1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan

Description

Ford was hitting on all eight cylinders in 1955, having just introduced the wonderful Thunderbird and rolling out the brilliant Crown Victoria. Somewhere in between was the Fairlane, and this 1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan is an awesome survivor that's been maintained, but never restored. Dramatic styling and two-tone paint make this car a favorite everywhere it goes and nothing drives quite like a car that's never been taken apart.

Don't be fooled by the shiny paint, this lovely Fairlane is still wearing nearly all its factory-applied enamel that's in simply fantastic condition. Nicely rendered in Snowshoe White and Sea Sprite Green, it's a wonderful example of just how stylish even the everyday cars were back in the 1950s. The 1955 Fords are widely admired as the perfect blend of early '50s restraint and the flamboyance that was to end the decade, with awesome chrome spears that divide the two colors on the car's flanks. Even though it's more than 65 years old today, the car will still stop people in their tracks and is like a one-car parade anywhere you go. The paint was obviously lovingly maintained, polished but not over-buffed, and while there are the usual signs of age and use, it would absolutely be a crime to repaint this car. The great thing about original paint is that you know there's original sheetmetal underneath, so no rust issues and panel fit is about what you could have received on the showroom floor in 1955. If you want to get noticed, this is a great way to do it.

The handsome two-tone interior is classic 1950s design. Turquoise and white vinyl seat covers protect the original upholstery, which is likely in almost new condition (we haven't dared to peek). Accents on the front seat and dashboard give this Fairlane the same bright flavor as the exterior and work well with the dealer-installed seat covers. Showing only modest wear on the seat cover, the front bench is comfortable enough for long-distance cruises, and the back seat will carry three in comfort, or preferably two with a center armrest. Dark green carpets are remarkably well-preserved, too and the door panels, while showing some discoloration, are just too nice to replace. The gauges are in good condition, including the cool speedometer with the Plexiglas window, and the three round pods housing HVAC controls, the factory AM radio (yes, it works!), and the clock are a cool exercise in design. You'll note a dent on the dashboard, a leftover from when the owner's father (the car's original owner) hit the brakes a little too hard and the boy hit his forehead on the dash. That's history! There's also an accessory tissue dispenser and it's likely that the tissues inside date back decades.

This Fairlane also carries a 272 cubic inch V8, which runs the way only an original engine can run. From the large oil bath air cleaner to the unique cast iron exhaust manifolds, it shows plenty of signs of care over the years and remains quite presentable. There's Ford Red paint on the block, painted valve covers, and a thick radiator up front keeping it all cool. These cars usually came with a 2-barrel carburetor, but the original sales invoice shows this car came with the 182hp engine which means, in this case, a 4-barrel carburetor. It spins a Ford-O-Matic 2-speed automatic transmission that clicks through the gears easily and together with the 4 barrel, makes the car feel lively around town. The undercarriage shows off a recent dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers for that '50s sound, and while it's a bit grungy, there are no signs of trouble from this Kansas car. The stock steel wheels with hubcaps are fitted with correct wide whites for a period look and feel.

With dramatic styling and superb road manners, this 1955 Fairlane delivers a very authentic experience for not a lot of cash. Call today!