1955 Ford Fairlane Victoria

Any time we get stunning 50s era Detroit metal into our Classic Auto Mall showroom, it tends to attract a lot of attention and usually doesn't stick around very long. This is a 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria that has been painstakingly restored to its top of the Ford line status. It's the perfect car for anyone who wants an accurate, exceptionally well-done restoration for half the price of doing it themselves.

There is 50's cool then there is 50's AWESOME and this car definitely fits the latter. The beneficiary of a respray 2 years ago, and at which time the motor was rebuilt this classic is dripping with all the trappings one would expect from a luxury car of that era swoop spear, two tone paint, clamshell exhaust toppers, factory front and rear bumper guards, fender skirts, and the list goes on and on.

Exterior
With a true to form 50's color palette, we are greeted with straight steel panels minding their gaps, and bathed in two tone red, and white. It is broken up by the polished stainless steel of the now famous 'Fairlane strip' which flows gracefully from the top of the front fenders down the side of the car and hits the tail lights mid fender. Centered on the 'Fairlane strip' in the middle of the doors are great looking badging emblems with gold crown, and silver Victoria in your grandmother's handwriting. Along the rocker panels of the car, spotless stainless trim highlights pronounced rear fender skirts. Perfect glass that is in excellent shape all around is accented by the large curved stainless covered B pillar that frames a wraparound rear glass. The roof is pretty red as are all the lowers of the body. Out back, the jet-age taillight lenses look new and are topped by a small fin which houses the triangular backup lights. The trunk is backed by a shiny bumper with vertical guards. Details abound, lock cylinder covers all around, and dual chromed exterior rear view mirrors mounted on both doors. Wide whites wrap polished wheel covers that have a centered cloisonné Ford Badge.

Interior
Looking like it was plucked right out of a Silk City Dining Car, the beautiful white and red vinyl combo has a firm but comfortable feel, as well as all the aesthetics that come with the mid 50's. The door panels which mimic the “Fairlane Strip” are red up top, white in the middle and more red on bottom. Climb in and you'll be surrounded by red seat and half seat back inserts and white vinyl bolsters all sitting in a white tub. A white piping is accenting the seat and it also surrounds the edges of the backs. The backs of this front bench is split for easy rear bench access, and it's looking much like the front.. The back bench is noteworthy as it has armrests on either side in red complete with the obligatory ash receptacle. These benches are fronted by a perfect dash, in red and white metal, and with all correct instruments. Some gold flourish pinstriping adorns the dash top and gives the interior a more custom look, even though it retains all the original styled instrumentation. Plenty of rounds in the dash center and some aftermarket gauges below to keep track of all the vitals as you slide down the highway. In the glovebox is a newer radio hidden away and keeping the dash and its originality. All this is floating above an impeccable black thick pile carpet. The headliner is just as impressive on the inside tightey in whitey vinyl. The trunk has had the once over with white paint, and a now textured indoor/outdoor carpeting liner in black.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is now a consignor-stated 292ci V8 and it's looking fine with its deep red painted block and intake, black valve FORD badged covers and a Holley 4-barrel carb with a chromed air cleaner housing. Absolutely no corrosion under the hood, supple hoses and a pristine radiator. On the back is a 3-speed manual transmission. All power goes rearward to a 3.78 rear axle.

Undercarriage
A heavy, heavy coating of undercarriage coating is seen, and it is covering some rust and rotted steel which is underneath it. The frame appears solid but also has this heavy coating on it. Close inspection on our lift by a potential buyer will render your final opinion. Independent coil spring suspension for the front, and leaf springs for the back provide the ride, and drum brakes are seen all around. Dual glass pack style exhaust head towards a rear clamshell chrome tipped ending.

Drive-Ability
My decoder partner in crime would be perfectly satisfied if every car was from the 50's, however variety is the spice of life, and this one has plenty of good taste. The car starts right up, runs like a champ, and rides like a dream. All instruments, fans etc were functioning, however the horn did not beep. I wanted to take the remainder of the day off and drive to the shore, but I could not get permission…

If you are into 50's ultimate cool, with a smattering of creature comforts, dining car like interior, and plenty of stainless shine, then this retro Fairlane may have your name on it. With a color combo that was probably in your grandparent's bathroom on the first floor of their rancher, it is simply dripping with the mid 1950's, and is all in good condition, looking good.

VIN DECODE
U5EV151608
U-272ci V8 2bbl
5-1955
E-Mahwah, NJ Assy Plant
V-Victoria
151608-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 60B-Fairlane Victoria
COLOR R-Torch Red
TRIM L-White & Red Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 25C-March 25th

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.