it.

It's been stored in a barn since about 2000. I drove it in there myself and it ran good but it needs rings or something as it fogs black smoke badly(straight 6 engine). This is the reason it was taken off the road, the garage would not give it it's yearly inspection because it fogs so bad. I'm not sure if the engine turns, some of the body fill is coming off and one front wheel will not turn( i assume a brake issue).

I would appreciate any help you could give me on a starting asking price if that's possible.

Thanks James.

[Mark Huston]

James,

Unfortunately, your description, and condition issues visible in the pictures, does not equal a lot of money for your father-in-law’s old Ford. To get any real money out of the car it needs to be in running, driving, and presentable condition. Short of that, you can only take what is offered.

[Guest james1100]

Thanks Mark.

[auburnseeker]

I have been holding off on posting, but figured since you got no other response with a value, that Due to the condition of the paint, chrome and Mechanics, you are probably only looking at 1,000-1500 if it doesn't have any real floor rust, or other serious rot to the under carriage. It doesn't look like the storage was very dry so the car actually deteriorated even though it was inside. Probably the reason the brake is stuck on the one wheel. If you are looking to sell the car your local paper or Craigslist may be the best place to sell it.

[Guest james1100]

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

I was planning on cleaning it up and getting it running before putting it on Craigslist but was not sure if it would make any difference with the money on a new 6 volt battery and the time to clean it and repair the stuck wheel. I checked the under carriage and floors and they look ok. I had a guy stop in seeing it from the road and offered me $500 but I don't want my mother in law getting ripped off giving it away as I had no idea if that was a reasonable offer or not.

Thanks again for your help.

[mike brady]

James,

You might take the '54 to your local cruise night. There is one in almost every corner of the Province. With the number of collector cars loaded onto Kijiji and Craigslist daily, you mkigh save a bunch of time taking the car to a cruise night. Perhaps you can find a Cruise Night close by from the following link:

Cruise Nights in Canada - Lant Insurance

[Guest james1100]

Thanks Mike, I will look into that.