1955 Ford Fairlane Crown 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.  Here we have Ford at the top of their mid 50's game and the hits just keep on coming.

There is 50's cool then there is 50's AWESOME and this car definitely fits the latter.  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. The beneficiary of a full on restoration, this classic is dripping with all the trappings one would expect from a luxury car of that era…Continental kit rear bumper, tons of chrome, factory front and rear bumper guards, fender skirts, and bathed in the not oft seen color of Regency Purple Poly and Snowshoe White which is just killer and the deep end of the pool.  The list goes on and on.

Exterior
With a true to form 50's color palette, we are greeted with straight steel and a plethora of polished chrome, particularly in front.  Here we see a single visored headlight with a beginning of jet age styling on the futuristic turn signal bezel looking like Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1 aptly named Glamorous Glennis.  An egg crate grille and big bumper framing the bottom just gleam in the spotlights!  Steel panels minding their gaps and are all bathed in two tone Regency Purple Poly, and Snowshoe White.  It is broken up by the polished stainless steel of the now famous 'Fairlane strip' or swoop spear which flows gracefully from the top of the front fenders down the side of the car and hits the taillights 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 Crown Victoria exclusive chrome 'basket handle' roof piece and stainless window trim. The roof is pretty in Regency Purple and 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 Continental bumper complete with metal enclosed and chrome edged spare tire.  Details abound with lock cylinder covers all around and dual chromed exterior rear-view mirrors mounted on both doors.  7.10-15 wide whites wrap polished wheel covers that have a centered cloisonné Ford Badge.  All perfect. 1,2, 3 o'clock 4 o'clock rock..

Interior
Looking like it was plucked right out of a Silk City Dining Car, the beautiful wide white overstuffed vinyl and inserted tuck and roll black and gray slate pattern broadcloth 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 black up top, and white on the bottom and sport thin chrome delineation trimmings.  These doors seamlessly melt into the wrap around glass and dash top which is full metal jacket.  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 white dash front and black dash top metal, and with all correct circular function control bezels.  In front of the driver, a crescent rises from the dash top to create the sweep speedo that you cannot miss.  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 the correct Ford gray plaid trunk liner.  You ain't nuthn' but a hound dog!

Drivetrain
The original 272ci V8 is looking fine with its red painted block and intake, chrome valve covers and a showroom condition gray oil bath air cleaner, all complete with correct decals bring your eyes to full attention.  Absolutely no corrosion under the hood, supple hoses and a pristine radiator.  On top of the engine, we see a single 2-barrel carburetor, and on the back is a Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission.  All power goes rearward to a Ford 9-inch rear with 3.30 gearing.  

Undercarriage
Very clean and definitely rust-free environment with a now black and patina environment.  Black frame and drivetrain, and factory undercoated floor pans that show nothing but minor road dirt.  For the suspension we note very well-kept independent coil springs in front, and leaf springs on the rear.  Drum brakes are all around, and a rust-free dual exhaust system with Smithy's glasspack 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 starts right up, runs like a champ, and rides like a dream.  All instruments, fans etc were functioning save for the radio not belting out tunes and a slight groan from the power steering.  I wanted to take the remainder of the day off and drive to the shore, but I could not get permission… Gotta love the low gurgle of the dual exhaust from those chrome tips.

If you are into 50's ultimate cool, with a smattering of creature comforts, diner like interior.  The Regency Purple to die for, 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 excellent condition, perfectly restored.  Turn the key and start a 1 car parade down main street, you head turner you!

U5FW165146

U-272ci V8 2bbl 162hp
5-1955
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
W-Fairlane Crown Victoria
165146-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY PLATE

BODY 64A-Fairlane Crown Victoria
COLOR ME-Regency Purple Poly, Snowshoe White
TRIM AT-White Vinyl, Black Bodycloth
PRODUCTION CODE 19BDD552-February 19th

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.