The Ford Motor Company introduced its novel and exciting Crestline Skyliner and Mercury Monterey Sun Valley (called the Monarch Lucerne in Canada) for the 1954 model year. Inspiration for the two-door hardtops came from the X-100 and X-500 show cars, which graced the cover of the company’s 1953 50th anniversary book, entitled “Ford at Fifty.” All featured a tinted Plexiglas roof panel over the driver and front passenger to tone down light, heat and glare. The intent was to help boost Ford’s image as a style leader. Ford first showed its version at the Rotunda in Dearborn, Michigan, in January 1954; two were given away to visitors submitting the best “Worth More” features of the new Ford car line. Brochures called it, “Ford’s Newest . . . the Ultra-Modern Skyliner.”

Only 413 units ultimately were assembled on the 1954 Monarch Lucerne platform and today is considered to be the most elusive of all the transparent-green-ceiling Fords, as few are ever seen. Showing only about 63,000 miles, this Sun Valley is believed to be a correct and largely non-restored example with only one re-paint. The seat material, door panels, stainless and chrome trim all appear original to this car. The Sun Valley is powered by a 256-cid, 161-hp Y-block V-8 engine and features include an AM radio, automatic transmission, optional power steering and brakes, power windows and fender skirts. It is a very presentable example of one of the most-rare Fords of the ‘50s.