1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria 2 Door Hardtop
Ever wonder what happened to the bright colors of cars in the 50's? One reasonable explanation was found on Reddit: "Duller colors became so popular because they were easier to sell. Dealers don't want to wait around for the handful of people that want a purple car, when they can sell a black, white, or silver car to just about anyone. This quick salability of "boring" colors also means the next owner can sell them more quickly, improving resale.". It also has to do with paint technology and to a point, preferences in the culture in the 1950's which is why we don't see a lot of pink or purple cars in 2024.
For consignment, a 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria 2 door with a frame off restoration in 2015 with over $29,000 spent on new and NOS parts, and wearing a shade of magenta not seen in modern cars.
Exterior
Stunning lines on this big 1955 with vented brows over the headlights, a wide grille, and beautifully sculpted chrome front bumper. Chrome tries to upstage the paint on this car and comes close with side trim that starts on the top of fender, dips down on the door, then shoots back to the rear taillights, creating a line between Tropical Rose and Snowshoe White paint. At the same time, the picnic basket wide band of chrome serving as the B-pillar and crossing the roof, is not only one of the most remarkable trim pieces in automotive history, but sends trim to the back, paralleling the mid panel piece. Even the rocker panel has polished trim which leads to a small gravel guard that continues on the fender skirts. The rear bumper includes bumper guards over chrome exhaust tips and under a rear grille. And by the way, all of this metal is in fantastic shape. 15-inch True Spoke wheels up the elegance score even more and wear tires with an early 2022 manufacturing date. Flaws are limited to a few cracks in the paint but overall, it's in fantastic condition.
Interior
The magenta and white combo transfers to the interior where the door panels contain both colors also split by a polished metal trim piece. This pattern continues to the backseat walls where the white is picked up by the armrest interrupted only by an ashtray. White vinyl seats contain magenta inserts in tuck and roll pattern and configured as a split bench up front and full bench in the back where the center top dips and is adorned with trim piece and Ford crest. A pink steering wheel with metal horn ring leads to a pink dash topped with body colored magenta where the domed speedometer resides. Circular features in the center of the dash include a clock and the vent controls along with a modern, custom AM/FM radio in a circle controller the size of the others. A Lokar shifter rises from the floor which is covered in black loop carpet that's in great shape, all under a white headliner also in fine condition and featuring that picnic basket trim on the inside! The trunk is clean and lined with a plaid mat that is cut to fit, and a spare tire.
Drivetrain
The car is spotless and that trend continues in the engine bay where a rebuilt 272ci V8 is decked out in chrome and paint and is topped with a 4-barrel Holley carburetor. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission rows through gears and sends power to the Ford 9" in back with a 3.73 ratio. Drum brakes are utilized at all four corners. Our consignor states the wiring harness has been replaced.
Undercarriage
We're happy to report that the underside is gleaming. Most surfaces are painted black and are uniform while the dual exhaust flows through long stock style mufflers before snaking their way to the outside in the back. There's one drop of oil on the pan but this is no deal breaker! Suspension consists of coil springs front, leaf springs rear.
Drive-Ability
We climb into this example of 50's beauty and start the motor. As we roll onto the test loop, we note a little more noise than normal in the engine and the lack of power we'd normally find in the V8. Meanwhile, the car tracks beautifully, brakes just fine, and has amazing visibility with wrap around windows on the ends. The clock does not work nor does the heater blower when put on high, but all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This is an incredible show car that is iconically 1950's when cars with colors in tones of pink, teal, yellow were everyday visions. Even if some mechanical TLC is needed, this Vic is sure to be a show winner or simply a prized part of any car collection. No car is flawless, but this one comes close and good Crown Vics don't spend long at Classic Auto Mall, so if you're ready for a picnic, check this one out.
U5UW159457
U-272ci 2bbl V8
5-1955
U-Louisville, KY Assy Plant
W-Fairlane Crown Victoria 2 Door Hardtop
159457-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 64A-Fairlane Crown Victoria 2 Door Hardtop Solid Roof
COLOR WE-Tropical Rose & Snowshoe White
TRIM AS-White & Magenta Vinyl
PRODUCTION CODE 8FL199P-June 8th
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
