Poll: Which Ford? (2/4/2022)

While an earlier post war design, the 1951 Ford had nice lines and drove well. The 1953 version here in Canada was pretty much a disaster. This was the first vehicle out of Ford's Oakville plant with a new semi-trained labour force. Many of these 1953 models were in scrap yards before year's end.

1953

Normally would go with the '53 but prefer the trim simplicity of the '52, today. Nice cars!

1951. Even though it's the older design, it's got much more personality and style. Plus I love my Brooklins of this year.

1953 as that was my first car!  Even in that dark green.

Have to go with the '53.  Though all three are nice.  

@ed-glorius  I agree with you on this one.  

1951 please, I had one in Texas back in 1964-5.  1951, 1953, 1952. But for favorite '50's Fords the list as follows; 1956, 1955, 1951, 1958, 1957, 1954, 1953.  Did not care for the 1950, 1952, 1959.

I love them all but vote for the '53 for styling and for nostalgic reasons as that was the first car I ever bought.  The '51 is second and the '52 a very close third.

Posted by: @david-green

While an earlier post war design, the 1951 Ford had nice lines and drove well. The 1953 version here in Canada was pretty much a disaster. This was the first vehicle out of Ford's Oakville plant with a new semi-trained labour force. Many of these 1953 models were in scrap yards before year's end.

David;  I am very surprised to read this comment about the '53 Fords.  I wonder if that was just an initial few that were problematic as here on the west coast they were thought of as cars that could really take a beating.  I know mine sure did!  Lol.

@jack-dodds 

Hi Jack,

My father bought what he thought to be the 5th car off the Oakville plant in 1953. At 512 miles while going over a level crossing in Smith Falls, the entire trunk portion of the car fell off. The trunk was fully loaded with auto accessories heading to Ottawa. My father was General Manager of Universal Accessories Ltd at the time. Poor welding?  Other problems led to Ford scrapping the car and replacing it with another not very reliable 1953 model.

You likely got one made in the USA. Oakville did improve quickly but that replacement was my father's last Ford.

@david-green OMG....that is incredible.  I guess Ford must have buried that faux pas well as this is the first I have ever heard of it.  I can certainly see why your father didn't buy Ford again.

I remember as a kid hearing many comments from adults that in general the 1950s GM products were of superior build quality to Ford and Chryco cars.  I had a number of those cars from the 50s as a young guy and tend to agree about the GMs being of better build quality.  Chrycos from the late 50s were particularly bad for this and of course for early rust.

Love them all...it's a tie for me.