Jackie Gleason used to stammer wide-eyed and say, “Homina, Homina” whenever he had a strong reaction to something that couldn’t be put into words. I’d file this drop-dead gorgeous ’55 Crown Victoria Skyliner under “H” and give it a Triple Homina. You’re looking at a two-owner, 66,000 original miles, extremely rare Crown Vicky Glass Top that underwent a frame-off, nut, and bolt restoration three years ago. It’s located in a climate-controlled garage 20 miles west of Daytona in Deland, Florida, and is for sale here on eBay. As of this writing, the bidding had reached $22,601.01 but hadn’t met the reserve. Another jewel in the crown of our friend Larry D for spotting this gem and sending it our way.
To me, this car epitomizes the colorful, optimistic style and flash of America in the mid-1950s. The seller claims $40,000 was spent to get this classy coupe in its current like-new condition ($10,000 for the gorgeous Sea Sprite Green and Snowshoe White paint job alone). The seller describes the paint and exterior as “magnificent (not a nick or scratch to be found) with straight body panels, gleaming chrome, and a rock-solid, clean frame with no rot on the frame or floors.” It’s also sporting the optional Wire Wheel Covers and riding on 15” Coker Wide White radial tires. Based on the photos, it looks as advertised and is impressive. Personally, I wish it didn’t have the aftermarket continental kit, but some of our readers will like this iconic 50s era addition.
So, what makes this Ford so rare? Let’s look at the numbers. Of the nearly 1.8 million Fords produced in 1955, only 33,165 were Crown Victorias. And, get this, only 1,999 Skyliners rolled off the assembly line. Who knows how many have survived these 67 years later. Although Ford had offered what looked like a permanent sunroof the year before on their Crestline Skyliner, the ’55 model’s plexiglass “tinted transparent panel” was expanded to the entire front section of the roof. This Skyliner also has what the Ford sales brochure described as “a convenient roof curtain that zips into place…and tucks away out of sight when not in use.”
I’ve read where those transparent tops, although tinted, could create quite a greenhouse effect inside and could heat up on sunny, hot days. Maybe some of our readers can chime in on their own experiences. Ford boasted about the “new fine, fresh interiors with colorful two-tone Vinahyde upholstery that was as durable as it was beautiful.” The aqua and white theme is tastefully carried over inside and is quite stunning. I, for one, would never tire of being enclosed in this colorful cabin.
The seller says that $6,000 was spent on new upholstery, carpets, dash chrome on the new-for-1955 Astra Dial Control Panel, and the distinctive chrome trim roof panels. (I’ve always liked how Ford carried the unique “Crown of Chrome” over into the inside as well.) The Skyliner is also equipped with MasterGuide power steering, power brakes, a new AM/FM Stereo radio in the style of the original factory radio, seatbelts, and what’s described as a “Vintage AC” unit mounted under the dash. The seller uses a lot of adjectives and tries to “sell the sizzle as well as the steak” as we used to say when I wrote advertising copy, but in this case, describing the interior as “spectacular and flawless” is spot on.
Not surprisingly, under that Snowshoe White hood is a very clean and presentable engine bay. The seller says the Skyliner’s original 272 cubic inch Y-Block V8, which generates 162 horsepower, has been rebuilt from top to bottom. The FordOMatic automatic transmission has also been rebuilt. Only 4,200 miles have been added to the odometer since the restoration on this stunning two-owner 66,000 original mile car, so it’s still getting broken in. Based on the photos and seller description, this is one stunning and very desirable Skyliner. I wish I had room in my garage for this aqua and white beauty.
The nice, clean design of this car really stands out. Too bad about the continental kit. The ’53s through ’57s, to me, stand out as the best cars Ford built in the ’50s.
Not only the best Fords of the fifties but the sixties as well in my opinion.
frame off every nut and bolt is what e bay ad claims, if you look at the photos it looks untouched and dirty on every aspect. ???? still looks to be very nice, but if the pulled the body off the frame, they did not ever power wash the frame or underside of the car. Please be honest if your selling a car on line.
Chris is correct, a nice car, but nut and bolt/frame off? No, no and no.
I, too, doubt that this was a frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration. The body and interior are beautifully restored, but the frame and underside look original. Remarkably clean and solid, but unrestored.
This would make a great companion to my glass roof Mustang GT!
All that money spent and they used a cheap negative battery terminal instead of replacing the cable…
My gosh, I thought I was the only one who saw that. Weird.
And I’m wondering if they’ve got it connected correctly in the first place ’cause Ford used a positive ground system through 1955.
This is a nice looking Ford, however, some of the seller’s claims seem to fall short. Others have already mentioned the condition of the “nut and bolt restored” frame. I’d also point out I don’t see evidence of power steering unless he means “Armstrong” power steering and I only see a factory style master cylinder without power assist unless that means “Leadfoot” power brakes. Am I missing something here?
Just the “Hertz Donut” left in the glovebox.
On photo 19 there is a picture of the separate power brake unit on the inner fender well. This was Ford standard power brakes in those days
If that is a body off restoration then I am drunk. The floor boards are filthy. Why lie and then show photos to prove you are a liar. We had one of these when I was a kid. One of the biggest piles of junk Dad ever bought. It broke down almost every time Mom took us to the Grand Union. Dad finally gave in and started buying Pontiacs.
For those of you unaware, the “Grand Union” referenced here is not a sexual encounter on a large scale but in fact a now defunct chain of grocery stores in the northeast.
You have your Grand Union and we’ll have ours…
Back in my early teens, I was doing some summer farm work for a neighbor and he had a couple of guys come in to help with putting up hay. One drove something very close to that one except the color and no continental kit. He’d come out, park and put a blanket over the entire top of the car, I asked him why and he said it was because it was like an oven inside it on 90–100-degree days.
Loved the look of it, but don’t know how well that Plexiglas roof section would hold up.
“Why is the top of my head burnt?”
Frame off and didn’t even fix the leaking diff? Sure..
I had a Mercury Sun Valley glass top to say it was hot on a sunny summer day is a understatement. It made Hades seem cool It did have a snap in sunshade however. But it was a pain to install. I kept it for a few cv
Royal-Duke, You my want to get some new readers. I can clearly see a power steering pump lid on drivers side by radiator and power brake booster next to it. Hell to get old. Dave 80. Car is sold.
My Father bought a new red one like this at Mathews Ford in Asheville NC in 1955.I always liked the 1955-56 Fords.
I think I’m in love! In spite of the “overselling” I would love to own this car.
As for the heat from the translucent roof- nobody else has a sunroof in their vehicle?
You all are a bunch of negative nancies. Jeesh.
My parents had a friend who had one of these — same colors, but no continental kit that I remember. For a kid it was fascinating to look at, very different from other cars.
I kind of thought $40,000 for a frame off restoration was kind of low.
looks like it was converted to 12 volt
There was one of these that did all the car shows when I was a kid in late 80s. Same color, but don’t remember about a continental kit. Gorgeous car and the old guy let me sit in it once, all that chrome and the glass roof. 30 years later and I still remember it clearly.