The owner of this 1955 Fairlane describes it as a clean barn find, and outward appearances look quite encouraging. There are some small areas of rust, but the car is otherwise solid and largely complete. If you fancy restoring a nice old Fairlane, then this might just be the one. It is located in Brunswick, Georgia, and listed for sale here on eBay.
Visible rust in this Fairlane seems to be minimal. There’s a bit in the bottoms of both fenders, and it looks like there might be a small amount in the very bottoms of both quarter panels, but the rest of it looks encouragingly clean. It also appears as though all of the external trim and chrome is present, and all of the glass looks like it is in good condition. I also believe that the car has undergone a repaint at some point in its life, and there are some small areas on the car that indicate that it started life finished in Sea Sprite Green, which would have been a far more attractive proposition than the current color.
The interior is complete, but it will require a full restoration. The seats are finished in an attractive combination of green and white, and this would have complimented the external color quite nicely. The dash is unmolested and complete, and the Fairlane is fitted with a couple of nice little options in power windows and a power seat.
While the owner doesn’t elaborate on it, I believe that the engine fitted to the Fairlane is the 272ci Y-Block. It is missing a number of components, including the carburetor, air cleaner, and the exhaust manifolds. What is odd is the fact that it appears that the tops have been snapped off all four plugs on the driver’s side. Backing the V8 is an automatic transmission, but the owner doesn’t provide any details on the condition of either the engine or transmission.
This Fairlane looks like it is a solid project car, and when it was shiny and new in its original Sea Sprite Green paint, it must have been a very attractive car. There is no obvious reason why it couldn’t be returned to that state. The ’55 Fairlane is also not a car that commands enormous prices, but a well-restored one will still nudge up towards the $20,000 mark, while the power windows and seat fitted to this one does increase the desirability. Finding a cheap and decent project car today is becoming ever more difficult, and with a BIN price of $3,000, or the option to make an offer, this could be the one.
Ad says “great patina.” False. What they call “patina” is great on a racecar put up fresh off the track, a work truck used for work, or a historically significant vehicle. Everything else needs a darn paint job.
Two tone Sea Sprite Green/white, refresh the Y-block, breathe on it a bit, maybe add vintage air, and cruise until the wheels fall off.
I just don’t get it. Why wouldn’t a seller want to present the car being sold in the best way possible to increase his or her chances of getting the ask? How hard is it to remove the junk from the interior, vacuum and wipe it down a bit and then wash the exterior? Sure, post a pic in the car’s “as-found” state but why can’t they put an hour or two into sprucing it up a bit? Presentation is everything in selling a car.
That being said, this is a great car for a beginner to get into the collector car hobby. This Ford presents as a good foundation to start out with and the price seems very fair. Good luck to the new owner.
Agree completely with TimS & Fordguy1972. I know a guy with one of these that he rescued and painted it two-tone red & white. Original “Ford Green” & white would make a real statement. Power windows/seat is highly desirable. The oil bath air cleaner is still available for the 272, as are the decals. A set of wide whites and full wheel covers would complete the look.
A ’55 Ford Fordor is the quintessence of an honest 1950’s American family sedan. There’s no denying the authenticity of this car. Great find.
A must to check on 55-56 ford cars is the front crossmember where the lower control arms attach- this crossmember was prone to rust out here in the rust belt. can be changed but its a bear of a job. Great 55 family car!!!
Good luck to the new owner!
cheers
GPC
Never could understand sellers not putting the effort into spiffing up a relic before putting it on the market either. If a seller isn’t going to attempt to get a sitting vehicle running then appearance is all that a non operational car has going for it. Bringing out its best assets is what will ultimately draw attention to the potential of the vehicle. The glass looks good? How can you tell with all that organic window tinting on it? Check the rocker panels on the old girl too, the ‘55’s were a little rust prone on the outers.