I was just over 16 years old and itchin’ to have my very own car. I found a 1946 Ford sedan at a local used car lot but before I could return with my dad to buy it, it was gone. I was so disappointed.
A few days later I spotted this green 1953 Ford on the back row of the used car lot at Parkland Chevrolet in Asheville, N.C. The rear bumper was in the back seat with the end sticking out of the left rear window. Someone had removed it to do some minor body work on the right rear under the deck lid and tail light. The reddish primer in that area stood out like a sore thumb up against the pale green paint of the car.
I really wanted this car for one huge reason. My freind’s older brother delivered dry cleaning in a 1953 Ford panel truck equipped with a 300 six cylinder and three speed standard transmission. That dry cleaning truck would do about 55 in 2nd gear and “get rubber” in all three gears, that is if the clutch was adjusted just right. I knew the Ford 300 six was already legendary for being fast and dependable.
My dad came back later that day with me and the moment I started up Cox Ave I knew this was the car for me. At the first opportunity and out of earshot of my dad and the salesman, I speed shifted from low to 2nd gear and it did not disappoint me, the screeching of burning rubber was music to my ears.
I drove the ‘53 for about 2 years. It was affectionately named “The green Mariah” by my friends. I abused that car about as much as any young boy can and it never used any oil, got great mileage, and was as dependable as they get. After trading it for a 1951 Ford convertible and then trading back again, I sold the car to a guy who worked for the legendary Banjo Matthews. The engine, just as it had been removed from the car, was installed into a dirt car which won the feature at Greenville Pickins Speedway the next Saturday night.
Of all the wheels I’ve owned the trusty 1953 Ford Mainline was one of the very best. If I could get my hands on a really good one I might just own another one.
Royce
December 21, 2008 at 12:36 am |
I had the same year car in 1963. I was in the Marines and stationed at Camp LeJuene, NC. A sergent had a car that he had warned me about. It overheated and it was only good for short trips. I had no plans to go long distances, so I took it for $75.00
I decided to take it on a long trip to NY where a girlfriend lived. I got about 100 miles and the temperature needle rose to the top. I took the car out of gear and let it coast. I don’t know why I decided to do that, or why it worked. The needle dropped and it was good for another 100 miles.
I made 22 trips to NY in that car with no problems. I still rember crushing a 20 pound messhall coffee can to cover the holes in the floorboards. I spilled about 30 pounds of baked beans on the passenger side floor while transporting them to a USMC Company Party at Onslow Beach. I scooped up the beans and put them back. The car had this odd odor every time that the heat went on. Remember the jute (horsehair) underneath the rubber mats. It must have sunk in.
I married the girl from NY and the 1953 Ford had a lot to do with it. We are still together. I have fond memories of that car.
I’ll bet yours had a V8 engine. They were known for running hot. Thanks for the visit and the comment.
I really need to write some more on this blog, I have many more cars to remember.
Royce