The Ford Sunliner was one of the crown jewels of Ford’s mid-fifties lineup, offering open-air motoring in a car that was as stylish as it was spacious. This 1955 example, found for sale here on craigslist in Virginia, is a project waiting for the right enthusiast to bring it back to life. Wearing blue paint and equipped with the 272 cubic-inch V8 and a three-speed manual transmission, it represents a true slice of mid-century American design. The seller notes that the car carries a clean title and shows around 100,000 miles on the odometer, which has rolled over. Thanks for the tip Mitchell G.!
What you see here is very much a restoration candidate. The seller is clear that the Sunliner “needs complete restoration,” but the bones appear solid enough to warrant the effort. Being a convertible from this era, rust and structural integrity are always key concerns, but the ad notes it as “fair” condition overall. While not a driver today, the important thing is that this Ford still exists as a mostly complete example, and it retains its factory drivetrain combination. The three-speed manual paired with the Y-block V8 gives it the correct period feel and ensures that once revived, it should provide the same engaging driving experience as it did nearly seventy years ago.
Ford’s Sunliner was known for its wide, low stance, wraparound windshield, and stylish brightwork. Even in its current state, those design cues shine through. Convertibles of this generation remain highly sought after, particularly those that are relatively unmolested and carry their original drivetrains. With some sweat equity, this one could return to the road as a true blue-chip cruiser. The seller even mentions the possibility of including a tilt bed car trailer for an additional $2,500, which could make transporting and working on the car easier for the buyer.
Located in Virginia, this Sunliner is being sold by someone who admits to having too many projects and not enough time. That’s often how some of the best finds surface, cars that have been sitting, waiting for the right person to step in and complete the journey.
Would you bring this 1955 Ford Sunliner back to its former glory as a top-down cruiser, or would you approach it as a custom build with modern updates?
With no underside pictures and rust on the dashboard I’d look real hard at this one before dragging out my wallet. Could be good, could be bad, but a finished product could be impressive. These are good looking cars.
Daydreaming again, as that’s about all I have the energy to do anymore, but if I had the energy to restore it I’d like to have this car. I’d make it look good in it’s original white color and white top with a blue interior, and upgrade the suspension and brakes. I’d use some version of a Ford “Y-Block” engine but upgrade to a twelve volt system as 55 Fords still had six volt systems with positive ground. I always liked 55 and 56 Fords and thought that chrome trim across the fender and down the side looked great. I hope someone with the money and skills required will have the same vision for this car that I have and buy it. Good luck to whoever that might be.
Cool car. Lots of work. Severity of rust on dash is scary! 👻
I’ve seen this car listed before- in Washington State? Hmm.🤔
Be vewy vewy careful, as Elmer would say.
Days gone by