Sometimes, one of the most significant challenges when writing about classics is separating fact from fiction. Such is the case with this 1955 Ford Fairlane. The seller lists it as a Crown Victoria, but the images indicate it is the less luxurious Victoria variant. The mystery deepens when we scrutinize its drivetrain, which may explain the lack of auction action. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this Ford listed here on eBay in Orlando, Florida. The solitary bid of $1 is, unsurprisingly, below the reserve.
Ford introduced the Fairlane badge in 1955 as its new premium full-size model. Buyers could choose from several body styles and trim levels, with the Crown Victoria as its range-topping offering. The seller claims that our feature car is a Crown Victoria, but the images suggest otherwise. It doesn’t feature the “crown of chrome” trim across the roof, and the badges on the doors don’t include “Crown” lettering. Therefore, I believe that this classic is a Victoria 2-Door Hardtop. The color combination of Goldenrod Yellow and Raven Black will divide opinions, but it is certainly distinctive. Sadly, the seller’s description contains exactly no words, so there is no information about this car’s history. Therefore, we must rely on the images to determine the car’s strong points. The paint shines nicely, with no significant flaws or defects. The panels are straight, and there’s no evidence of rust. With sparkling trim and crystal clear tinted glass, this Fairlane makes a positive first impression.
The mysteries of this Ford continue below the surface. The listing indicates a V8 with a capacity of 3.7-liters which must be wrong. The company’s six-cylinder powerplant was a 3.7, but this Fairlane obviously features a Y-Block V8. We can’t rely on the VIN supplied by the seller because the engine code doesn’t match any information I can find. This motor is probably a 272ci, but it could be a 292. They list the transmission as an automatic, which I also believe is incorrect. The interior shots reveal three pedals, and the trunk lid sports an “Overdrive” badge. Therefore, I think the first owner equipped this classic with the optional manual with overdrive. As with the classic’s general history, we are flying blind on the Fairlane’s mechanical condition. The engine bay presents well, showing no signs of problems that would ring alarm bells. I believe potential buyers may need to reach out to the seller to arrange an in-person inspection to help solve some of this classic’s mysteries.
The tidy presentation and color combination set by this Ford’s exterior continues inside. The two-tone vinyl is bright and shows no evidence of wear or distress. The carpet is excellent, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. The painted dash surfaces sport a few scratches, which is one of the few criticisms I can level. The interior retains its original radio, and aftermarket additions include a column-mounted tachometer, a gauge cluster, and a CD player located below the dash.
The solitary bid submitted on this 1955 Ford Fairlane Victoria is unsurprising, because the listing statistics are equally modest. I located this classic listed on another website, which describes it as a Crown Victoria. That site quotes a BIN of $37,000, which sits well above the top end of the market, regardless of which variant this car actually is. It has been on the market for four months, suggesting the seller may need to compromise before this Ford finds a new home. It will be interesting to gauge your feedback to discover what you feel would be a fair price for this Fairlane.
Boy, I don’t know, if I was a classic car dealer, I’d be kind of nervous right about now. I’m sure the automatic designation was a minor mistake, the secretary who placed the ad hasn’t a clue. I see a “T” handle under the dash for the O/D. $1,025 bid so far is a joke. No interest for a car like this?The ’55 Ford was a very nice car, Crown Vic top of the line, and no, only 1999 cars had the glass roof. This car cost about $2200 new, with options, a lot more and “only” 33,000 Crown Vics were sold, compared to almost 600,000 Fairlanes. The chrome valve covers hide what this is, I read, the 292 had “Thunderbird” on them. The color combination is a bit odd, half taxi, half police car, another possible deterrent. Someone updated this car enough to make it safe, and did a nice job, but I’m telling you, for me this is another example and viable proof, nobody wants a stick anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I think this is the coolest Ford they offered in ’55, sadly, the masses don’t think so. Hope these car dealers have an ace in the hole for the future, because it sure won’t be cool cars like this.
A huge red flag is always raised when I see dual exhausts with chrome tips and a column-mounted tach. Someone thought they had a real hot number underfoot and probably flogged the tar out of it on a regular basis.
Oh, and the chrome valve covers? Ditto.
This is a basket of snakes. Beware!
Best part, tho’, are the stock ’55 wheel discs! Probably the most seductive design ever.
’55 and ’56 Fords especially the Fairlane range were very nicely styled. My father had a ’55 Crown Vic. So many manufacturers, Ford included had an amazing selection of colors to choose from, especially with their two tones. Black and yellow is not that common, usually Red and white turquoise and white pink and white pink and black, green and white. The 3 speed stick with an overdrive was an interesting choice, and I’mwith Adam thinking this is probably a 272 like my Dads had. Unfortunately the seller doesn’t quite seem to know what they have here. I’m glad you picked this Fairlane to write up Adam, I enjoyed it, and the memories, and a big thanks to Curvette for all the great finds you submit.
My Grandfather was strictly a Mercury-man. Every Mercury I remember him owning had Overdrive. I learned to drive in his 1954 Mercury 3-on-the-tree with Overdrive.
He rarely used 2nd gear. His thinking was: enough speed in 1st gear and, directly, to 3rd for better gas mileage.
Bob I too learned to drive utilizing a 3-on-the-tree with an overdrive set-up. Fond memories. Puzzled by this Ford offering. I may be wrong and if so I’m certain I’ll be corrected. Every 292ci Ford engine I’ve ever encountered featured an exhaust manifold crossover pipe located crossing over in front of the block assembly.
“But honey, I DID put the car up for sale, just like you told me”.
The price plus all the fees they could think of.
Dad had a ’55 Sunliner in this color combo. Circa 1963, and by then, it was just an old convertible, that he got when the guy who had him work on it, couldn’t pay. Dad owned a Sinclair gas station, with two bays, and we always had a couple of “free” cars at our house. Times were tough, even back in the good old days.
There’s surely a Steeler fan who has to have it….
State or local taxes, title, license fee, processing fees, registration fee, dealer documentary fee, finance charges, emission testing fees, and compliance fees are additional to the advertised price.
No emission-testing on a car this age; no seat-belts required, either. But, too many questions here — and the seller is “dreaming” at this price!
Nice work Adam and Curvette.
No buyer feedback, joining Ebay 5/25, lack of description, and details from observing the photos are all over the place this ad is suspect at best.
The colors are striking but, not my preference. IMO this car is appealing to look at, could be a nice car to drive and show locally after close inspection if you could buy for about 15 under the 37K.
So many red flags.
I don’t recall the 272, 292, or the 312 Y-block V8 Victorias coming with a floor shift. I had a ’55 Crown Vic, and a ’56 Sunliner convertible w/the 312ci(which I bought from Hertz in ’57 for $600 because the clutch slipped badly, likely from being dogged by hot rod renters) and both had “3 on the tree” shifting. In ’59, I bought a ’55 T-bird which did have 3 speed floor shift and OD, but of course with a much shorter shifter.
dealer stay away. too much butchery here. lipstick on a pig
I looked at the eBay listing, as well as others for sale by this dealer. Their MO seems to be: $1.00 starting bids and let the pictures do the talking. Any other dealership I’ve seen always has a copywriter who paints a word picture of their offerings with protracted prose in such a manner that you would think they were being paid by the word.
The place looks spacious and well stocked with a range of cars for sale. The floor is so spotless and shiney. I wonder if after each salesperson finishes with a customer if a couple of kids with scoop shovels and a wheelbarrel clean up the BS, much like they have them following the horses in a parade.
Also like many classic car dealerships basic info about model, features, etc doesn’t always match reality.
Why do you list DEALER FINDS on Barn Finder ? Nuts !
Maybe they are a consignment dealer? I like these Fords. The color scheme doesn’t really appeal to me but from what I can see from the pictures it appears to be a very nice restoration. Bid to a bit over 7K now with a little over a day left. Probably not selling this time. I have to say that the lawyer language in this dealer’s fine print is some of the most intricate I’ve ever seen. Actual information on the vehicle is severely lacking.
This is probably a consignment dealer??? Who has given this car a DuPont restoration!!! I have to agree with the tach and floor shift, this car has probably been beat up in red light street racing?? I do like the paint scheme, when I was a kid my neighbor had both a 55 and 56 Sunliner painted like this with a white top.
I agree with Brocky about the paint job. As I said earlier I’ve never encountered a vehicle equipped with a Ford 292ci engine that didn’t feature an exhaust crossover pipe located at the front of the engine block. Of course every crossover pipe I ever personally saw was cracked all to pieces also. If you folks know different reference the exhaust system please advise me. Thanks and this car is priced way too high for all the mysteries that surround it.
These Y block engines were known for rear main oil leaks,main bearing knocks the 312 cu. in. was quite fast I had a 56 Mercury Meteor ex police car in the 80’s it was very fast had it a couple years it had 74 k miles on it no oil leak I reupholstered and sold it to a friend ! Cliff M
You are all correct; There is too much incorrect on this one.
Most of these came with an I6, 3 on the tree, dogdish hubcaps.
The most common color was that sea blue left over from WW2 for the war in the pacific.
The air cleaner; stock was an oil bath painted silver, 1 year only.
Headlight bezels are from a 56.
It’s a Franken-Mobile; given it is 70 years old, at least somebody saved it from the crusher.