FIVE TRIALs
We enjoy the Ford Crestline and put it fully to the test
1 DAILY DRIVING
Aside from the need to allow more time to chat to curious onlookers, there are several other factors that might make using this convertible regularly a bit wearing. It’s size is one thing, but the heavy steering at low speeds, massive turning circle and no synchromesh on first gear aren’t especially appealing. Visibility isn’t a problem; it’s easy to pick out the front corners from the commanding view down the bonnet, while over your shoulder (and with the hood down) you can see the passenger rear wing to aid reverse parking. Being easy to place on the road also means that the transition to left-hand drive isn’t difficult to get the hang of.
2 IN THE SERVICE BAY
As it’s five metres long and nearly two metres wide, you’ll need to make sure that you have enough room to accommodate it. With our storage disclaimer covered, there’s nothing else likely to frustrate competent home mechanics – though you will need a two-tonne jack to access all of the grease points. Engine bay access is good and this example retains its oil bath air cleaner on top of the engine. The distributor, spark plugs and other ancillaries are all also easily reached. If there are jobs you’d prefer not to tackle, though, there are a number of Flathead V8 specialists based in the UK who will be more than happy to help.
3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT
You’re unlikely to bump into too many other Crestlines, much less those with Sunliner convertibles specifically – so if it’s important to have a vehicle that’ll stand out on the showfield then this Ford certainly will. Sadly, the Stars & Stripes Car Show at Tatton Park, which regularly sees up to 1000 historic vehicles, has been cancelled for this year, but promises to return in July 2021. The Charity Classic Car Extravaganza, however, is still scheduled to take place on the Isle of Wight on 12-13 September, and Rhythm Riot in Sussex, a celebration of 1950s American culture, is also planned for 12-16 November. Check the respective websites for updates, however.
4 THE LONG WEEKEND
In addition to being a fantastic car for taking friends and family to events, the Sunliner also excels at transporting lots of people comfortably over long distances. Large doors provide easy access for rear passengers and you could easily fit three people on the front bench seat alone. Compared to British rivals, the Sunliner’s ‘trunk’ is vast, even when it’s swallowed the convertible hood, offering plenty of room for bags and camping essentials. In fact, the only downside we can see is the rate at which the Flathead V8 slurps petrol; expect fuel consumption to average 15mpg on longer journeys (even with overdrive).
5 THE B-ROAD BLAST
Lacking both strong brakes and precise steering, you can enjoy B-roads from behind the wheel of this Sunliner, but not at an especially sporting pace. Building up momentum is not an issue, but the steering is almost completely devoid of feel so it’s a real challenge (and almost an exercise in trial and error) to properly set this big Ford up for taking a fast corner. Far better, then, to play to its strengths and adopt a relaxed attitude to getting from point A to point B – which is why, in spite of a nice overall gearchange, we can’t help but feel that automatic transmission would have been better suited to this big Ford.