Description
The Ford Customline Six was part of the Ford lineup during the early to mid-1950s, positioned as a mid-range offering between the entry-level Mainline and the more luxurious Crestline. It represented Ford’s effort to provide a stylish, practical, and affordable car for middle-class buyers in the postwar boom years. Available in a variety of body styles—including Tudor and Fordor sedans, coupés, and station wagons—the Customline Six was one of Ford’s most popular models of its time.
The “Six” designation referred to its powerplant: Ford’s 215 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine, producing around 101 horsepower in the early 1950s. This engine was known for its durability and smoothness, offering reliable performance for everyday driving. It was paired with a three-speed manual transmission as standard, though buyers could opt for Ford’s new Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission for greater convenience. While less powerful than the flathead and later Y-block V8 options, the Six was economical and appealed to cost-conscious buyers who valued dependability and efficiency.
Stylistically, the Customline carried the clean, modern lines of early 1950s American cars. The body was longer and lower than Ford’s immediate postwar designs, with integrated fenders, a wide grille, and tasteful chrome trim. Two-tone paint options, introduced during this era, gave buyers the chance to personalize their cars with fashionable color schemes. By 1952, when the Customline was first introduced, the look was thoroughly contemporary, signaling a break from the more upright prewar-derived designs.
Inside, the Customline was trimmed more generously than the base Mainline, with better upholstery, additional chrome accents, and features such as armrests and improved dashboards. While not as plush as the Crestline, it struck a balance between practicality and comfort. The spacious interior could seat up to six passengers, making it well-suited for growing American families in the early years of suburban expansion.
Mechanically, the Customline Six shared Ford’s sturdy ladder-type frame, with coil spring front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. Hydraulic drum brakes provided stopping power, and the car was engineered for a smooth, dependable ride rather than high performance.
Priced affordably, the Customline Six was a strong seller throughout its production run from 1952 to 1956. It was especially appealing to buyers who wanted a stylish, mid-level car without the added cost of a V8 or the luxury-focused Crestline. Its combination of value, modern styling, and proven six-cylinder economy made it a staple in Ford showrooms.
Today, the Ford Customline Six is appreciated by collectors for its classic early-1950s styling and its role in Ford’s transition into the modern automobile era. While V8-powered versions often attract more attention, the Six models represent the practical, everyday cars that kept America moving during a period of prosperity and growth. Restored examples capture the charm of their era, with clean lines, bright chrome, and the understated appeal of a reliable family car.