1954 Ford Customline V8 Sedan (RHD)

Building on the success of Ford's first all-new post-war car in 1949, the second-generation model was released in 1952, with a one-piece windscreen, larger glass area and longer, wider and lower styling. This basic shape remained in production through until 1954 with only minor changes, including a new grille, but numerous improvements were made to keep the Ford competitive with its main rival Chevrolet. Options like power windows, seats and brakes became available in 1954 and a new overhead-valve V8 engine replaced the flathead though it would be another year before Australians saw the new motor. Prior to the introduction of the local Falcon in 1960, Ford Australia marketed locally assembled versions of both the smaller English Fords and the larger American V8s, the latter wearing Customline badges (or Mainline in the case of the uniquely Australian utility version). The Customline was Australia's best selling large car, the extra grunt, space and luxury finding a ready market here and proved particularly popular with country drivers.