The word “project” covers a lot of ground. Sometimes it means just cleaning away decades of barn dust and awakening dormant systems. In other cases, such as this 1955 Ford Fairlane Sunliner convertible here on Facebook Marketplace in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, it means just about everything needs doing. The ask is a modest $5,500, but as they say in real-estate circles, it’s a handyman’s special, so bring your hammer and screwdriver. Thanks to Zappenduster for the listing.
The owner prefers to focus on the bright side. It’s a “rare 1955 Ford Fairlane Sunliner Convertible project car” featuring “the highly sought-after, factory-original ‘Bumblebee’ two-tone paint scheme: Goldenrod Yellow and Raven Black (Color Code AV). This exact spec was iconic in 1955 advertising and remains one of the most collectible color combinations on the market today.” Maybe the bodywork had yellow at some point, but that’s all gone now, and anyway, colors are barely discernible through the grime. The taillights are missing in action.
The Sunliner name was attached to full-sized Ford convertibles from 1952 (initially part of the top Crestline trim) through 1964. The Y-block took over from the flathead V-8 in 1954. In 1955 the name was attached to the new Fairline lineup, with the great two-tone paint and much chrome.
The project car apparently lacks front bodywork, so the new owner would have to access a hood, front fenders, headlights, and more, unless they’re lying around somewhere. Is that a grille and front bumper in front of the car? Maybe serviceable, maybe not. The engine is there, and the owner says it’s a “period-correct 312 cubic-inch Thunderbird/Mercury V-8 Y-block paired with a classic three-speed manual transmission. Keys and clean title in hand.”
Does the engine run? Not specified here. The interior is a mess, but seems to be mostly there. And we can finally see the yellow paintwork. The top is a rag, but there’s a frame. The car is going to need, at the least, extensive engine work, brakes, suspension, rewiring, reupholstery, paint work, a new top. The good news is no major rust is visible, though the unseen floors and frame might be problems.
The question is whether the new owner would end up underwater. The 1955 Sunliner convertible is a fun and desirable car, especially with this powertrain, manual transmission, and a nice color scheme. But Hagerty says one of these in good condition is worth $21,200. Restoring this derelict at a professional shop would definitely mean investing more than the car is worth. It might be a good project for a father/mother/son/daughter if a) Dad or Mom is very experienced; b) they bargain the price down; and c) they take it slow and have a parts car handy.
IMHO ..The money and work you are going to have put in this car is going way more than the cars worth. 😭😭
THIS is a real Barn Find !!
Looks like they are still finding it.
Likely quite stunning back in 55. It is a lot of labor, cussing, money, and time way from that now. Hope it finds a new home.
you will find yourself under water really quick with this.
it should be a 272 or 292 the 312 was not available in ford till mid 1956 parent’s bought a new one in 1956 1955 still had the 6 volt system where in 1955 Chevy had gone to the 12 volt
No 292 in ’55, either, except for Mercurys and the T-Bird. Regular Fords didn’t get that engine until ’56. The ’55 Fords (except for the 292 Police Interceptor package that was not offered to the public) had the 272 as the only V8 option.
My dad had a ’55 Bumblebee Fairlane. Got it from another guy who couldn’t pay the repair bill at his shop. This was circa 1963, and he sold it down the road after about a year. I remember being scared of the top mechanism moving when he’d put the top down! Funny thing was, at the same time, he had a ’55 BelAir convert, and I was fine when that top went down.
$5500 plus $55000.00 and you will have a nice ride.
Jim, I talked to my hammer and screwdriver and they both agreed that this reconstruction job was above their pay grade.
‘Please buy my unfinished mistake’. No thanks……
Yikes !!!
Dad had a 55 Ford in 1961. Biggest pile of crap he ever owned. Engine blew up on our summer trip to Maine. I remember oil all over the place. At least this is a REAL barn find, not the ahow cars usually on tbis site.
Cool building!
Looks like it was taken apart in 1961 and left this way with all the dust.