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Ford Fairlane 292 cubic inch V8 1955

General description : If not for a certain little 2-seat convertible, the 1955 Ford Crown Victoria might have been the most important new Ford in a generation. The Y-block V8 was all-new in 1954, but it was the fresh styling in 1955 that transformed Ford’s fortunes and carried them through the remainder of the 1950s. It was also the first year of the legendary Fairlane name plate, which would define Ford’s best products for another 15 years and still resonates with enthusiasts more than 60 years later. Answering Chevrolet’s challenge in 1955, the Fords looked longer, lower, and sleeker than ever before and the top-of-the-line Fairlane Crown Victoria was more than a match for the Chevrolet Bel Air in mid-priced buyers’ minds. Today, however, the lovely Crown Vic represents something of a bargain compared to its Bowtie competition, and gives the Blue Oval fan the opportunity to own a lot of car for not a lot of cash.

We’re particularly taken with this all-black 1955 Ford Crown Victoria. It’s a sharp contrast to all the two-tone pastel Crown Vics you often see and the glossy black paint seems to show off the car’s dramatic trim to great effect. The trim tag suggests this one was originally Raven Black and Snowshoe White, so it’s not too far off from factory spec—a description that would fit the entire car. It’s like an original Crown Vic, but just a little better in every way. The restoration was finished in the mid-1990s, but it remains in fantastic condition throughout, with very straight bodywork that lives up to the requirements that black paint demands. There are a few signs of use but nothing significant and most people would never guess that the restoration is old enough to legally drink in all 50 states. Panel gaps are good and if there’s any demerit, it’s that the driver’s door latch needs a little extra oomph to close properly—a common problem on these Fords with their revolving door latch system and easy enough to remedy with some aftermarket know-how. The good news is that someone spent big on the chrome and stainless trim, which is the single most important element of the Crown Vic. From the big bumpers to the sweeping side trim to the model-defining “halo” over the B-pillar, it’s all in excellent condition. A continental kit out back adds some length that works well on these Fords, and period accessories include fender skirts, blue-dot taillight lenses and dual antennas with lights in their bases that are pretty cool. Oh, and someone has thoughtfully integrated marker LEDs into the front and rear bumpers to improve visibility, but they replace the original bumper bolts so they blend in almost invisibly. Too cool!

As with the bodywork, the interior was originally black and white, but the current red and white combination is both totally correct and totally gorgeous. It uses reproduction seat covers, door panels, and carpets to give it an authentic look, and with a few splashes of black such as the carpets and door inserts, it looks spectacular. The dash was painted to match and a white headliner makes it clear and bright inside. The original controls remain largely intact, from the big steering wheel to the speedometer housing with Plexiglas backlight, and anyone who has driven an early ‘50s Ford will instantly feel right at home. The only notable alterations from stock spec are the auxiliary gauges under the dash and an AM/FM/CD/MP3/USB stereo system hidden in the glove box and controlled by a hand-held remote. The original knobs manage their factory functions and everything works except the clock. Seat belts have been added in the name of safety and there are full-sized white rubber floor mats as well as embroidered carpeted mats to protect the floors. There were obviously no corners cut inside this lovely Ford. Even the trunk is correctly finished with a reproduction mat and the floors underneath (including the spare tire well) are excellent.

The engine is a 292 cubic inch V8 from a 1955 Thunderbird, fully rebuilt and quite nicely detailed. We will admit that we were relieved to see the aftermarket Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and matching 4-barrel carburetor in place of the original setup, adding power and simplifying maintenance compared to the original Holley “teapot” setup (the original intake, carburetor, and air cleaner are included with the car if you’d like to go back to stock). Correct Ford Red paint on the engine looks great in the black engine bay, and those finned Thunderbird valve covers are among the most attractive ever made, so they’re quite welcome here. Other important details include a switch to a 12-volt electrical system (to power that upgraded stereo), a Pertronix ignition system, an auxiliary electric cooling fan, power steering, and a burbling dual exhaust system that sounds great. Note the exceptional condition of the engine enamel and exhaust manifolds, suggesting not a lot of driving since it was finished, and despite the upgraded carb, this one doesn’t stray too far from stock.

The Y-block V8 is backed by a correct Ford-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission which does its job unobtrusively, grabbing gears without any drama. The front suspension is stock, and it obviously rides like the luxury car it was designed to be. The power steering system is as it would have been in 1955 and the manual drum brakes are also circa 1955 and plenty effective for the car’s performance and weight. You can see that there are very few signs of use underneath and the floors are quite nice with only two patches in the rear footwells, which is common. In fact, it appears that the floor patch panels were cut from another car so they replicate the original look and blend in quite well, so it’s not something you need to worry about. The exhaust system uses glasspack-style mufflers for a traditional ‘50s soundtrack and there are new shocks all around. Other new equipment includes the gas tank, lines and hoses, front end components, and a fuel pump. 3.00 gears out back make this a great all-around cruiser that will effortlessly keep up with traffic and handsome 215/75/15 wide whitewall radials help enhance both ride and handling.

We love the way this car looks. But even better, we love how it drives. It starts easily, idles well, and pulls itself around with genuine enthusiasm. It attracts a great deal of attention wherever it goes thanks to that spectacular black paint, and there are just enough upgrades to make it easy to live with. A wonderful ‘50s Ford that does everything you want it to do, including put a smile on your face. Call today!

Harwood Motors recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any car in our inventory prior to purchase.

http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=1160

1955 Ford Fairlane 292 cubic inch V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $29900.

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