1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria

Description

The first use of the Crown Victoria nameplate to designate a top of the line trim package was for this 1955 model. It is an extension of the Ford Fairlane Victoria model, with a stainless-steel band added "Crowning" the roof. This car is definitely the "top of the line", both in original equipment and in the quality of the restoration.

This car shines like a white pearl and silver necklace. The color is actually the factory correct, Snowshoe White. However, silver and chrome lead the way with a curving front bumper that follows the contours of the hood and wraps around the fenders. Above it is an eggcrate grill flanked by marker lights, and above them, headlights with not just chrome trim rings, but stylish "eyelashes" that sweep back halfway around the lights. In the center of the hood is Fairlane in script, with the Ford Crown above it, and the hood ornament above that. A dramatic chrome accent line that looks like it was created by the stroke of an artist's paintbrush starts at the top of the fender then flows down the side of the car with Crown Victoria in script just above it. There is, of-course that crown of stainless steel across the roof which is surrounded by polished brightwork trimming all the windows. At the rear of the car is plenty more chrome around the lights, trunk trim, the Continental spare tire mount, and bumper.

Open the door and you will see more style and luxury in the black and white interior. The door panel is a combination of stitched leather and cloth with the power window switches set into the armrest. A white steering wheel with a half-moon horn ring and column shifter for the automatic transmission sits in front of a see-through speedometer sitting on top of the black upper dash. Fuel and temp gauges are just below it, and below them the dash is white and has various controls at the driver's finger tips. In the center is a trio of cleverly crafted round controls. One for the ventilation system that includes A/C, one very unique radio, and a clock. A power operated front seat is dressed in white leather with black piping and has black cloth inserts. That stainless-steel crown across the roof carries through to the inside of the car creating a dramatic effect in the white headliner.

Under the hood you will find the correct 272 cubic-inch "Y-block" V8 engine. There is a replacement Edelbrock carburetor with a polished air filter housing on top, and chrome valve covers dressing up the look a bit. This car has also been converted to a 12-volt electrical system primarily for easier and more reliable starting. Belts and hoses and the radiator are all in great shape and appear new. The great power that those old Y-blocks make is sent back through a 3-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission to the solid rear axle suspended on leaf springs. Up front, control arms with coil springs and a sway bar provide a nice ride, and power steering makes maneuvering this car around in tight places a breeze. Drum brakes all around handle the stopping chores, and the car rides on 205/75R15 white wall tires mounted on white steel wheels. Polished hub caps with Ford Crown centers complete the picture of this car nicely.

Come on down and check out this beautifully restored Crown Victoria. It shines like a fine piece of jewelry and when you see it up close, you may decide to wear it home.