If during the 1950s you ran a successful, medium-sized business it is likely you drove a Ford Customline. If you caught speeding drivers for a living you probably had one with a flashing blue light on the roof and if you transported folk to their final resting places you may have owned several; all black and converted in to hearses.
Customlines had been familiar sights on Australian roads since 1953, but perspectives changed in 1955 when the shape became more angular and aggressive, with wraparound window glass, new rear lights and a hint of tail-fin.
Changes under the bonnet saw Ford’s long-serving ‘Flathead’ V8 being replaced by a new overhead-valve design. The size of a basic Y Block V8 became 272 cubic inches or 4.4 litres with a 292 cubic inch version optional. These produced 26kW more power than the 272 and were mainly installed in police vehicles and those being converted to ambulances.
The first generation of OHV Customline made do with a plain grille and minimal brightwork along its flanks. That changed in 1957, when a new grille with four-pointed central star appeared, supplemented by stainless-steel side spears. These weren’t just for decoration but helped delineate colours when buyers of ‘Star’ model Fords specified the now fashionable triple-tone paint combinations.
Ford advertising at the time highlighted features that would attract conservative buyers, with the word ‘value’ featuring prominently. Other attributes included the V8 engine, rugged ‘K Bar’ chassis, 12V electrics and ball-joint suspension.
Inside, the big Ford was lauded for six-seater comfort and ‘centre slung seating’ which sited the rear seat within the wheelbase, not over the back axle. For driving ease and added safety, these Fords pioneered a Lifeguard steering wheel design that was said to minimise driver injury in a crash.
In addition to four-door sedan design, the local Customline was available as a ¾-ton pickup known as the Mainline and with locally built station wagon bodywork.
When the USA switched in 1957 to the finned and flashy Fairlane body design, Australia stuck with the older shape and judging by the numbers of Star models once on local roads, dealers had no trouble selling their allocations.
Sedans and utes ready for restoration were once common sights in rural wrecking yards, but those neglected cars are now gone and fully restored Cussies can be seen at big money. Selling top notch cars at $70,000 isn’t always feasible, however, and one savvy auction buyer recently secured a good looking 1958 model at less than $45,000.
