1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria

An infamous designer from the 1950's once said the more chrome the more it sells. If this is indeed true, then this car is already set to go out the door it just came into! Ford designed to compete with what would be the Tri Five era from the bowtie competition. Ford designers were at the top of their game. Ford had Franklin Q. Hershey, who designed full-sized Fords from 1953 through 1957 and General Motors had Harley Earl. Mr. Hershey's resume included work for California coachbuilder Murphy, where he designed many bodies for Duesenberg and later put Silver Streaks on the Pontiac. Hershey, along with Design Chief George Walker, were responsible for a complete redesign of the 1955 Ford models.

There is 50's cool then there is 50's AWESOME and this car definitely fits the latter. The beneficiary of a full blown restoration in 1988, with a 12 volt electrical system conversion, this classic is dripping with all the trappings one would expect from a luxury car of that era…chrome galore, 2 tone paint, factory front and rear bumper guards, fender skirts, an AACA National 1st Senior award in 1988, and the list goes on and on.

Exterior
With a true to form 50's color palette, we are greeted with straight steel panels bathed in two tone Tropical Rose, and Snowshoe White. It's very hard to find any faults or flaws in the finish and the gaps are well minded. 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 as well as louvered chrome stone guards being on the bottoms of the front fenders. Crystal clear glass that is in excellent shape all around is accented by the Crown Victoria exclusive chrome 'basket handle' roof piece and stainless window trim. The roof is pretty in Tropical Rose, (pink). Out back, the jet-age taillight lenses look new and are topped by a small fin which houses the backup lights. The trunk is backed by a near perfect chrome bumper complete with dual chrome exhaust clam shells below. Details abound, with unique rear quarter panel chrome topper trim, lock cylinder covers all around, and dual chromed exterior rear-view mirrors mounted on both doors. Modern radial 6.70-15 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 magenta 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 magenta up top, and white on the bottom. Climb in and you'll be surrounded by rose horizontal tufted inserts and ultra-wide white vinyl bolsters which are on front and back benches. The back bench is noteworthy as it has an armrest inserted and above is framed by a multiple stepped “V” with the Ford logo inside…just beautifully cool in its own way. These seats are fronted by a perfect dash in magenta and white metal, and with all correct instruments. All this is floating within an impeccable black thick pile carpet. The headliner is just as impressive on the inside with the stainless basket handle breaking it up, and in white vinyl. The trunk has had the once over with snowshoe paint, and the correct Ford plaid trunk liner.

Drivetrain
The original 272ci V8 is looking fine with its orange painted block and intake, black valve covers and a showroom condition gray oil bath air cleaner, all complete with correct decals. Absolutely no corrosion under the hood, supple hoses and a pristine radiator. On top of the engine, we see a single 4-barrel carburetor, and on the back is a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic transmission. All power goes rearward to a Ford 9-inch rear fitted with 3.78 gears.

Undercarriage
Very clean and definitely rust-free environment with a now black and gray environment. Black frame and drivetrain, and grayish black floor pans that show nothing but clean near mirror-like steel. For the suspension we note very nicely restored independent coil springs in front, and leaf springs on the rear. Drum brakes are all around, and a rust free exhaust system with stock style mufflers has been installed.

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 started right up, ran like a champ, and rode like a dream. All instruments, fans etc were functioning save for the radio which has the fuse pulled as it was not converted to 12 volt operation. I was tempted 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, diner 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 near excellent condition and wonderfully restored.

M5NW161735

M-272ci V8 4bbl 162hp
5-1955
NW-Norfolk, VA Assy Plant
161735-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG

BODY 64A-Fairlane Crown Victoria Hardtop
COLOR WE-Tropical Rose, Snowshoe White
TRIM AE-Magenta & Pink Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 4F235693P-June 4th

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.