1955 Ford Crown Victoria
You think you know the Crown Vic, but the name goes back to the 1950s and the high-end chrome-clad Fairlane Crown Victoria.
Origins of a Modern Icon
The Ford Crown Victoria most of us know is the Panther platform version, in particular the ubiquitous police interceptor version of the 1990s and early 2000s. That car has been rightly lauded for its durability, power, spaciousness, and, in used form, affordability. The Crown Victoria name, however, goes back a lot further than the 1990s, first originating as a trim/body style of the Ford Fairlane in the middle 1950s. At a time when chrome was king, the Fairlane Crown Victoria reigned supreme with more brightwork than any other Ford in their lineup and literally crowned with a stainless steel “tiara” band stretching over the top of the car.
As both the most chrome Ford of 1955 and the progenitor of the Crown Vic name, we sought out the finest example we could find on Carsforsale.com and we were rewarded with not just the best 1955 Fairlane Crown Victoria but possibly one of the finest examples of any ‘50s classic you’re likely to encounter. But before we dive into the highlighted listing, here’s a bit of background on the first-generation Ford Fairlane, Crown Vic, and all.
The ’55 Crown Victoria
For the 1955 model year, Ford introduced the Fairlane to replace the Crestline as its topflight model. The Fairlane name was taken from Henry Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan estate. The Fairlane was offered in a broad array of body styles that included two- and four-door sedans, a two-door hardtop, the Victoria, the Sunliner convertible, the Country Squire station wagon, and the Crown Victoria two-door coupe which also hosted the Skyliner sporting a transparent Plexiglas roof panel. The Crown Victoria was shorter than the standard Fairlane and used a shorter windscreen it shared with the Sunliner convertible.
The primary distinguishing element between the Crown Victoria and the hardtop Victoria was the former’s distinctive stainless steel side moldings and “tiara” band that hooped over the roof and formed the car’s B-pillar (whereas the Victoria was a true pillarless hardtop). The tiara band was alternately referred to as the “basket handle” or in the Ford brochure’s prolix parlance “bright metal roof traverse molding.” The Crown Vic’s brightwork could be further augmented with shiny chrome and stainless steel for bumperette trim and rocker panels. Other options included a radio antenna, seat belts, and a dealer installed “Continental kit” spare wheel carrier for luxury-level flair.
Fairlane Engines
The Fairlane’s primary engines included a 223 cu.-in. “Mileage Maker” straight six making 120 horsepower and a 272 cu.-in. Y-block V8. The latter’s two-barrel version produced 162 horsepower while a four-barrel version, also equipped with dual exhaust, could get you 182 horsepower. Transmissions consisted of a three-speed manual, a three-speed with overdrive, and a three-speed “Ford-O-Matic” automatic (also the only transmission for the four-barrel Y-block V8). The “Thunderbird” 292 cu.-in. V8 was also optional. Good for up to 193 horsepower, the 292 Thunderbird V8 was the default for the Fairlane’s police interceptor.
1956 Changes
The Fairlane received modest updates for the 1956 model year that included revisions to the front and rear ends, including new bumpers (exhaust tips now routed through bumper) as well as new head and taillight designs. A new 312 cu.-in. version of the Thunderbird V8 was also available, again for use in the police interceptor. Sales of the Crown Victoria Skyliner with its Plexiglas roof panel dropped from 1,999 units to just 603 for 1956. The reduction undoubtedly owed to how hot the Skyliner’s greenhouse could get on sunny days, even with tinting.
This Fantastic Restoration
This brings us to the jaw-dropping 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria currently listed on Carsforsale.com. This is about as impressive an example of any 1950s classic you’re likely to encounter. The car has been given a full body-off rotisserie restoration. No expense has been spared and no corners cut, and the result is immaculate from top to bottom, stem to stern.
The car is finished in a two-tone paint scheme consisting of Buckskin Brown and Snowshoe White and both standard and optional brightwork including bumperette trim and fender skirting. The interior is done in brown and features a two-spoke steering wheel, stock gauges, and Ford’s Magic Aire AC controls.
Under the hood is a 272 cu.-in. Y-block V8, in this case a ’58 model year replacement engine, equipped with a four-barrel Holley carburetor and paired with the Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The car is also equipped with dual exhaust with glass pack mufflers, four-wheel drum brakes, power steering, and front independent suspension with leaf springs rear.
Among the car’s notable details, of which there are legion, are the headlight bezels, the massive stainless steel side trim separating the white from brown paint, and the Crown Vic’s unique tiara forming the B-pillar and hooping overtop the roof.
This impeccable 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria, with its exceptional restoration and rarity, is priced at $89,900.
