Ford revamped its model line-up in 1955 to coincide with a fresh redesign. The Fairlane replaced the Crestline as the top choice, borrowing its name from Henry Ford’s Michigan estate. This ’55 Fairlane sedan sports two-tone paint and runs well, with the interior awaiting some attention. Located in Littleton, Colorado, this Y-block Ford has just 59,000 miles and is available here on craigslist for $10,600. Another cool tip from Mike F.
Both Ford and Chevrolet brought new designs to the competitive landscape in 1955. Unlike the Chevies of that era, the Fords did not gain a nickname like the “Tri-Fives.” The Chevies would enjoy a great three-year run, whereas the Fords were redone again in 1957 and actually outsold the Chevies for the first time in ages (though it was far from a landslide). While a 223 cubic inch-6 was standard, many Fords like this one got a 292 CI “Y-block” V8.
Mechanically, this Fairlane has been treated to some new parts and/or upgrades. The suspension bits have been replaced fore and aft (the old stuff was tired after 59,000 miles?). Add to that the shocks, brakes, and wheel bearings. The electric system has been converted to a 12-volt setup with an alternator, and the exhaust valves have been hardened to run on unleaded gasoline (not widely available until the 1970s). The list continues to the tires, radiator, and exhaust.
The two-tone paint was redone a few years ago and has some minor wear. There is a little bit of rust, such as below the rocker panels and front doors. The upholstery is old and needs to be refreshed. In its current state, the Ford cruises along nicely, and none of the remaining to-dos are things that would need to be addressed immediately.
“While a 223 cubic inch-6 was standard, many Fords like this one got a 292 CI “Y-block” V8.”
Ad says it has the 272. The 292 in ’55 was mainly offered in the Interceptor package meant for law enforcement vehicles. It was also offered in the T-Bird and ’55 Mercurys.
Why the low-end hubcaps on a Fairlane?
Another reasonably priced (???) turnkey entry vehicle into the Classic car hobby. Just some TLC needed… Vance is probably right on the 272..
These were a nice change from the ’52-’54 models. For me I always preferred the previous ones. Of course I wouldn’t kick any of them off my driveway, even 4-doors.
I agree with the comments about the engine. The 272 was a new engine for ’55 but some got upgraded to a 292; it fit into the same hole. This one is running the 3-bolt carburetor so, unless someone has used the original manifold on a newer engine, there’s a good chance it’s still sporting the 272.
Weirdo timing chain. Anyone who has worked on later engines knows how to set the chain in place and time it up. Make sure that you forget than when you work on a Y-Block Ford or an early six. Ask me how I know?
There was a guy I went to school with, drove a broom-painted silver ’55 like this one. It was a six-cylinder unit that came from somewhere east where they used salt on the roads. You could flick your spent cigarette butts out onto the road through the holes in the floor. Holes weren’t big enough for beer cans though…
When I was a wee lad our ’55 Country Sedan had the same drivetrain and color scheme, Buckskin Tan over White. Wagons didn’t have the contrasting color on the hood and down the side, just around the windows. Car was bought new by the family doctor, so it was loaded including factory A/C (first year for Ford?). That dash unit was so anemic Dad pulled the compressor and that was that. Nice ride, red/white vinyl seats, full wheel covers but it was a heavy load for a 2bbl 272 with the 5 of us onboard. Dad was meticulous with it, really sorry to see it go in ’68 for a low-mileage bare-bones Plymouth Savoy 225/3 spd (which turned out to be a much better performing car until my sister totalled it). This Fairlane brings back fond memories, hope it finds a happy home that lets it be itself.
T-Birds only had a 202 hp 292 for manuals and 212 hp for Fordomatics. No 272 available in the halo car. I never saw a 292 in a regular Ford, don’t think it was an option for the general public. Was a 4bbl 272 ever offered?
The engine discussion limited to ’55 Fords only, in ’56 regular Fords had access to 272, 292, and 312’s.
Given the garbage that these dealers are giving you now which is basically a frame with a plastic shell and a dozen of microchip computers that will go wrong to make your check engine light come on and you cannot pass inspection but yet you paid 4345 48,000 for this piece of junk and now you’ve got carshield trying to sell you a warrant no they’re not they’re trying to sell you another auto loan after you have paid the car but this 55 56 Ford if I had the money I’d buy it in a heartbeat no computers no extended warranty anything goes wrong with this baby parts are available in a pair of wrenches and a little bit of patience and you solve the problem again no computers
I know think some might find this to be sacrilege but if it were mine I’d color change it to a darker green Ford offered that year. The it would look exactly like my first car. Same equipment. Loved that car and sure wouldn’t mind this one, one bit. Background story to mine. It was 1973, I was 12 going on 13. Bought the car from my step niece who was 7 years older than me. Paid a princely sum of $25.00 I earned from cutting grass. Even had a huge black and white King Kong poster my niece put up over the headliner with push pins. Lots of push pins. Lol. At the time we lived right off a dirt country road in Northern Wisconsin that didn’t see much traffic. My parents barely let me drive but only occasionally with one of them sitting very close by on the passenger side of the front seat. Ah, memories 😃
I was just talking to a young guy in a convenience store tonight about this very thing. He doesn’t like new cars because they’re a ripoff and next to impossible to work on (by design) which is why I’m going back to old school, probably another Toyota and possibly a K10 Chevy step-side I came across recently.
Bravo to the hardened valves and the 12 volt system and alternator upgrades. This also suggests there shouldn’t be any oiling problems, which y blocks were known for back in the day.